Play-by-Play: Ravenous Rafael's free-kick seals a welcome win for FC Goa over Pune City

A GEM OF A free kick delivered by Rafael Coelho half an hour into the game was enough for FC Goa to register their second win of the campaign, against Pune City at Balewadi Stadium tonight.

After a composed start from both teams during which the home team Pune showed some resourcefulness early on, creating chances through runs up the wings and set pieces delivered by Jonatan Lucca, FC Goa slowly returned to the game, taking more and more of the possession and orchestrating counter-attacks.

The goal came 32 minutes in, when Coelho sent a free kick just over the wall. The ball dipped and flew towards an edge of the post, and there was hardly any chance for a diving Edel Bete to get to the ball.

In the second half, Pune got many chances and so did Goa. But some standout saves by Laxmikant Kattimani kept the Gaurs in the lead. Even the visitors almost got ahead, especially when Joffre beat Edel, but defender Rahul Bheke pulled off a great headed save.

The win comes as a massive relief for Zico's camp, who have seldom tasted victory this campaign. But now, with 7 points from 8 games, they are off the bottom of the table and 5 points behind the league leaders, so a revival seems at least plausible. For Pune City, meanwhile, this loss is a blow. With 6 points from 7 games, they are now at the bottom of the table.

Find out how this thrilling encounter unfolded in our blow-by-blow narration of the match in real time...