JOIN USChirag United, who played with 10 men from the 24th minute when goalkeeper Sandip Nandy was red-carded, drew first blood after Edmilson Marques converted a penalty in the 19th minute. Pune FC equalised in the 34th minute through Jeje Lalpekhula.
Pune FC had Balaji Narasimhan under the bar and the rookie impressed producing a fine save to thwart Chirag striker Edmilson.
But soon, Chirag earned a penalty after Edmilson was fouled by Selwyn Fernandes and the striker converted from the ensuing spot kick.
Pune had a definite advantage after the changeover but they failed to set the ball going, even as Chirag United almost snatched the lead back in the 73rd minute.
Denson Devdas collected a fine pass from Jayanta Sen before smashing it into the net from the edge of the box.
Alemao pulled up
The All India Football Federation has served a show cause notice on Churchill Alemao, patron of Churchill Brothers, for his recent comments against match officials of the country.
“We are pained to read in newspapers about the comments made by you on the Indian officials (referees and their assistants). It is regrettable that you have chosen to make these comments at a press conference organised in connection with the AFC Cup match between your club and Al Hilal from Yemen,” AIFF General Secretary Alberto Colaco wrote.
The AIFF has asked Alemao to reply within seven days and it is likely that he may be asked to appear before the AIFF disciplinary committee.