Shillong Lajong and Churchill Brothers played out a goalless draw to share the points in their opening match of the U-20 I-League at the JRD Tata Complex in Jamshedpur on Wednesday. Both the teams had an equal number of opportunities but failed to break the deadlock.
In other matches, Dempo SC edged out a determined Mumbai side 2-1 while Mohun Bagan beat Air India 2-0. East Bengal started on a winning note in the event with a 1-0 win against ONGC .
On Tuesday, defending champions Pune FC began their campaign in style, beating Prayag United 2-0 at the Gopal Stadium. Second half strikes by William Lalnunfela (60th minute) and Lalrempuia (93rd) sealed the win for Pune FC. The champions had more of the possession in the first half and made some moves early on half but failed to score.
Lalnunfela provided the breakthrough in the 60th minute running clear in the left flank. He latched on to a pass by Rugved Yeole and converted with a neat finish. Yeole was in the action again in the injury time when he mastered another move.
His pass had the opposition defenders crowding Shivram on the left flank. But Shivram dodged the defenders and set up Lalrempuia with an easy chancre to score.