Pune: Henrique Sereno struck eight minute from closing time and helped Chennaiyin FC keep its spotless record against FC Pune City and moved to the second sport in the Indian Super League Season 4, at the Balewadi Stadium here on Sunday.
Chennaiyin captain Sereno broke the deadlock in the 82nd minute when it almost looked the match was headed for a goalless draw giving the former ISL champions second win on the trot.
FC Pune City seemingly took control after first 15 minutes, but failed to create any clear-cut goal scoring chances. Some of their best chances of the half came from set plays.
Marcos Tebar’s free-kick in the 19th minute was headed down by a Pune player to Alfaro, who in turn passed it on to Rafael Lopez. But the Spanish defender’s side-footed shot went inches wide of the Chennaiyin goal.
Chennaiyin FC had their best chance of the first half when Gregory Nelson created a chance in the 40th minute by stringing together a few passes in midfield before Inigo Calderon sent in a delightful cross into the box for Nelson to meet.
The Dutchman’s diving header, however, was cleared well off the line by Rafael. There was a tentative start to the second half, but in the 60th minute Pune goalkeeper Vishal Kaith almost gifted a goal to Chennaiyin.
The goalkeeper came out of his box to collect a harmless-looking cross from Jerry Lalrinzuala but could only palm it in the path of midfielder Francisco Fernandes.
Rafael show presence of mind to make another goal-line clearance. Then Alfaro had a chance in the 77th minute which Pune failed to capitalize on.
Alfaro found himself clear on goal with only the goalkeeper to beat, the Uruguayan fired the ball over the crosspiece.
A twist in the tale came five minute on when Sereno found the opening. The defender rose above everyone to guide Gavilan Martinez’s corner past the FC Pune City goalkeeper.
