35th Federation Cup: United SC and Pune FC play to stay in the tournament

Kolkata-side United SC still fresh from a 1-2 defeat at the hands of Churchill Brothers SC in their opener, will have to go for an all-out attack against Pune FC, who themselves also need the three points from their 35th Federation Cup Group A second round match at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi on Friday afternoon.

The Purple Brigade’s Dutch Coach Eelco Schattorie said before the match, “We played two times against them in I-League this season already. In the first match we fought back from 1-0 down and equalized. Second game was same as Churchill match. By 15 minute we were 2-0 down. Second half we scored 2-1 and had chances to equalise. We have a good chance but Pune FC has a good defence and are well organized. It all comes down to the form of the day. I hope that Ranty after scoring gets some confidence back and get us in the right direction. Both teams have to win so it’s going to be an interesting game.”

The coach further stated, “Lal Kamal played office game and traveled up and down, so I am not sure yet if he will play and Hassan still is not fit yet. We have a young squad this year and are trying to play our best.”

United SC has got a moral boost as Ranty Martins Soleye, the Nigerian goal machine of the Kolkata side, returned to form in the Federation Cup. United SC will start in a 4-3-2-1 formation with Eric Brown and C.K. Vineeth playing in the second line of attack behind Ranty Martins, while Tapan Maity and Souvik Chakraborty will once more marshal the midfield.

Eelco Schattorie and his team know that they need to win against Mike Snoei and his side or the group stage will be the end of the road in this Federation Cup.