36th Federation Cup: Pune FC face Northeast side Shillong Lajong
Pune FC is all set to push their campaign in the 36th Federation Cup on a positive note as they brace-up against Shillong Lajong FC in a Group-B encounter at the Tilak Maidan in Vasco on Monday.
Having had a successful run in their build-up, which included finishing runners-up in the Durand Cup in Goa and Bhutan King's Cup in Thimphu, Pune FC is keen to build on the impressive run they have had in the season so far.
For Pune FC, the Federation Cup will be the third cup competition and so far in Championship matches they have just two losses in the ten games they have played. While Pune FC will be eager to set the pace, the game will prove to be a test for getting back to winning ways following their 0-1 final defeat to Sheikh Jamal in Bhutan and thus ending a five-match unbeaten run.
Having touched base in Goa on Thursday, Pune FC went about business in earnest by completing three training sessions.
We are in good shape: Karim Bencherifa
Coach Karim Bencherifa on the morrow expects a spirited performance. "We are in a good shape as we are carrying forward all the good things we did in the Durand Cup and the King's Cup. The group is a tough one and we need to be at our best on Monday," the coach said after a training session at the Nagoa Football Ground on Sunday.
Speaking about the team, Coach added, "When we play back-to-back games, there might be a few niggles here and there, but we still have a lot of quality in our side. I have confidence in my players, we have a good team spirit and we are looking forward to the game."
The Pune FC squad that has travelled comprises of thirteen players who figured in both season-best tournament performances.
While defender Munmun Lugun will be in line to make his debut, midfielder Anthony D'Souza returns to the squad after recovering from an injury he suffered during the Durand Cup.
Joining them will be goalkeeper Arup Debnath and Raju Yumnam who return to the 20-man squad after missing out during the King's Cup in Bhutan. Pune FC will however be missing services of defender and captain Anas Edathodika who suffered an ankle injury during the King's Cup final and is recovering in Pune.
Medio Arata Izumi who stands in as captain will lead the team along with Ryuji Sueoka, Dhanpal Ganesh, Luciano Sabrosa and Amrinder Singh who have featured regularly under Coach Bencherifa.
Shillong Lajong’s last competitive game was in April
Rivals Lajong FC come into the game having played their last competitive game in April in the I-League and regrouped a few weeks back under Coach Thangboi Singto after most players were involved in the recently concluded ISL.
The game will also be the second time both sides face off in the Federation Cup. Back in 2009, both sides played out a 1-1 draw as newly promoted sides in Guwahati at the group stage.
Moreover, Pune FC will be hoping to improve their overall record against the Northeast side having logged just one win in eleven meetings with Lajong (3 wins) in all competitions over the years.
The match kicks off at 4pm IST on Monday.
