FC Pune City opened their account in the ISL with a last-gasp winner against FC Goa courtesy of a delightful left-foot strike from Momar Ndoye. These two sides have always been involved in some close encounters over the years and another close match was on show at the Fatorda Stadium. Arata Izumi opened the scoring for the visitors but a mistake from Gouramangi Singh enabled Rafael to equalise before Ndoye won all the three points for the Stallions.
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Pune City made four changes to their team that lost to Mumbai with Dharmaraj Ravanan, Y. Raju, Mohamed Sissoko and Anibal Zurdo coming in for Narayan Das, Bruno Arias, Gustavo Oberman and Lenny Rodrigues. Goa made just one change as the striker Reinaldo came into in the starting lineup. Let's take a look at the player ratings from the game that went in Pune's favour :
FC Goa
Laxmikant Kattimani: 5/10
The Indian looked more assured from the last game where he committed a silly error. He was unable to do anything in both the goals and wasn't tested in anything other than the chances that led to the two goals.
Fulganco Cardozo: 4.5/10
The centre-back was nervous at times and lost possession on a number of occasions. He was substituted at half time with Zico adding an attacking midfielder in his place.
Lucio: 6/10
The Brazilian veteran looked off the pace at times but was good in handling the aerial threats and also passed the ball well from the back.
Rafael Dumas: 4.5/10
The Brazilian centre-back was not at his usual best as he suffered a tough time against Tato.
Raju Gaikwad: 5.5/10
The fullback was ineffective on the flanks as Pune's wingers gave him a tough time. He played as a centre-back in the second half where Zico played a 3-5-2 formation but could not prevent Pune from scoring a last minute winner.
Sanjay Balmuchu: 5/10
He played as a defensive midfielder and was unable to shield his defence well. Balmuchu was at fault for the second goal as he provided too much space for Jonaton Lucca.
Jofre: 6.5/10
The former Atletico de Kolkata man was the hosts' best player as he dominated the midfield and also assisted Goa's goal for Rafael.
Mandarrao Dessai: 5.5/10
Dessai continued his good form as he created many chances in the first half but was unlucky to be substituted because of an injury. The youngster will be hoping to return quickly from his elbow injury.
Matheus Trindade: 6/10
The new signing was effective in regaining the possession but failed to do the defensive work.
Reinaldo: 6.5/10
He was crucial in creating spaces for the other attackers but could not muster a shot to test the keeper.
Rafael Coelho: 6/10
He scored a lucky goal after a mistake by the opposition but didn’t really do much more in the game.
Substitutes:
Julio Caesar: 4/10
The change was not good for Goa as Caesar could really add more attacking inputs to the side.
Romeo Fernandes: 6/10
Played as a wingback, Romeo had chances to win the game but was wasteful though he brought much needed energy in Goa's attack.
Sahil Tavora: 5.5/10
The Dempo youngster arrived late but had a few opportunities in which he showed his talent in the attack.
FC Pune City
Edel Bete: 6.5/10
The ISL seasoned keeper made five saves on the night as he was one of the best players on the pitch.
Yumnam Raju: 5/10
He was decent in the first half but struggled a lot against Romeo as the youngster seems to be not ready for the big stage.
Dharmaraj Ravanan: 6/10
The former Mahindra United player committed few unnecessary fouls but was an useful entity for the hosts in the defence.
Rahul Bheke: 4/10
Another disappointing performance for the youngster as he didn't offer much offensively or defensively. He received his second yellow card in as many games and should be more careful before lunging in tackles.
Eduardo Ferreira: 7/10
The Brazilian was certainly the best defender on the pitch as he negated any threat that came his way. He was lucky that the referee didn't spot his handball in the second half.
Gouramangi Singh: 4.5/10
A night to forget for the Indian international as he committed a heinous error that led to a Goa goal.
Mohamed Sissoko: 7/10
The marquee signing added some steel to the visitor's midfield. He was present in any crucial position as the former Liverpool man established himself as a main part of this Pune outfit.
Arata Izumi: 5.5/10
The former Kolkata midfielder scored his first goal of the season but was ineffective otherwise.
Jonaton Lucca: 7.5/10
He was easily the player of the match as he produced two assists and was totally in control of the game. Lucca made 58 passes in total and had a 100% shooting accuracy.
Jesus Tato: 6/10
The Spaniard created some opportunities for the visitors but failed to capitalise on it.
Anibal Zurdo: 6.5/10
A good outing for the debutant as he created many opportunities for Pune as the new man was able to make things click for the Stallions.
Substitutes:
Momar Ndoye: 8/10
He came late but made all the difference as he beat Lucio easily and scored a stunning winner.
Narayan Das: 5/10
He came in too late but the 22 year old has shown that he has a future at the club with his short cameo.
Dramane Traore: NA
The forward came on late in the game but didn’t really do much for the side.
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