Salgaocar FC take on Pune FC for a place in the semi-final of the Federation Cup

Salgaocar FC players undergo a light training session at BITS Pilani ahead of the crucial tie against Pune FC

Vasco: An intriguing contest in on the cards as former Champions Salgaocar FC take on Pune FC in the final Group B league match of the 36th Federation Cup at Tilak Maidan, Vasco tomorrow. At stake, is a place in the semi-finals against Dempo SC. The 2 sides last met in the finals of the Durand Cup early in November with Salgaocar emerging triumphant on that occasion courtesy a solitary Saran Singh goal.

Pune FC are currently placed third in the group with 4 points and go into the game knowing that nothing short of a win will be enough to see them through, whilst on the other hand, the Greens are placed second with 6 points and need only a point to secure a semi-final berth.

Salgaocar went down 2-3 on the opening day to Bengaluru FC, but have since re-grouped and won their last 2 outings against Shillong Lajong and Mohun Bagan, 2-1 and 4-1 respectively. In the last match against Mohun Bagan, after being a down a goal, the Greens put in a spectacular second half display to thump the Kolkata giants and should the performance be anything to go by, the Red Lizards will most certainly have their task cut out.

Pune FC on the other hand, started off with a win against Shillong Lajong, but have since managed only a single point from the last 2 encounters, having drawn to Mohun Bagan and lost to Bengaluru FC.

“Getting to the semi-finals and beyond is no doubt important but we are solely focussed on our final league match for now. We have laid emphasis on getting the basics right and will look to put in a good performance tomorrow. Hopefully the result will take care of itself”, commented a cautious Derrick Pereira.

The Greens were backed by a vociferous crowd that turned up in numbers at the last game and will hope for a similar turnout when they take on Pune tomorrow.