Pune FC eye clean slate against Mumbai FC

PUNE: A depleted Pune FC will look to maintain their perfect record when they take on Mumbai FC in a Maharashtra Zone Round 4 clash on the Under-18 I-League football championship at the Cooperage in Mumbai on Sunday.
Pune FC will be missing the services of key defenders Gursimrat Singh and Rajat Kumar along with attackers Md. Yasir, Balkar Singh and Dimple Bhagat who are out with injuries.
But the Naushad Moosa-coached side will see the return of striker Ashique Kuruniyan from India duty and winger Chesterpaul Lyngdoh who had been away for personal reasons.
Pune FC drew their previous game against city-rivals DSK Shivajians 2-2 while they have a 6-0 win-loss record against Mumbai FC. In fact, against Mumbai FC, Pune FC have conceded just five goals while finding the net 22 times!
"Our previous match against Shivajians was an intense one. It was a good learning experience for young boys from Under-17s in the team," coach Moosa was quoted as saying in a press release.
"These players are still adapting to the style of play and facing a strong opponent always helps to the get the best out of them.
"Despite suffering a heavy loss in their opener, Mumbai FC has managed to get positive results and won't be an easy opponent to face. However, our aim is to get all three points to move up in the table."