Pune F C starts as favourites

Kannur: Kerala`s Viva Kerala have an uphill task on hand as they prepare to lock horns with the formidable Pune FC in an I-League match at the Municipal stadium on Sunday.

Much was expected from the Kerala outfit, who were off to a shocking start, going down 0-3 to Salgaocar Goa in their opening match. However, managed to hold Air India in their second match to a goalless draw. On the other hand, Pune FC too have one point same as Viva, from one loss and a drawn match, each. Pune, had got off to a flying start by holding Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan to a one-all draw in their opener, but went down to Mumbai FC 0-2 in their second match. Viva, could not afford to relax as they have only one point to their credit and should fully make use of the home ground advantage. Viva had disappointed the soccer fans in their match against Salgaocar, missing innumerable opportunities to score. Viva`s fortune revolves around their three foreign recruits to deliver the goals for the team. The team captained by defender Nigerian Bello Rasaq has two more foreign imports in striker Chimaokwu Felix from Nigeria and defender charles Disah from Ghana. Besides, Rasaq, Felix and Disah, Viva has Senior Indian player speedy medio K Kulothungan and Under-19 India players C S Sabeeth and Shahin Lal Meloli. Viva was likely to play Kerala state player striker O K Javid and Miago Sharma, on Sunday. The key players on the Pune outfit includes mid-fielders Japanese Arata Izumi, Brazilian Edmar Fievria and Kenyan Mondayokeita and India player S Venkatesh. PTI