Federation Cup: Pune FC battle Salgaocar FC for a spot in semis

Third placed Pune FC (4 points) go into the all-important clash will the sole motive to qualify for their first ever semifinal in the Federation Cup. However, the task at hand won’t be an easy one as they come up against an in-form Salgaocar side.

Furthermore, with the clash being a potential do-or-die situation for either side, both clubs will fight hard for a win to join leaders Bengaluru FC as the second team from Group-B into the semifinals.

The clash on the morrow, will also be the second time both sides face off in a competitive game this season. Two months ago, when they faced off in the Durand Cup final in Goa, it was Salgaocar FC who came out top with a 1-0 win and Pune FC will want to set the record straight.

While only a win can take Pune FC into the semis, a draw will see Salgaocar go through and Coach Karim Bencherifa is aware of the situation.

“We are still very much in the competition, as we need a win to qualify for the semifinals. We know a lot about the Salgaocar team and at the same time they too know a lot about us. We had a strong game in the Durand Cup final against them. I'm looking forward to the game and this time we definitely need to get the result against them,” said Coach Bencherifa.

Pune FC go into the game on the back of a hard fought 1-2 loss to Bengaluru FC. However, the team’s performance on the day saw them dominate proceedings for extended periods, something Coach Bencherifa wants him team to continue doing.

“We are disappointed with the loss against Bengaluru FC. But we had an amazing second half performance yesterday. We also created a lot of chances throughout the game and want to continue doing that,” added Coach Bencherifa.

On the team news front, Pune FC do have a few niggles to deal with, but the decision on the team-selection will be made only on matchday.

Salgaocar FC go into the game after consecutive wins over Mohun Bagan (4-1) and Shillong Lajong (2-1) after an opening day loss to Bengaluru FC (2-3).

The Goan side will depend heavily on playmaker and ex-Pune FC player Douhou Pierre. The in-form Ivorian has struck thrice for Salgaocar including a brace against Bagan. Supporting him up-front will be Scottish striker Darryl Duffy while Rocus Lamare will pull the strings from the midfield.

Joining ex-Pune FC Coach Derrick Pereira in the Salgaocar lineup are former players Gurjinder Kumar, Subrata Paul and Othallo Tabia among others.

This will be the second time both sides face off in the Federation Cup. Interestingly, their only clash came in the 2012 edition of the competition when Karim Bencherifa-led Salgaocar beat Derrick Pereira-led Pune FC 2-1 in Jamshedpur.

Moreover, while it was Douhou who scored for Pune FC, it was Luciano Sabrosa and Anthony D’Souza who scored for Salgaocar. Since then, all of them have switched sides making it an in interesting clash.

The game kicks off at 4.00 PM IST on Wednesday.

Head to head

08/12/14 – DC – Salgaocar FC 1-0 Pune FC at Goa
04/04/14 – IL – Pune FC 1-2 Salgaocar FC at Pune
22/11/13 – IL – Salgaocar FC 1-1 Pune FC at Goa
02/02/13 – IL – Pune FC 0-2 Salgaocar FC at Pune
09/12/12 – IL – Salgaocar FC 0-2 Pune FC at Goa
24/09/12 – FEC – Pune FC 1-2 Salgaocar FC at Jamshedpur
18/04/12 – IL – Pune FC 2-0 Salgaocar FC at Pune
15/12/11 – IL – Salgaocar FC 1-3 Pune FC at Goa
03/04/11 – IL – Pune FC 0-1 Salgaocar FC at Pune
29/12/10 – IL – Salgaocar FC 0-1 Pune FC at Goa
17/04/10 – IL – Pune FC 1-1 Salgaocar FC at Pune
17/01/10 – IL – Salgaocar 1-3 Pune FC at Goa
05/04/09 – I2D – Pune FC 1-0 Salgaocar FC at New Delhi