Match Preview: PUNE FC vs ROYAL WAHINGDOH

28 Feb 2015

I-LEAGUE Media Team PUNE: Come Saturday night, Pune FC will be at loggerheads with Royal Wahingdoh FC in the top-of-the-table clash in Round 8 of the Hero I-League. Although it is quite early in the season, the outcome of this game could play a big role in defining the rest of the season for both the teams. A win for the visitors could steer them four points clear from their closest competitors, while that for the home side could not only propel them to the top, but could also hand them a much needed confidence boost following a subdued morale owing to a streak of unconvincing performances. The Santosh Kashyap-led North Eastern outfit has enjoyed a fairy-tale run in their top-flight debut, but have failed to show any consistency in their results. After suffering a defeat against Mumbai FC in their last game, coach Santosh Kashyap blasted the referee for not having a commanding stand and went on to lambast the Mumbai team for playing “dirty football” “I’m very disappointed with the referee. I know Mumbai FC plays like this. Everyone knows they play dirty football and they waste time later on. You have to control the game.” remarked the disgruntled gaffer. Fizzslots The Pune team would be keen to upturn their woeful run of results. They have managed to score just one goal in their last 3 games after having scored 12 goals in their first 4 games. The Red Lizards have been stung by the lack of creative flair in the final third. The return of the injured duo – Darko Nikac and Edgar Marcelino – could act as a morale booster, but that remains uncertain as the attacking pair face the race against time to prove their fitness. The lack of goals, however, does not faze Moroccan gaffer Karim Bencherifa as he looks at the positives from the previous game.“Despite missing a few key players, we played as per plan and created a host of chances, something we lacked in the previous games.” He did not hold back in complimenting his opponent’s > “Royal Wahingdoh may be a newly promoted side, but they are not on the top of the standings for nothing. They boast some exciting talent in their side and play a good brand of attacking football and so we need to be at our best when we face them”, he said. If both teams are able to find form on the day, the crowd can be ready to feast on an entertaining night of attacking football in which a victory to either side assures the top spot. Match KO: Feb 28 @ 7 PM IST (Ten Action) Hashtag: #PFCvRWFC