Pune FC to meet Salgaocar FC in U-20 I-League Rd 2

Jamshedpur: Pune FC will be out to settle a score against Salgaocar FC in Round 2 of the Under-20 I-League final phase encounter at the Gopal Stadium on Monday.

Having suffered a 1-2 reverse to the Goa side a week ago at the JRD Complex, the memory remains vivid. Pune FC Head of Youth Development, Ranjan Chowdhury, was simplistic in his approach. "It`s a vital match tomorrow. All players are mentally prepared to give their best. They know the team`s collective mission and will be out to fight," he said. While Chowdhury singles out the winning start (against Sesa FA) and a change in venue as reasons to begin afresh, his aim is to have a clean run in the first three rounds. "The target is to earn another three points. All the teams have one point each and our target is to earn nine points from the first three matches," he said. Pune FC has a host of yellow cards as a major concern ahead of selecting their squad. To begin with, Pune FC will miss central midfielder Rinte and defender Anuj Negi. Rinte serves a one-match suspension for a double-booking, while Anuj sits out after being shown a red card in the opening game against Sesa FA. Apart from the suspensions, Pune FC has six other players carry forward yellow cards from previous games. Given the options Chowdhury has on hand, the likelihood of Riyan Yadgiri adding to the defence and Abung Meetei joining the midfield is the only options. The match could also see the return of wing-back Narendra Vakhare and wing-half Rugved Yeole. Salgaocar FC remains an unbeaten side in the tournament and go into the game on the back of two successive draws vs Prayag United SC - Group Phase and vs Mohun Bagan - Final Phase). PTI