Pune FC eye first overseas win against defending champions Manang Marshyangdi Club
Pune FC face a formidable challenge when they take on defending champions Manang Marshyangdi Club (MMC) of Nepalin their first King's Cup match at the Changlimithang Stadium here Sunday.
Pune FC coach Karim Bencherifa said his team is ready for the task but needs to adapt to the cold weather of the venue. The match will be played in the evening and the cold climate here could play a major role in the proceedings against a side hailing from the hilly regions.
"We come here after spending three weeks in Goa and we've got to adjust quickly with the cold weather. It will be a tough game against defending champions MMC, but we are out to do well and try to make it count," Bencherfia said after overseeing a tune-up session on the eve of the clash.
Pune FC had an impressive run in the 2014 Durand Cup, where they reached the finals, and will be eyeing their maiden win in their first-ever overseas competition.
Pune FC is boosted by the return of skipper Anas Edathodika who was forced to miss the Durand Cup with an injury. Anas will be joined by wingers Velington Rocha, Niikhil Kadam, goalkeeper Avilash Paul and striker Thongkhosiem Haokip.
Their opponents, MMC, the reigning Nepal A-League champions, come into the game having reached the final of the Governor's Gold Cup at Sikkim.
The Nabin Neupane-coached side will bank on Nepalese international and star player Anil Gurung to fire up front. The 26-year-old striker will carry the experience of having played in the I-League for Shillong Lajong FC in the 2009-10 season.