U19 I-League: Pune FC keen to clinch a second consecutive win; host Kenkre FC

Pune FC will be keen to end their home campaign with a win when they host Kenkre FC in an Under-19 I-League Round-4 encounter at the Pune FC Training Pitches in Mamurdi on Friday.

The clash will be important for second-placed Pune FC (6 pts) as a win would help them close the gap at the top of the table to 3 points behind leaders DSK Shivajians before a 4-game away run starts.

Moreover, Mumbai-based Kenkre FC come into the game on the back of a contrasting run which has seen them log a win, a draw and a loss in three games so far, something Pune FC will hope to capitalise on.

Having bounced back to winning ways with a massive 7-1 win over PIFA Colaba in the previous round, Pune FC will be confident going into the game against Kenkre. However, Pune FC will need to be cautious going into the game and avoid any slip ups.

Coach Naushad Moosa is aware of the situation and wants his team to be ready for the clash. “We are taking this match seriously. I don't want our team to relax after we had a big win. Despite scoring six in the first half against PIFA, we didn’t play that good football in the second half and it is something we want to improve,” said Coach Moosa on the eve of the clash.

He further added, “We want the team to play good football and give consistent performance. While we are talking about development, we want players to be more focused and learn to be positive at all times and work more as a unit.”

Going into the game, Pune FC will once again bank on top-scorer Farukh Choudhary (4 goals) to lead the front line while midfielders Altamash Sayed and skipper Sanchayan Samadder will be pulling the  strings from the midfield.

On the team news front, Pune FC will have all players available for selection except Pradeesh Clement who has injured his hand and a decision will be taken only on matchday.

The match kicks off at 3.15 PM IST tomorrow