Thaindian News

Pune, Oct 26 (IANS) Pune FC will seek to open their account when they take on Sporting Clube de Goa in I-League football at the Balewadi Sports Complex here Friday.

Both sides go into this encounter with a point each after registering identical results with different scorelines from their opening matches.

The draw against Shillong Lajong FC was not the best result for Pune FC. But coach Derrick Pereira explained: “Any opening game is a nervy affair for any team as no side wants to begin on a back foot. The point gave us confidence and helped us settle our nerves. We would want to take on those positives against our Goan opponents.”

Sporting Clube de Goa come into the game playing out a 2-2 draw with Prayag United SC. They are a young side with a dash of experience, which makes them a fighting unit.

The additions of Ogba Kalu Nnanna in the midfield and the signing of south Sudan striker James Moga add teeth in Sporting?s line up.

Moga?s brace of goals helped the Goans win a point from their game against Prayag United in Round 1. “They have been doing well in the Goa League,” said the Pune FC coach.

On the game on hand, the coach said the team needed to be sharp and put the best foot forward. He was refering to the two-guilt edged chances that his team created in the opener and fell short on converting.

“We need to concentrate on our attacks and finish the chances we create. I am expecting an improved performance after negotiating the tricky opener,? said the coach.

Derrick also felt that his side could do better in the midfield and hinted a reshuffle against the Goan side.

The home side for this match as well will miss left wing half Paresh Shivalkar, who has not yet recovered from a recurring hamstring injury.

Barring the experienced Paresh, the coach gave a thumbs up to all players - barring Subrata Paul and Mandjou Keita.

The good news is the fast improving fitness level of central midfielder Asim Hassan. ?Asim has shown progress and along with the rest on the bench add to the options,” the coach added.

For Sporting the game would be their first away tie, while for Pune it is their second back-to-back home tie.

Both teams have met twice in the 2009-10 season, with Pune FC winning the home tie convincingly after drawing their first-ever meeting in Goa.