Football

NorthEast United's historic Durand Cup triumph is a testament to the unwavering passion and dedication of its owner, John Abraham. The actor's journey with the club has been marked by financial challenges and setbacks, but his unwavering belief in the team has finally borne fruit.Abraham's acquisition of NorthEast United in 2013 was a bold move, as he became the sole owner of a franchise in a league dominated by corporate giants. Despite the financial burden, Abraham's love for football and his desire to represent the Northeast region drove him to invest heavily in the club.Over the years, NorthEast United has faced its share of struggles, failing to win the Indian Super League despite some promising performances. However, the Durand Cup victory against Mohun Bagan, one of India's most decorated clubs, is a significant milestone for the club and its owner.In a recent interview, Abraham spoke candidly about the financial losses he has incurred due to his ownership of NorthEast United. "Every year, I suffer big losses," he said. "But I want to represent my team with a lot of pride. I cry when they lose, but I love them."Abraham's passion for the club is evident in his unwavering support, even during difficult times. His belief in the team and his commitment to the Northeast region have finally paid off with the Durand Cup triumph.The victory is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players, coach, and support staff, but it is also a personal triumph for John Abraham. His unwavering passion and belief in the team have inspired NorthEast United to achieve greatness, proving that with determination and perseverance, anything is possible.

The Indian men's football team, under the guidance of new head coach Manolo Márquez, embarks on a fresh chapter as they prepare for the Intercontinental Cup opener against Mauritius on Tuesday. The tournament serves as a crucial dress rehearsal for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers, which hold immense significance for India's long-term goal of qualifying for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.Márquez, who has had limited time with the squad due to pre-season commitments, has emphasized the importance of securing positive results in the upcoming FIFA international match windows to maintain India's position in Pot 1 ahead of the December draw. The team's performance in the Intercontinental Cup will be a key indicator of their progress and readiness for the challenges ahead.The Indian squad features a blend of experienced players and promising newcomers, including Chinglensana Singh Konsham, Yasir Mohammad, Asish Rai, Roshan Singh Naorem, Kiyan Nassiri Giri, Lalthathanga Khawlhring, and Prabhsukhan Singh Gill. Márquez will be eager to see how these players perform and integrate into the team's system.India's opponents, Syria and Mauritius, are no strangers to Indian soil. Syria has participated in previous editions of the Intercontinental Cup and the Nehru Cup, while Mauritius competed in the 2017 Tri-Nation Series. Both teams will pose different challenges, and India will need to adapt and execute their game plan effectively.Mauritius, ranked 179th in the world, has shown resilience in their FIFA World Cup Qualifiers group, securing a home win over Eswatini and a draw against Angola. They will be led by French coach Guillaume Moullec and key players such as captain Kevin Jean-Louis, defender Dylan Collard, and midfielder Lindsay Rose.The Intercontinental Cup provides India with an opportunity to assess their current standing and identify areas for improvement. Márquez will be keen to instill his philosophy and tactics into the team while also evaluating the players' individual abilities and team chemistry. The tournament will be a valuable stepping stone on India's journey towards the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers and their ultimate goal of continental success.

NorthEast United FC etched its name in the annals of Indian football history by capturing the coveted Durand Cup trophy for the first time in its decade-long existence. The Highlanders overcame the formidable challenge of Mohun Bagan Super Giant, the tournament's defending champions and Asia's oldest club, in a thrilling penalty shootout.The match, played at the iconic Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, witnessed a dramatic turnaround in the second half. Mohun Bagan dominated the opening period, establishing a two-goal lead through Jason Cummings' penalty and Sahal Abdul Samad's strike. However, NorthEast United, inspired by coach Juan Pedro Benali's tactical adjustments, fought back valiantly after the break.Moroccan forward Alaaeddine Ajaraie ignited the Highlanders' comeback with a stunning right-footed shot in the 55th minute, catching Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Vishal Kaith off guard. Three minutes later, substitute Guillermo Fernandez volleyed home a pinpoint cross from Ajaraie to level the scores.With no extra time allotted, the match went straight to a penalty shootout. NorthEast United goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh Chahal emerged as the hero, making two crucial saves to deny Mohun Bagan. The Highlanders converted all four of their spot-kicks, securing a 4-3 victory and the coveted trophy.The win marked a significant milestone for NorthEast United, which had never won a major trophy before. It was a testament to the team's resilience, determination, and the tactical acumen of coach Benali. For Mohun Bagan, it was a heartbreaking defeat, but they can take solace in their impressive run to the final.Individual awards were also presented at the ceremony. Gurmeet Singh Chahal was named the Golden Glove winner for his outstanding performance in the shootout. Kerala Blasters' Noah Sadaoui claimed the Golden Boot with six goals, while NorthEast United's Jithin M.S. received the Golden Ball for his exceptional assists.

Defending champion Mohun Bagan Super Giant will face first-time finalist NorthEast United FC in the 133rd Durand Cup final at the Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday. The match promises to be a historic occasion for both teams, with NorthEast United aiming for its maiden title and Mohun Bagan seeking to extend its record-breaking tally to 18.The road to the final has been contrasting for the two teams. NorthEast United has been in impressive form, winning all five of its group stage matches in regulation time. Mohun Bagan, on the other hand, has relied on late equalizers to avoid defeat and has won both its quarterfinal and semifinal via penalty shootouts.In terms of form, NorthEast United has been more efficient, scoring 16 goals while conceding just one. Mohun Bagan, despite investing heavily in new signings, has appeared to be a team still in the building process. Its new head coach, Jose Molina, has admitted that the team is still in the pre-season build-up phase and needs time to gel.NorthEast United head coach Juan Pedro Benali is confident that his team can pull off an upset. "We have nothing to lose and we will try to bring out our best and win our first major trophy since our inception," he said.Mohun Bagan will be hoping to see its attack improve and cut down on the defensive errors that have cost it in recent matches. The team boasts a star-studded lineup that includes Greg Stuart, Dimitri Petratos, Jason Cummings, Manvir Singh, Anirudh Thapa, Liston Colaco, and Apuia.The Durand Cup final is expected to be a closely contested affair between two teams with contrasting styles. NorthEast United will look to exploit Mohun Bagan's defensive weaknesses, while Mohun Bagan will rely on its attacking prowess to overcome its opponent's resilience.

Calicut FC, a football club founded by Technocrat V.K. Mathews, has ambitious plans to establish itself as a top-tier team in Indian football. To achieve this goal, the club has appointed Australian coach Ian Gillan, who brings a wealth of experience from his stints in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines.Gillan's vision aligns with Mathews' long-term development plans for football in Kozhikode. He believes that Super League Kerala is a progressive concept that can foster the growth of local talent. By playing alongside experienced foreign players, young Indian footballers can gain invaluable experience and improve their skills.Gillan emphasizes the importance of developing a strong foundation for football in the state. He believes that the development of local talent is crucial for the overall growth of Indian football leagues. By providing opportunities for young players to showcase their abilities, Super League Kerala can contribute to the creation of a robust football ecosystem in the country.The club's aspirations extend beyond the Super League Kerala. Gillan and Mathews share the ambition of seeing Calicut FC compete in the Indian Super League (ISL) and I-League in the future. The club's long-term vision and its commitment to developing local talent have attracted Gillan to the project.Gillan's appointment is a significant step in Calicut FC's journey towards becoming a major force in Indian football. His experience and expertise will be invaluable in guiding the club towards its goals. With a clear vision and a dedicated team, Calicut FC is poised to make a significant impact on the football landscape in India.

Defending champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant return to their home ground, the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata, for a highly anticipated semi-final clash against former champions Bengaluru FC in the 2024 Durand Cup on Tuesday.Mohun Bagan, who edged past Punjab FC 6-5 in a thrilling penalty shootout after a 3-3 draw in regulation time in the quarter-finals, will be eager to make the most of their home advantage. Bengaluru FC, on the other hand, secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Kerala Blasters thanks to a 95th-minute strike from Jorge Pereyra Diaz.Mohun Bagan head coach Jose Molina expressed his respect for Bengaluru FC but emphasized his team's focus on their own strengths. "Bengaluru FC are a good team with some really good players, but I am thinking about the whole team, not any individual players," said Molina. "We are going to miss Jamie Maclaren and Ashique Kuruniyan tomorrow, but the rest of the team is ready to give their best."Bengaluru FC head coach Gerard Zaragoza acknowledged the quality of Mohun Bagan's squad but remained confident in his team's abilities. "Mohun Bagan Super Giant is a team that has really talented players across the pitch, and we are sure that this will be a fixture that demands us to be focused," said Zaragoza. "I was happy with the way we defended together as a unit and stayed compact against the Blasters."Both teams have been in impressive form throughout the tournament. Mohun Bagan topped their group with three wins and a draw, while Bengaluru FC won all three of their group matches, scoring ten goals and conceding just twice.The semi-final clash promises to be a thrilling encounter between two of Indian football's most decorated clubs. The winner will advance to the final on Saturday, where they will face NorthEast United.

Mario Lemos, a 38-year-old Portuguese coach, is set to make his Indian debut with Forca Kochi FC in the inaugural Super League Kerala. Lemos has a proven track record in Asian football, having guided Dhaka's Abahani Limited to stunning victories over former ISL champion Chennaiyin FC and former I-League winner Minerva Punjab. He sensationally led the Bangladesh side to the AFC Cup's inter-zone semifinals in 2019.Lemos's arrival in Kerala is seen as a significant step for the new league, which aims to provide a platform for talented players and coaches in the state. Lemos believes that the Super League Kerala can serve as a stepping stone for him to reach some of India's top clubs in the I-League and Indian Super League."I did a good job back in Bangladesh. Now, I think this is a stepping stone to show my work...I'll do it," said Lemos in an interview.Lemos's appointment comes at a crucial time for Forca Kochi FC, which is still awaiting the arrival of two foreign players and five Indians. However, Lemos remains optimistic about the team's chances in the league."I would say we have 70% of the team. The (Kerala) Police players are yet to come, they are the more experienced players...all the young ones have come," said Lemos.Lemos is confident that he can prepare the team for the first match of the league against Malappuram FC on September 7."I have to find solutions, I have to adapt. I think everybody is going to have some problem, it's a new league, it's normal. To be honest, I've been in worse situations...sometimes, I've had lesser time. Two weeks give me some time to work, I think I have a good idea what I want to do. In two weeks I can really push them for the first match," said Lemos.Lemos's experience and determination will be crucial for Forca Kochi FC's success in the Super League Kerala. The league is expected to be highly competitive, with several other teams also aiming to make a mark. However, Lemos is confident that his team has the potential to challenge for the title.

S.A. Rahim, the legendary football coach from Hyderabad, was a visionary who transformed the Indian football landscape in the 1950s and 1960s. His unwavering commitment to discipline and his ability to mold raw talent into exceptional players left an enduring legacy on the sport.Born in Hyderabad in 1909, Rahim graduated from Osmania University and began his coaching career at various schools in the city. Despite not having played the game at the highest level, he possessed an innate understanding of football and a keen eye for talent.Rahim's coaching philosophy emphasized discipline, teamwork, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. He was known for his strict training regimen and his unwavering belief in the potential of his players. Under his guidance, Hyderabad became a formidable force in Indian football, producing numerous talented players who went on to represent the national team.In 1950, Rahim was appointed as the coach of the Indian football team, a position he held for 13 years. During this period, India achieved its greatest success in international football, winning the gold medal at the 1962 Asian Games. The team also reached the semifinals of the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, a testament to Rahim's coaching prowess.Rahim's impact extended beyond the national team. He played a pivotal role in developing the Hyderabad City Police football team into one of the most feared outfits in India. The team won numerous major tournaments, including the Durand Cup and Rovers Cup, and served as a feeder club for the Kolkata Leagues.Rahim's legacy continues to inspire generations of football players in India. The Telangana Football Association conducts an annual A-Division Rahim League in his honor, keeping his memory alive and celebrating his contributions to the sport.

Indian football is set to witness a new era under head coach Manolo Marquez, as he has named his 26-member provisional squad for the upcoming Intercontinental Cup. The tournament, scheduled from September 3-9 in Hyderabad, will serve as a preparatory camp for the FIFA World Cup 2026 preliminary joint qualification round 2 matches.Among the notable inclusions is Chennaiyin FC forward Kiyan Nassiri, son of East Bengal legend Jamshid Nassiri. The 23-year-old has been in impressive form for his club and is now on the cusp of his maiden India call-up.Also receiving their first call-ups are Mohun Bagan SG right-back Ashish Rai and East Bengal goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Singh Gill. Both players have yet to feature for the senior India team but have shown promise at the club level.However, the squad is missing a key figure in Sandesh Jhingan. The influential centre-back is still recovering from a right knee injury sustained during India's Asian Cup group match against Syria in January. Jhingan also missed out on selection for the team's camp ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 preliminary joint qualification round 2 matches against Kuwait and Qatar in May.The Intercontinental Cup will feature three teams: India, Syria, and Mauritius. India will face Mauritius on September 3 and Syria on September 9. Syria, ranked 93rd in the latest FIFA rankings, will be a formidable opponent, while Mauritius, ranked 179th, will provide a different challenge.Marquez, who was appointed India head coach last month, is excited about his first assignment. "We are very excited about our first preparatory camp and I know it will be the same for the players," he said. "We face two different teams and the rankings are not very important. We need to work all together in the same direction to find the correct group of players and their predisposition will be very good, something I am completely sure about."The Intercontinental Cup will be the first full tournament for India after the retirement of legendary captain Sunil Chhetri. It will also be a chance for Marquez to assess his squad and prepare for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.