Jamshedpur: Defending champions Pune FC have their task cut out as they step out to challenge untried opponents in the Under-20 I-League (Final Phase) in Jamshedpur.
First up for Pune FC is Group-C winners Sesa FA from Goa at the JRD Sports Complex, on Saturday.
While the face-off between the two is a first, Pune FC’s main focus is to get off to a positive start and set the pace. Both sides go into this late afternoon kick off game on the back of contrasting wins logged in their last group games.
Pune FC come off the huge 9-0 win over United Sikkim FC, while Sesa FA put their state-mates Churchill Brothers in place 4-2 and top the group that witnessed tight results and final finish.
Sesa FA, who is camping at JRD, emerged undefeated and remains something Pune FC will need to be cautious of.
Pune FC Head of Youth Development, Ranjan Chowdhury says, “We have already made our plans to maintain our standards as per our expectations. We know our opponents (Sesa FA) are an established academy for the past 10 years and this group has trained together for 4 years.”
While Chowdhury remains realistic he adds, “As per expectations we are in the final rounds and we will take it one match at a time.”
Having scored at will in the last match, the Friday morning pre-match session at JRD (Archery Ground) was all about making aware that the “tough grind begins now.”
“We have already analysed their strengths and weakness and as per need made our action plan to play against them,” the Youth Head adds.
Having finishing their campaign on Wednesday, Pune FC has enjoyed a one-day rest advantage over their Goan rivals and hopes to exploit the advantage.
“All the boys are ready and eager to perform their best. All are well aware that this is their chance and need to act responsibly to reach the summit.”
Pune FC is expected to field an unchanged squad having won two matches on the trot. However, Pune FC’s major worry is that seven players carry yellow cards into the final phase of which five form the playing eleven.
“It is a concern for sure and we will need to see how best we can avoid missing key players,” adds the Youth Head.
On the other hand, Pune FC has so far had six players; led by striker William Lalnunfela (5), find their net. Interestingly, Pune FC’s group run yielded 15 goals, the highest by any team, something they will want to carry on with.
“Stay focused, minimize mistakes and achieve success,” were positives summed up for the squad after practice by the Pune FC Youth Head.
The match kicks off at 3.00 pm on Saturday.