Pune FC hopes rests on must-win game

Pune, Sept 20 (IBNS) It is a must-win situation for Pune FC when they clash against Kolkata's Mohammedan Sporting in the Group-C encounter that could end up deciding which team moves into the semi finals of the 33rd Federation Cup.

However, for the above to dawn reality much will depend on the first match of the day that pits Kingfisher East Bengal (4 points) against Dempo SC (3 points), wherein a draw or a win for the Goans will give Pune FC (3 points) the chance they need to go through.

Coach Derrick Pereira admits that his teams fate and destiny lies in the hands of the Dempo SC and maintains, "We are preparing ourselves for a win-win situation."

The positive attitude that coach Pereira maintains is because he believes that one has to move on and what is done cannot be undone.

While the loss to East Bengal was reason to put Pune FC into this wait-and-watch situation, injuries to 'keeper Subrata Paul, striker Mandjou Keita who needed to be substituted early apart from knocks to Chika Wali and Douhou Pierre remain concerns ahead of the late Wednesday evening kick off at the Yuba Bharati Kriangan.

Unfortunate as it turned out to be for Subrata and Keita, the coach preferred to take a call on their availability after he gets the MRI reports of both. "We shall take a decision only after a medical opinion," said the coach.

Chika and Douhou suffered muscle strains and are recovering.

"We have taken positives out of yesterday's setback and we did well to contain East Bengal as far as the defending was concerned.

"Defensively we organized well, created chances upfront and as I said we take forward the positives from a game where the opponents were favorites."

On the brighter side, medio Lester Fernandez is available after serving his one-match suspension and moreover if the situation does arises the game against Mohammedan Sporting will be an opportunity for the youngsters to perform and show their ability.

Mohammedan Sporting (1 point) has nothing to lose. "We expect them to play a free game," adds the coach, who added, "It's now in our hands to give it our best."

Irrespective of the result of the first game, Pune FC are up against a promising team and hope to sign off on a winning note. Victory on Wednesday will help Pune FC get back to winning ways after a great start to the tournament.

Both teams will be meeting each other after a gap of over three years when both clashed ina Second Division (Final Phase) I-League encounter at Guwahati. The Kolkata side triumphed in a five game thriller. However, since then much has changed in both sides.