Football

Farukh Choudhary's return to the Indian national team after a three-year absence was marked by a goal in a 1-1 draw against Vietnam in an international friendly. The midfielder's strike in the second half canceled out Vi Hao Bui's first-half opener for the hosts.Choudhary, who was sidelined for three years due to a knee injury, expressed his delight at being back in the national team setup. "Personally, I feel great. I've not been a part of the national team for a long time, but this is where I wanted to be. I worked hard at my clubs and I knew in my heart that I deserved to be here," he said.The last time Choudhary played for India was in October 2021, when he provided an assist in a 1-0 victory over Nepal. He admitted that he was disappointed that India could not find a winning goal against Vietnam. "I'm glad that I could make a difference for the team, but I feel that we could have scored another," he said.Despite the draw, head coach Manolo Marquez was positive about his team's performance. "In the first half, it was practically all Vietnam. Then we discussed at half time how we have enough quality to play, and finally, we started executing our plans in the second," he said.Marquez praised the efforts of goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Saandhu and defender Anwar Ali, who played exceptional games in defense. "Sure, Vietnam could have scored in the last minutes when we were tired, but we could have scored too with our last chance. But overall, I am satisfied with this. It was a friendly game, after all."Choudhary's return to the national team is a testament to his hard work and determination. He is now hoping to help India achieve success in the upcoming AFC Asian Cup qualifiers.

Indian Women's Football Suffers Humiliating Defeat in AFC Champions League DebutIndian women's football club Odisha FC endured a crushing 0-17 defeat in their AFC Women's Champions League debut against Japan's Urawa Reds Diamonds on Sunday. The Japanese side dominated the match from start to finish, showcasing their superior skill and experience.Yu Endo opened the scoring for Urawa Reds within five minutes, setting the tone for a relentless onslaught. The Japanese side went on to score eight more goals in the first half, leaving Odisha FC reeling. The second half proved no respite, as Urawa Reds continued to pile on the pressure, ending the match with a staggering 55 shots compared to Odisha FC's solitary attempt.The defeat marks a disappointing start to Odisha FC's AFC Champions League campaign. The Indian club will now face Vietnam's Ho Chi Minh City FC on Wednesday, hoping to salvage some pride.Meanwhile, the Indian senior men's football team will play a one-off friendly match against Vietnam on October 12. The match was originally scheduled as part of a tri-nation tournament, but Lebanon's withdrawal forced a rescheduling. The match will be an official friendly, with points counting towards the FIFA Rankings.India will assemble in Kolkata on October 5 and travel to Vietnam on October 7. Coach Manolo Marquez has announced a list of 26 probables, with the final squad of 23 players to be announced before the team's departure.After the Vietnam match, India will face Malaysia in a friendly during the FIFA Window on November 19. Malaysia is currently ranked 132nd in the FIFA rankings, while India is ranked 126th. The two teams last met in the Merdeka Cup semi-final in October 2023, with Malaysia emerging victorious 2-4.

The Indian senior men's football team will face Vietnam in a one-off friendly match on October 12 at the Thien Truong Stadium in Nam Dinh, Vietnam. The match will count towards the FIFA Rankings.The friendly was originally scheduled to be a tri-nation tournament, with India also facing Lebanon on October 12. However, Lebanon withdrew from the tournament, prompting the All-India Football Federation (AIFF) to request the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) to reschedule the Vietnam-India match to October 12, which was accepted by the VFF.India will assemble in Kolkata on October 5 and have a training session on October 6. Manolo Marquez and his squad will travel to Vietnam on October 7, where they will continue training.Marquez announced a list of 26 probables on Monday. The final squad of 23 players will be announced before the team's travel to Vietnam.This will be the second event that the Indian senior national football team will be played under Manolo Marquez, who was appointed to the post succeeding Igor Stimac on July 20, 2024. The Intercontinental Cup was the 56-year-old Marquex's first assignment as India coach.India will be looking to build on their recent good form, which has seen them win the SAFF Championship and qualify for the AFC Asian Cup. Vietnam, meanwhile, are ranked 97th in the FIFA Rankings, 10 places below India.The match will be a good test for both teams as they prepare for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup. India will be hoping to continue their good form and Vietnam will be looking to improve their FIFA Ranking.

Former Indian football captain Sunil Chhetri has expressed his support for defender Anwar Ali, who recently faced a four-month ban for contract violations. Chhetri urged players to avoid controversies and focus on their performance.Ali's ban stemmed from his termination of a contract with Mohun Bagan and subsequent signing with East Bengal. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) deemed his actions unjust and imposed a ban along with a compensation demand of Rs 12.90 crore.Despite the controversy, Chhetri believes Ali is a valuable asset to the national team. "He's one of the assets of the national team. I would want him to stay away from controversies as much as possible," Chhetri said.Chhetri emphasized the importance of avoiding distractions for young players. "All the national team boys, especially the ones who are upcoming and young, I want them to stay away from controversies as much as possible," he said.Chhetri also discussed his retirement from international football in June. He admitted to missing the game but is still adjusting to his new life. "It's not been nice, I miss it," he said.Chhetri expressed confidence in India head coach Manolo Marquez's ability to balance his roles with the national team and FC Goa. "He'll be able to handle it," he said. "He will know exactly what team to pick."Chhetri shared his experiences of fatherhood with fellow athlete Virat Kohli. "We talk a lot about kids, that's a common topic now," he said. However, they have not yet discussed post-retirement plans.Chhetri remains committed to playing in the Indian Super League as long as he can contribute to his club, Bengaluru FC. "As long as I'm enjoying, as long as I'm adding value to the club, I'm here," he said.

Thiruvananthapuram Kombans, despite playing with a numerical disadvantage for much of the match, managed to salvage a 1-1 draw against Kannur Warriors FC in the Chandrasekharan Nair stadium on Saturday.The match started with Warriors dominating possession and creating early chances. Praygan Sundar Gogoi's free-kick in the fifth minute was tipped over by Kombans goalkeeper Michel Santos. However, Kombans' defense held firm, despite the relentless pressure from the visitors.The turning point of the match came just before half-time when Kombans captain Patrick Mota received two yellow cards in quick succession for needless fouls. This gave Warriors a numerical advantage and they capitalized on it in the second half.In the 56th minute, Warriors' Cameroonian player Ernesten Lavsamba scored a spectacular volley from the top of the box to put his side into the lead. Kombans, now playing with 10 men, faced an uphill battle.However, the home team showed great resilience and determination. They fought back and created several chances of their own. In the 86th minute, substitute Ganesan scored a crucial equalizer for Kombans. He crashed in a rebound from a free-kick, much to the disappointment of the Warriors.The goal came against the run of play and gave Kombans a valuable point. The draw keeps them in contention for a playoff spot, while Warriors remain in the hunt for the championship.

Anwar Ali Cleared to Play for East Bengal After AIFF Reverses SuspensionIndian defender Anwar Ali has been granted a No Objection Certificate (NOC) by the All India Football Federation's (AIFF) Players Status Committee, allowing him to officially join East Bengal. This decision comes after the Delhi High Court ordered a rehearing of Ali's case, overturning a previous four-month suspension imposed by the AIFF.The AIFF had initially suspended Ali for allegedly terminating his contract with Mohun Bagan in an unjust manner. The federation also sought a hefty compensation of Rs 12.90 crore from Ali, Delhi FC, and East Bengal. However, the Delhi High Court intervened, criticizing the AIFF's decision for lacking reasoning and failing to follow principles of natural justice.The court directed the AIFF to reconsider its ruling, and the Players Status Committee has now granted Ali the NOC. This means that Ali is now free to join East Bengal and participate in the ongoing Indian Super League. He will be available for their upcoming match against Kerala Blasters on September 22 and the highly-anticipated Kolkata Derby against Mohun Bagan on October 19.Ali's suspension had been a major setback for both the player and East Bengal. The defender is a key member of the Indian national team and has been a consistent performer for East Bengal in the past. His return to the team will provide a significant boost to their title aspirations.The AIFF's decision to reverse Ali's suspension is a positive step towards ensuring fairness and transparency in Indian football. It also highlights the importance of due process and the right to a fair hearing for players.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has appointed Santosh Kashyap as the new head coach of the national senior women's team, replacing former international player Chaoba Devi. Kashyap's first assignment will be the SAFF Women's Championships to be held in Kathmandu, Nepal, from October 17 to 30.Kashyap, a former India international, brings almost a decade of coaching experience in the I-League, having managed clubs like Mohun Bagan, Aizawl FC, and Mumbai FC. The 58-year-old has also served as assistant coach of NorthEast United FC and Odisha FC in the Indian Super League.Kashyap will be assisted by Priya PV and Raghuvir Pravin Khanolkar as goalkeeper coach. "Coaching the National Team is always an honor," said Kashyap. "I am grateful to the AIFF President, Shri Kalyan Chaubey, the technical committee, the technical department, and other senior members of the federation for providing me the opportunity to coach the senior national women's team."Kashyap expressed confidence in the current squad, stating, "I have full faith in the current set of players in the team. They are all bright players. But what we require to improve is technically. I am confident that I can give the needed input to the team members during the national camp."Regarding the SAFF Women's Championships, Kashyap said, "I am aware that our result in the previous SAFF Championship didn't meet the expectations. But this time, with the right tactics, approach, and decision-making ability, we can regain the title.""Football has become an extremely competitive sport, especially at the international level. So, we shouldn't take any team lightly. SAFF is only the first step. Thereafter, I have a bigger plan in mind. I am sure, this team is capable of delivering the goods."

Mohun Bagan Super Giant, the oldest surviving club in Asia, is set to embark on its international campaign in the AFC Champions League Two (ACL Two) on Wednesday. The Kolkata-based club will host FC Ravshan Kulob of Tajikistan in the opening Group A league match at the Salt Lake Stadium.As the Indian Super League shield champion, Mohun Bagan has earned its spot in ACL Two and is determined to make a positive start. The team's legacy and the opportunity to represent India on the international stage will serve as motivation against FC Ravshan Kulob, a team they will face for the first time.The group league stage will be played on a home-and-away basis, with the top two teams advancing to the knock-outs (round of 16). Mohun Bagan's start to the season has been mixed, reaching the Durand Cup final but losing on penalties to NorthEast United FC. In the ISL, they drew 2-2 with Mumbai City FC, raising questions about their defensive quality.Head coach Jose Molina acknowledged the challenges ahead, stating, "The ACL Two is a big competition. All matches will be very difficult as all teams here are quite good. But tomorrow with our fans helping us, hopefully we can have a good match and get our first three points from the group stage."The competition rules allow an unlimited number of foreigners in a side, but Molina may face a slight disadvantage as two of his six imports, Australian forward Jamie Maclaren and Spanish defender Alberto Rodriguez, are nursing injuries. This could mean more responsibility for the Indian contingent, which Molina hopes will perform to its potential.

Thiruvananthapuram Kombans kicked off their home campaign with a resounding 2-0 victory over Thrissur Magic FC at the Chandrasekharan Nair Stadium on Monday.The Kombans, playing in front of a boisterous home crowd, capitalized on set-piece opportunities to secure all three points in a scrappy encounter. T.M. Vishnu (15') and Lalhmangaihsanga (69') were the goal-scorers for the hosts.Thrissur Magic failed to conjure any magic in the first half as Kombans dominated possession and created more chances. The hosts earned three corners in the opening quarter, and the opening goal came from the third. Captain Patrick Mota whipped in a dangerous cross, and Vishnu rushed in to head the ball past goalkeeper Sanjiban Ghosh's near post.Thrissur had its first glimpse of the Kombans goal in the 22nd minute when it was awarded a freekick on the edge of the box. Marcelo Toscano's kick rebounded off the wall, and the striker retrieved the loose ball and passed it to Vineeth, who shot wide from close range.Thrissur showed more cohesion towards the end of the first half and had a chance to equalize. Vineeth arrowed in a cross from the left, but Abhijith Sarkar failed to connect.The visitors shed their timidity in the second half and strung together a few threatening moves down the flanks, but the Kombans defense held firm.Kombans increased their lead against the run of play through another freekick. Mota whipped in the cross, Marcos Santos flicked it on to an unmarked Lalhmangaihsanga, who made no mistake.The result leaves Thiruvananthapuram Kombans with three points from their opening match, while Thrissur Magic FC remains pointless after two games.