Lyngdoh’s last-minute goal saves Pune

MUMBAI: Eugeneson Lyngdoh scored a last-gasped goal to help FC Pune City beat Mumbai City FC 1-0 to keep their semifinal hopes alive in the Indian Super League football here on Thursday.

Lyngdoh, playing for the first time for Pune this season after turning out for Bengaluru FC in AFC Cup final, struck the match-winner in the 89th minute at Mumbai Football Arena in a game which saw both the teams stonewalling each other’s attacks for the most part.

Mumbai goal-keeper Albino Gomes came out of his line to collect a Narayan Das cross from the left but he fumbled and the ball fell on Lyngdoh who had all the time in the world to bulge the net.

Despite the loss, Mumbai are still at the second spot in the league table with 15 points from 10 matches while Pune are at fourth with 12 points from nine matches.

Mumbai were the stronger team off the blocks as they tried to feed their strikers with long balls but the visitors were equal to the task and averted any danger.

The home side soon suffered a blow as Leo Costa had to limp off with a groin injury and Thiago Cunha was brought on.

The change almost paid dividends with Cunha setting up Sehnaj Singh off an Edel Bete fumble but the youngster put his shot over the bar.

Cunha continued the good work with a dangerous cross but Matias Defederico failed to reach it.

Minutes later, Cunha again headed it to Forlan but Bete was on hand to collect the ball. FC GOA LOOK TO BREAK WINLESS STREAK

MARGAO: FC Goa would look to break their winless streak at home when they take on NorthEast United in an ISL match at Nehru Stadium here on Friday.

FC Goa, who are lying at the bottom of the table, were looking to come strongly in the second leg after they beat Pune City FC but their defeat against Kerala Blasters in the last match have placed them in a critical position as they now need to win all their five remaining matches if they are to qualify for the semifinals.