I-LEAGUE Media Team

NEW DELHI: Pune FC face local-side DSK Shivajians FC in their Under-19 I-League Maharashtra Zone Round 2 encounter at the Pune FC Training Pitches in Mamurdi on Friday.

The game will be a tough one for both sides who come into the match on the back of convincing opening day wins.

Moreover with Pune FC (3 pts) and Shivajians (3 pts) level on points at the top of the zonal round table after the first set of matches, the battle to take the sole leadership in the group will be intense on the morrow.

Pune FC will be confident going into the game after a comfortable 3-0 win over Mumbai FC last week. However, despite scoring thrice, Pune FC also hit the woodwork two times while squandering chances aplenty and Coach Naushad Moosa wants his team to be more purposeful in front of goal against Shivajians.

“Against Mumbai FC, we created a lot of scoring opportunities but fell short in finishing. However, we are working on it in the training and the players are ready for this match,” said Coach Moosa after a training session at the Pune FC Training Pitches on the eve of the clash.

He further added, “It’s really good for Pune football to have another team in the U19 I-League. Shivajians is one of the strongest teams in the zonal round this year. The boys are prepared and it will be a good game of football.”

Making their debut in the competition, Shivajians, will be confident going into the game having logged a massive 6-0 win over PIFA Colaba FC, but DSK Coach Dave Rogers is not taking the match lightly.

“We know that playing Pune FC away is going to be a tough tie. They have a good, professional set-up of youth teams which makes them formidable opponents. They also started their campaign with a 3-0 victory, which talks a lot about their quality and strengths,” Dave said.

“Having said that, we are prepared to step up to the challenge and we’re really excited about this fixture. Our comprehensive victory in the opening match has been great for the players’ confidence and has given us belief that if we play to our capabilities then we can take all three points in our next fixture.”

The match kicks off at 3.15 PM IST on Friday.