Pune FC face Tampines Rovers in a must-win AFC Cup game

Seeking their first-ever win on the continental stage, Pune FC host Singapore's Tampines Rovers in a must-win group match of the AFC Cup here tomorrow.
Despite taking the lead in first half, Pune FC went down 1-3 to the same opponents in the previous round a couple of weeks ago and thus will seek revenge at this turn-over stage of the competition.
For Pune FC (2 points), who are at the bottom in Group-H behind Kitchee (7 points), Nay Pyi Taw (4 points) and Tampines Rovers (3 points), a win will boost their hopes of qualification to the next round.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Pune FC coach Mike Snoei said, "It's our last chance to stay in contention and we will go for a good win. Tampines is not an easy opponent but we definitely want revenge for our loss against them in the last game."
Snoei said both I-League and the AFC Cup are equally important for Pune FC.
"Last year, we fought very hard to qualify for the AFC Cup. I want to too see our team's ability on the Asian level. But again, I-League is also an important competition for us.

"We will be using our experienced players tomorrow and will give everything. We will not risk anything and we must prove tomorrow that we are a better team," he added when asked about the team composition.

Echoing his coach's sentiments, Pune FC skipper Douhou Pierre said, "If we get all three points tomorrow, we will be in a better position when we go to Myanmar (to play Nay Pyi Taw) and then host Kitchee in Pune. It's a last chance for us tomorrow and we need to win."
Coached by former Singapore international Salim Moin, Tampines plies its trade in the S-League and presently occupy the top spot in the standings.