Mumbai FC Set for Maha Derby against Pune FC

Mumbai FC Set for ‘Maha’ Derby against Pune FC

Mumbai, March 21: Brimming with confidence following their good showing in the last couple of matches, Mumbai FC are all set to take on high-flying Pune FC in the Maharashtra Derby clash in the Hero I-League competition, at the Cooperage ground on Sunday. The I-League resumes after a break of almost 3 weeks due to the international friendlies.

The home side, are in 6^th place with 11 points from 8 matches, and are now determined to extend the unbeaten streak and climb higher on the league standings. Meanwhile, Pune FC, are second in the 11-team standings with 15 points the same as leader Mohun Bagan who have a slightly better goal-difference, will hope to play for a win and keep their top position.

Mumbai FC, the lone club from the city participating in this premier club competition, have been unbeaten in the last five games, which include three big wins; two against Salgaocar SC and Royal Wahingdoh at home and one away win against Bharat FC earlier this month, besides two creditable draws at home. The home side are now determined to extend the unbeaten streak and climb higher on the league standings.

The only bother for Mumbai FC coach Khalid Jamil is that he will have to start without their key striker Brazilian Josimar Da Silva, who will miss the match due suspension on account of double bookings. “Josimar is our main striker and will be missed. These kinds of situations arise and we have to take it in our stride. During the break we tried out our reserve strikers and either Milagres Gonsalves or Cletus Paul will replace Josimar. I am sure they will deliver against Pune, who have good quality foreign and Indian players," admitted Jamil.

Young attacking midfielder Jayesh Rane, who is in the India under-23 camp, is another key player who will be missing from the Mumbai FC starting line-up.

When reminded about the away leg which they narrowly lost 2-3 to the Pune team Jamil quickly responded by saying, “in the previous meeting, they (Pune) played well and we too played equally well and it was a good game, but this time we will try to get a positive result.”

Pune FC’s Moroccan coach Karim Bencherifa is hoping that the break will not affect his team."For a team like ours, we have to be aware that this break can be bad. We had nice momentum, we ended the last phase with the win and were unbeaten. I wish we could continue that. I discussed this with the players and because we are aware of what can happen, we are well prepared. We were missing a few players because of injury and they got time to recover. So the break was good in that sense.Unfortunately, Ryuji Sueoka hasn't recovered yet. We also played a few friendly matches in Mumbai to prepare for this match as well as rest of the season," Bencherifa pointed out.

The Moroccan also sounded a note of caution. “I watched a couple of Mumbai FC games and feel that they are a very difficult team to play against. They are a good compact side and play to their strength and we don't expect an easy game,” said Bencherifa.

With fans from both the teams expected to turn up in large numbers and fill up the Cooperage ground, an exciting fare is on the cards.

The match will start at 7.00PM and will be telecast live on Ten Action.

Mumbai FC is sponsored by Playwin.