Uphill task for Air India as they meet Pune FC

An uphill task awaits Air India on Monday when they host Pune FC in a Round VII tie of I-League to be played at the Sahu Maharaj ground, Kolhapur.

The makeshift venue hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for either of the two sides as Air India have managed to collect only two points from three matches, while Pune FC went down to Mumbai FC before ending up goalless against ONGC. But Pune will feel they have a good chance to earn three points on Monday against an Air India side that is going through one of its worst phases in recent times.

This will be Air India’s first match against their new coach Santosh Kashyap and the former Mahindra United junior coach will be hoping to start on a good note. “I’m aware that a lot needs to be done. The morale of the team is down right now and I need to motivate them. This is my first game as a coach of the team,” said Kashyap.

Though most of the players are available for the airmen, Eric M will be a doubtful starter and Dharamjeet Singh won’t be available due to injury. “The players are doing fine. It’s a very crucial tie as we are at the bottom of the table. And so, we look to go all out against Pune FC and try to score three points. As both Derrick and I know each other’s style of play, it’s going to be an exciting match,” he added.

Monday’s fixtures:
Air India vs Pune FC; HAL vs Salgaocar; Chirag United vs JCT; Churchill Brothers vs AIFF XI