U18 I-League: Pune FC all set for the Zonal Phase; face PIFA Colaba in opener
The season opener will be a crucial game for either side as both teams will be eager to start on a positive note ahead of a tough campaign. Moreover, having topped the Maharashtra Zone last season Pune FC will hope to maintain a similar level of performance.
Echoing the same sentiment, Pune FC Coach Naushad Moosa said, “We put on a great show last season to win the Zonal round and were just short of winning the championship. This year too we are confident but the game won’t be an easy one. The team is working hard and know the importance of a positive start.”
The competition will be Pune FC’s third of the season having played in the Evolve Cup (Runners-up) and Ashok Vanjari Memorial Cup (Semifinalists) in Loni earlier. Interestingly, the game will also be the first time Pune FC plays a competitive game outside Pune this season.
On the team news front, Pune FC will be missing the services of key players Dimple Bhagat, Md. Yasir, Gursimrat Singh and Balkar Singh due to injury. Furthermore striker Md. Ashique Kuruniyan who is away with the India U19s and winger Chesterpaul Lyngdoh who has travelled home for exams will too be missing from action. Thus, Coach Naushad Moosa has drafted in a few players from the Under-17s into the matchday squad ahead of the opener.
“It’s a new look side this year. A lot of players will be playing in the competition for the very first time. We are positive but will take it match by match,” added Coach Moosa.
Over the years, both sides have faced off four times in the competition with Pune FC boasting an unbeaten record. Having logged three consecutive wins over their rivals, Pune FC will be keen to maintain this run.
The game kicks off at 3.30 PM on Sunday.
Head-2-Head
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
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