December 15, 2024 15:01 (IST)
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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
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