Arata Izumi to lead Pune FC in Federation Cup

Experienced mid-fielder Arata Izumi will lead a 20-member Pune FC squad in the 36th edition of the Federation Cup starting Dec 28.

Going into the competition, Pune will hope to build on their impressive start to the season which has seen them finish runners-up in the Durand Cup in Goa and the King's Cup in Bhutan.

Arata replaced injured skipper Anas Edathodika Friday.

"The Federation Cup is a very important tournament. Our group is definitely the toughest out of the two groups in this year's competition. But, I have full faith in all the players in our squad and we will give our best," head coach Karim Bencherifa said.

Pune have been placed in Group B along with four other teams - Shillong Lajong, Mohun Bagan, Bengaluru FC and Salgaocar FC. They will begin their campaign against Lajong Dec 29.

The Team:

Goalkeepers: Amrinder Singh, Arup Debnath, Avilash Paul.

Defenders: Luciano Sabrosa, Matthew Gonsalves, Raju Yumnam, Zohmingliana Ralte, Salam Ranjan Singh, Munmun Timothy Lugun.

Mid-fielders: Bineesh Balan, Arata Izumi (Capt.), Ryuji Sueoka, Velington Rocha, Dhanpal Ganesh, Nikhil Kadam, Anthony D'Souza, Mumtaz Akhtar, Lalrempuia Fanai.

Forwards: Eric Brown, Thongkhosiem Haokip.