December 08, 2025 04:43 am (IST)
Follow us:
U18 I-League: Pune FC aim to consolidate top spot, host bottom-placed PIFA Colaba
Pune, Nov 20 (IBNS): Pune FC aim to consolidate their top spot in the standings as they host PIFA Colaba FC in an Under-18 I-League Maharashtra Zone Round-5 encounter at the Pune FC Training Pitches in Mamurdi on Saturday.
Going into the game on the back of their biggest win in the competition (10-0 vs. Mumbai FC in Cooperage) a week ago, Pune FC is confident and hopes to complete their first double of the season over PIFA Colaba. For the record, Pune FC hammered PIFA 8-0 back in their first leg in Bhiwandi.
Speaking ahead of the game, Pune FC Coach Naushad Moosa said, “We got a big win in our previous game against Mumbai FC. However, I feel that we can play much better football. We don’t want our players to be relaxed and have been working very hard during the past week. Our aim is to keep improving with every single game.”
The clash on the morrow against bottom-placed PIFA Colaba (1 pt) provides top-placed Pune FC (10 pts) an opportunity to get back to winning ways at home after a 2-2 draw against DSK Shivajians two weeks ago. However, the task at hand isn’t an easy one and Coach Moosa wants his team to be at their best.
“We drew the last game at home against Shivajians. Back then, we missed a few important players but we still we managed to play really well. The home games are very important and we have to win them. We have won 8-0 in our first leg against PIFA, but tomorrow it’s a new day and a new game. We can’t be complacent and need to give our all,” added Coach Moosa
On the team news front, Pune FC have been boosted by the availability of attackers Md. Yasir and Dimple Bhagat. The duo return after a long injury layoff and will provide much needed variety up front. However, Pune FC will be missing the services of key defenders Gursimrat Singh and Rajat Kumar apart from a couple more players due to injuries.
Over the years, Pune FC have dominated this tie scoring a mammoth 22 goals in just five games. In fact, a win on the morrow will be Pune FC’s fifth consecutive victory over PIFA Colaba in six games after being held to a goalless draw in their first game at home.
The match kicks off at 3.30 PM IST on Saturday.
Head-2-Head
18/10/15 – PIFA Colaba FC 0-8 Pune FC at Bhiwandi
23/01/15 – PIFA Colaba FC 0-5 Pune FC at Mumbai
29/12/14 – Pune FC 7-1 PIFA Colaba at Pune
07/03/14 – PIFA Colaba FC 1-2 Pune FC at Mumbai
14/02/14 – Pune FC 0-0 PIFA Colaba FC at Pune
Support Our Journalism
We cannot do without you.. your contribution supports unbiased journalism
IBNS is not driven by any ism- not wokeism, not racism, not skewed secularism, not hyper right-wing or left liberal ideals, nor by any hardline religious beliefs or hyper nationalism. We want to serve you good old objective news, as they are. We do not judge or preach. We let people decide for themselves. We only try to present factual and well-sourced news.
Support objective journalism for a small contribution.
Latest Headlines
Ashok Ruia Memorial Winter National Bridge Championship: Favourites enter Team Gold Cup Quarter Finals
Sun, Dec 07 2025
Wedding called off! Smriti Mandhana breaks silence on shock split from Palash Muchhal
Sun, Dec 07 2025
Jaiswal's ton, Rohit's 75, Kohli's unbeaten 65 guide India to series-clinching win over South Africa
Sat, Dec 06 2025
Usha Kabra, Gopinath Manna clinch Phoenix Mixed Pairs title at Ashok Ruia Memorial Bridge Championship
Sat, Dec 06 2025
Formidables seize lead after 7th round of Swiss League at Ruia Gold Cup Bridge Championship
Sat, Dec 06 2025
Unbelievable! Team Hemant Jalan and other top contenders smash their way to seniors bridge semi-finals — scores will shock you!
Fri, Dec 05 2025
Skal International Kolkata, WBCADA to hold exhibition match celebrating inclusivity and resilience
Wed, Dec 03 2025
Vidhya Patel, Kalpana Gurjar won Amla Ruia Women's Pairs title in Ashok Ruia Memorial Winter National Bridge Championship
Tue, Dec 02 2025