Under-19 I-League: Pune FC aim to bounce back to winning ways; take on PIFA Colaba

Pune FC Under-19 will be eager to bounce back to winning ways when they face PIFA Colaba FC in a Round-3 Maharashtra Zone clash of the Under-19 I-League 2014-15 at the Pune FC Training Pitches in Mamurdi on Monday.

Having gone down 1-3 to local side DSK Shivajians in the second round encounter nine days ago, Pune FC will aim to go all out against a PIFA side who are yet to log a win in two games so far.

Moreover, with Shivajians leading the group on nine points after three rounds, the game will be an important one for Pune FC (3^rd, 3pts) as a win over fourth placed PIFA (1 pt) will take them to second place in the group.

Pune FC Coach Naushad Moosa was positive ahead of the clash on Monday and said, “It took some time for the players to get over the defeat to Shivajians. The whole team knows the importance of the match against PIFA and have worked hard and regrouped in a positive way.”

With only two home games remaining before playing four consecutive away matches in the zonal stage, Pune FC will want to make the most out of the home advantage and improve their ranking.

“We had a match with the senior team and I am happy with the way the whole team performed. The players also aware of this situation and we have to play good football and win all the remaining matches,” added Coach Moosa while speaking about the preparations.

On the team news front, Pune FC will be missing services of medio Ashique Kuruniyan who has travelled home for personal reasons. However, the rest of the squad is fit and available for selection on matchday.

The game will kick off at 3.15 PM IST on Monday.