Football

Calicut FC, the current chart-topper in the Super League Kerala, has set its sights on bigger goals. The team, which has already secured a spot in the league's semifinals, is aiming to lift the title and eventually participate in the I-League."One of our goals is to participate in the I-League, we are preparing ourselves to get the capability to reach that level. And the next goal is naturally the ISL," said V.K. Mathews, the owner of Calicut FC.The club's ambitious plans include improving its training facilities and establishing its own training ground. "Next year, we will have our own training ground. It will be in Kozhikode but we'll look at Kochi as well. Getting a practice ground is not that difficult and we need to have a swimming pool and other facilities. And we must have an academy connected to it," said Mathews.Mathews believes that it will take a few years for SLK clubs to break even financially. "The franchise budget for a SLK club is somewhat the same level as the I-League. I don't think (SLK) clubs will break even in the first three years. The financial success of this depends on the viewership, the viewership has to go up. For that, we have to sensitise and get more and more people interested in the Super League. One of the ways of doing it is how deeply we are involved with the community, the schools, the academies...when the boys and girls from academies come, then the viewership will go up."Ian Andrew Gillan, Calicut's head coach, feels that the SLK — India's lone State league that allows foreign players — could be a good model for other States to follow. "You can probably reduce the number of foreign players but you need foreigners to raise the standard of Indian players and to make the league attractive," said Gillan.Gillan, who has worked with clubs in Australia, Indonesia, and Nepal, believes that India needs more facilities for the sport. "With your massive population, if you can embrace that by providing the facilities, give the kids a game and you'll develop better," he said.

Mohammedan Sporting Club Ascends to Indian Super LeagueThe Indian Super League (ISL) has welcomed Mohammedan Sporting Club (MSC) as its newest member, effective from the 2024-25 season. This historic move marks a significant milestone for MSC, one of India's oldest and most decorated football clubs, as they step up to compete in the top tier of Indian football.MSC's promotion follows their impressive performance in the 2023-24 I-League, where they clinched the title with a commanding 52 points. The Kolkata-based club demonstrated remarkable consistency throughout the season, securing 15 victories and seven draws while suffering only two defeats. Their attacking prowess was evident as they netted 44 goals, while their defensive strength was highlighted by conceding just 22 goals.With this achievement, Mohammedan SC becomes the second club, after Punjab FC, to earn promotion to the ISL from the I-League. Their inclusion brings the total number of clubs in the ISL to 13, enhancing the league's competitive landscape and expanding its reach.This promotion also adds another representative from Kolkata to the ISL roster. MSC's entry will see them join existing Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal FC, further enriching the footballing culture in the city. The fans can expect more derbies.As Mohammedan SC prepares for their debut in the ISL, fans and analysts alike are eagerly anticipating how the historic club will fare against the league's elite teams. Their ascension to the ISL is a testament to their enduring legacy and the growing strength of Indian football.

Former Indian Super League (ISL) champions Bengaluru FC continued their impressive start to the 133rd Durand Cup, securing a comfortable 3-0 victory over I-League side Inter Kashi FC in a Group B encounter at the Kishore Bharati Stadium in Kolkata.Spanish forward Edgar Mendez opened the scoring for Bengaluru in the 17th minute, converting a penalty after Inter Kashi goalkeeper Shubham Dhas brought down Sivasakthi Narayanan inside the box. The Blues dominated possession throughout the first half, creating several chances but failing to extend their lead.After the break, Bengaluru continued to press for more goals. In the 77th minute, Alberto Noguera doubled their advantage with a well-taken finish from close range. Former India captain Sunil Chhetri, who came on as a late substitute, sealed the victory in the 82nd minute, heading home a corner from Roshan Naorem.Despite Bengaluru's dominance, Inter Kashi goalkeeper Shubham Dhas put in a commendable performance, making several saves to keep the scoreline respectable. However, he was unable to stop Ryan Williams' penalty attempt in the 84th minute, which was saved by the crossbar.With this win, Bengaluru FC moved to the top of the Group B standings with six points from two matches. Inter Kashi, on the other hand, remained winless after two games.In another Group E encounter played at the SAI Stadium in Kokrajhar, Odisha FC registered a resounding 5-0 victory over BSF FT. Rahul Mukhi opened the scoring for Odisha in the 55th minute, followed by goals from Ashangbam Aphaoba Singh (56'), Moirangthem Givson Singh (58', 80'), and Roshan Mukhi (78').Meanwhile, Hyderabad FC withdrew from the tournament due to unforeseen circumstances. The Durand Cup Organising Committee subsequently invited local side Rangdajied United FC to replace Hyderabad in Group F, which is being played in Shillong.

Sporting Club Bengaluru, established in April 2022, has witnessed a remarkable rise in the Indian football landscape. Within two years, the club has secured promotion from I-League 3 to I-League 2 and triumphed in the I-League 2 to qualify for the I-League, the second tier of Indian football.Head coach Chinta Chandrashekar attributes the club's success to a combination of factors: "We have done the right thing at every level, from the management to the coaching staff to the players." The club prioritized signing hungry and ambitious players, scouting talent from the Santosh Trophy and local clubs.Sporting's I-League 2 triumph was emphatic, finishing the season with 33 points, six ahead of second-placed Dempo Sports Club. The team's attacking prowess was evident, scoring 28 goals, seven more than any other team. Defensively, Sporting conceded just 12 goals, the lowest in the league.Forward Thomyo L. Shimroy, who joined at the start of the 2023-24 season, played a pivotal role in the team's success. He finished as joint top-scorer with 11 goals in 14 I-League 2 games. "I have been able to score so many goals because of the hard work of the whole team," said Thomyo. "I am looking forward to the I-League next season. It is my dream to play in the I-League and the ISL (Indian Super League)."Sporting's meteoric rise is a testament to the club's commitment to developing young talent and building a strong foundation. As they prepare for the I-League, the club's ambition is to continue its upward trajectory and establish itself as a force in Indian football.

Mohammedan Sporting, a venerable football club with a rich 133-year history, has etched its name in the annals of Indian football by clinching its maiden I-League title. This triumph secures the club's promotion to the prestigious Indian Super League (ISL).In a thrilling away fixture against Shillong Lajong FC, Mohammedan Sporting emerged victorious with a 2-1 scoreline, needing only a draw to seal the championship. With one game remaining, the club has already secured its ticket to the coveted league, subject to fulfilling the Indian Club Licensing System Premier 1 criteria.Dipendu Biswas, the former India striker and current technical director of Mohammedan Sporting, expressed confidence in the club's ability to meet all the licensing requirements set by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and the Football Sports Development Ltd. (FSDL), which operates the ISL."As far as I know, we will be able to fulfill all the criteria laid down by the AIFF and FSDL, including the Rs 100 crore bank guarantee clause," said Biswas, who has guided the club through numerous challenges.Biswas also confirmed that the Yuba Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium) will serve as Mohammedan Sporting's home ground in the ISL. "Yes, we will use Yuba Bharati Krirangan as our home ground," he stated.Despite concerns about potential pressure on the stadium if Mohammedan Sporting also uses it as its home ground, Biswas emphasized the club's substantial fan base. "The number of supporters Mohammedan have is on par with East Bengal or Mohun Bangan. So, there is no question of thinking about some other ground. We will make Yuba Bharati our home ground," he asserted.Mohammedan Sporting will play its final I-League match at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan on April 13, providing an opportunity for the AIFF and FSDL to witness the club's impressive fan following. "We expect more than 60,000 people to throng the stadium on Saturday," said Biswas.

Mohammedan Sporting, a historic football club from Kolkata, is on the cusp of winning its first I-League title. With seven points needed from the remaining 12, the club is well-positioned to secure promotion to the Indian Super League (ISL) in 2024-25.The club's success can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the early arrival in Srinagar for matches has allowed players to acclimatize to the cold conditions. Secondly, the return of Russian coach Andrey Chernyshov has brought stability and tactical acumen to the team.Chernyshov, a former defender with Dynamo Moscow and Sturm Graz, has implemented a disciplined and attacking style of play. He has also placed trust in young players, many of whom were signed by his predecessor, Mehrajuddin Wadoo.Among the standout performers for Mohammedan Sporting is 22-year-old David Lalhlansanga, who has scored five goals and provided two assists in the I-League. Honduran striker Eddie Hernandez has also been a key contributor with 13 goals, placing him third in the race for the golden boot.The club's focus on young talent has been aided by the All India Football Federation's (AIFF) rule barring foreign players in state/city leagues. This has allowed Mohammedan Sporting to identify and develop promising Indian players.Consistency has been another hallmark of Mohammedan Sporting's season. The team has recorded 14 wins, five draws, and just one loss, including impressive victories over former champions Gokulam Kerala and Churchill Brothers.Chernyshov's influence has been evident in the team's ability to overcome challenges such as fixture congestion and long-haul travel. His tactical nous and motivational skills have kept the players focused and determined.If Mohammedan Sporting secures promotion to the ISL, it will become the third club over 100 years old to join the league. This would add historical depth and prestige to the competition.

Mohammedan Sporting and Gokulam Kerala engaged in a captivating end-to-end football match on Sunday night, with the Kolkatans emerging victorious 3-2. This triumph solidifies Mohammedan's position at the top of the I-League standings.The match commenced with Mohammedan taking an early lead in the 16th minute. Alexis Gomez's skillful pass found Lalremsanga Fanai, who deflected the ball past goalkeeper Padam Chhetri. Eddie Hernandez, unmarked and with ample space, effortlessly slotted the ball into the net.Seven minutes later, Mohammedan extended their advantage to 2-0. Gomez, receiving a short pass from David Lalhlansanga, unleashed a stunning strike from just outside the penalty area, sending the ball soaring into the top corner of the net.However, Gokulam refused to be deterred and fought back before the interval. P.N. Noufal produced a brilliant solo effort, sprinting from his own half on a counter-attack and sending the ball into the far top corner.The second half witnessed a resurgence from Gokulam. K. Abhijith's superb cross was met by Nidhin Krishna's stunning header, leveling the score at 2-2. Gokulam's hopes of securing a point were dashed in the dying seconds when Lalhlansanga capitalized on some inadequate defending by Abdul Hakku to score the winning goal.Despite the loss, Gokulam remains third in the standings with 32 points, six behind Mohammedan.