FC Goa take on FC Pune City in a Round 9 away clash of the Indian Super League (ISL) Season 2 at the Balewadi Stadium in Pune, on Sunday evening. The kick-off is scheduled for 19.00 IST.
The Goan franchise, with 14 points from eight matches and level on points with Delhi Dynamos FC, have rectified their negative goal difference with their 2-0 win over Chennaiyin FC at the Marina Arena on Thursday and now look to extend their lead at the top of the table.
“Our first target is to win the game and keep the first position,” said Zico, Head Coach, FC Goa. “We will try to keep the same spirit. We know it will be a difficult game against Pune who have their strengths at home.”
The Gaurs’ strike force has recently been given a fresh look with the addition of Rafael Coelho Luiz and Dudu Omagbemi. While the Brazilian impressed on his debut in the last match, the Nigerian striker won’t be facing the team he played for in the ISL last year.
However, with the competition progressing toward the qualification stage for the semi-finals, the Brazilian gaffer feels that the strikers have a tough task at hand.
“It is very difficult for the strikers because I can see that the game is becoming tougher defensively. Any chance that the strikers have, they have to try to finish it and get the best result. In the second phase of the tournament, it is very important to win. If you lose two or three games, maybe you are out of the tournament,” he reasoned.
Meanwhile, David Platt’s side are not far behind the league leaders with 13 points from eight matches and they will be looking to bounce back from their 2-0 defeat to Kerala Blasters FC on Wednesday.
FC Pune City also understands the importance of this tie, having played the same number of home matches as their opponent, with four of their remaining five fixtures to be played away from home.
The two teams’ first leg encounter was a 1-1 draw in Goa where the home side had squandered several chances and Roger Johnson’s own goal was eventually cancelled by Eugeneson Lyngdoh.
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