Fed Cup: Pune FC eye win against Salgaocar for semis spot

Vasco (Goa), Jan 6: I-League side Pune FC are aiming at a victory against Goan rivals Salgaocar FC to seal their maiden entry into the semi-finals in a do-or-die fourth round Group-B battle in the Federation Cup football tournament at the Tilak Maidan here Wednesday.

Pune are placed third in the table with four points from three matches and would require a victory to qualify for their first ever semi-final appearance. But they have a tough task at hand as they come up against an in-form Salgaocar side, who have six points from three matches.

Group toppers Bengaluru FC have already qualified for the last four stage with 10 points from four matches.

Salgaocar enjoy psychological edge going into the contest, having defeated Pune 1-0 in the Durand Cup two months ago and only a draw would be enough for their qualification.

"We are still very much in the competition, as we need a win to qualify for the semi-finals. We know a lot about the Salgaocar team and at the same time they too know a lot about us. We had a strong game in the Durand Cup final against them," Pune coach Karim Bencherifa said in a release Tuesday.

"I'm looking forward to the game and this time we definitely need to get the result against them."

Pune FC go into the game on the back of a 1-2 loss to Bengaluru FC but hoped to shake off the disappointment.

"We are disappointed with the loss against Bengaluru FC. But we had an amazing second half performance yesterday. We also created a lot of chances throughout the game and want to continue doing that," added Bencherifa.

Salgaocar FC go into the game after consecutive wins over Shillong Lajong (2-1) and Mohun Bagan (4-1) after an opening day loss to Bengaluru FC (2-3).

The Goan side will again heavily depend on playmaker and ex-Pune FC player Douhou Pierre who has been impressive in the tournament so far.

The in-form Ivory Coast player has struck thrice in the tournament so far including a brace against Mohun Bagan. Supporting him up-front will be Scottish striker Darryl Duffy while Indian Rocus Lamare will pull the strings from the midfield.