Sanli’s double strike gives Pune a winning start

Tuncay Sanli scored twice to guide Pune City FC to a 3-1 win over Mumbai City FC in their opening game of the Indian Super League season two here on Monday.

Sanli gave the hosts the lead in the 12th before Frederic Piquionne found the equaliser in the 34th minute.

Sanli scored his second in the 56th minute while <g data-gr-id="17">Israil</g> Gurung’s strike in the 68th minute sealed the win for Pune City.

The home team put up a clinical performance despite the absence of forward Adrian Mutu and it was largely due to the efforts of Sanli.

Sanli gave Pune the lead against <g data-gr-id="22">run</g> of play with Mumbai defence caught napping. Winder Gurung passed the ball to the back post and Sanli was there to put the header in.

Mumbai looked like finding the equaliser in no <g data-gr-id="25">time</g> but they had to wait until the 34th minute when Ashutosh Mehta came up with a fine cross to Piquionne, who fired the ball into the net. The Nicolas Anelka-led unit <g data-gr-id="24">were</g> back in the match.