Calcutta/Pune: Jeje Lalpekhlua and Katsumi Yusa were on target as Mohan Bagan defeated Pune FC 2-0 in Saturday's I-League Round XIX encounter, at the Balewadi Sports Complex, in Pune. The victory helped Bagan extend their lead at the top with 31 points.

It certainly was a fine performance by Bagan, considering they had to do without their playmaker Pierre Boya, who has been shouldering bulk of the workload throughout the competition.

Jeje scored in the fifth minute, while Katsumi shut the door on Pune FC with his 76th-minute strike as the hosts suffered their fifth loss of the season and third at home.

The game began in frantic pace with both sides playing attacking football. However, it was Bagan who capitalised on a defensive lapse and took an early lead. Denson Devdas's ball from the left wasn't cleared well by the Pune FC defenders as Jeje slotted home from close off a melee.

Down 0-1, Pune FC began to press from the flanks, but were falling short in the final third. At the other end, Jeje once again went close after getting into the clear on the left, but his grounder drifted wide.

Towards the end of the first half, Pune FC had a good chance, but Ryuji Sueoka failed to capitalise as his effort from the set-piece missed the target.

The second half began in similar fashion with both sides attacking from the word 'go'. As Pune FC put men upfront, Bagan capitalised and doubled their lead late in the second session.

Sony's deep cross from the left was headed home by Katsumi who had positioned himself perfectly, beating Amrinder all ends up.

Down by two goals, Pune FC tried hard in the final quarter but were again let down by poor execution.

In the 81st minute, they had another chance when Luciano Sabrosa took a crack on a second ball from close range only to see his attempt saved by Debjit.