Pune: FC Pune City produced a thrilling performance to edge past visitors Kerala Blasters FC 3-2 in the Indian Super League (ISL) second season match at the Balewadi Stadium here on Tuesday to jump to top spot in standings.
Pune's Kalu Uche scored in the 16th and 23rd minute and Kerala's Mohammed Rafi, who had opened the scoring in the first minute, levelled things up with his goal in 30th minute, but Tuncay Sanli's surprise strike in the 72nd minute ensured the home side three points.
With this win, Pune climbed to top of points table with 12 points from six games, having won four and lost two.
On the other hand, Kerala find themselves struggling after suffering their fourth consecutive defeat and are placed at the bottom of the table with just four points from six games, with one win and a draw.
The game got off to a dream start for the visitors with Rafi opening the scoring for the Sachin Tendulkar co-owned team in the very first minute of the game.
The home side wasn't prepared to sit back after the early setback. With some aggressive play, it gave a perfect reply with Uche levelling things up in the 16th minute.
Nickey Shorey played a vital role in helping his side make a comeback. The left back's cross was met by Uche who converted it into the far post in style.
In the 23rd minute, superb team work by Pune helped them go 2-1 up with Uche scoring his second of the night.
The visitors didn't wait too long as Rafi netted his second and made it 2-2 just before the half-time.
Soon after 45th minute, both the sides went on positive run of play, but it was in the dying minutes of the game that Sanli surprised all but netting the third goal for the home side to seal the match in their favour.
Pune next face FC Goa on October 30 in a away match, while Kerala take on Chennaiyin FC at home on October 31.