Football

Mohun Bagan Triumphs Over East Bengal in ISL 2024 ClashIn a highly anticipated Indian Super League (ISL) encounter, Mohun Bagan emerged victorious over arch-rivals East Bengal with a 2-0 scoreline on Saturday. The Mariners' triumph propelled them to second place in the standings, while East Bengal remained winless after five matches and languished at the bottom of the table.The match commenced with both teams eager to assert their dominance. However, it was Mohun Bagan who seized the initiative in the 41st minute when Jamie McLaren capitalized on a defensive lapse to slot home the opening goal. The Mariners maintained their momentum in the second half, and their efforts were rewarded in the 89th minute when Dimitri Petratos converted a penalty to seal the victory.East Bengal, despite their valiant efforts, were unable to find a breakthrough against a resolute Mohun Bagan defense. The Red and Golds' winless streak extended to five games, leaving them in a precarious position at the foot of the table.Mohun Bagan's victory was a testament to their superior quality and tactical acumen. McLaren's clinical finish and Petratos' composure from the spot proved decisive in securing the three points. The Mariners' defense, led by Sandesh Jhingan, was equally impressive, thwarting East Bengal's attacking threats throughout the match.East Bengal, on the other hand, will need to regroup and find a way to turn their fortunes around. Their lack of goals and defensive frailties have been glaring in the early stages of the season. The Red and Golds will be desperate to break their winless streak in their upcoming fixtures and climb out of the relegation zone.The ISL 2024 season promises to be an enthralling affair, with several more exciting matches to come. Mohun Bagan's victory over East Bengal has set the tone for a competitive and unpredictable campaign.

The Indian Super League (ISL) has unveiled the highly anticipated schedule for its 2024-25 season, featuring a thrilling lineup of matches, including the iconic Kolkata Derby. The second leg of the Kolkata Derby between Mohun Bagan SG and East Bengal FC will take center stage on January 11 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan. The rivalry will continue with Mohammedan SC facing Mohun Bagan SG on February 1 and East Bengal FC on February 16, completing the Derby round-up.The season kicks off on January 4 with Bengaluru FC traveling to Jamshedpur for a clash at the JRD Tata Sports Complex. Punjab FC will host Kerala Blasters at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi on January 5. The clash between Odisha FC and FC Goa on January 4 promises to be a tactical battle, with the Spanish flair of Sergio Lobera and Manolo Marquez on display.NorthEast United FC will make their debut at their new home, the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong, on February 7 against Mumbai City FC. The Highlanders will also host Bengaluru FC on February 21 and East Bengal FC on March 8 in the Meghalaya capital.Kerala Blasters FC will face arch-rivals Chennaiyin FC on January 30 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai. Chennaiyin FC will take on Bengaluru FC in a much-anticipated fixture on February 25 at Sree Kanteerava Stadium. These matches will be crucial in the race for the playoffs.The league phase will conclude on March 12 at the GMC Balayogi Athletic Stadium in Hyderabad, with a contest between Hyderabad FC and Kerala Blasters. The ISL 2024-25 season promises to deliver intense rivalries, tactical battles, and unforgettable moments for football fans across India.

Carles Cuadrat, the former head coach of Emami East Bengal, has resigned from his position after the team's dismal performance in the ongoing Indian Super League (ISL). The decision was announced by the club in a media statement on Monday.Cuadrat, who previously guided Bengaluru FC to its only ISL title in 2019, took charge of East Bengal at the start of the 2023 season. Under his leadership, the team reached the Durand Cup final in 2023 and won the Kalinga Super Cup earlier this year.However, the East Bengal squad struggled to make any significant progress in the new season. They crashed out of the Durand Cup in the quarterfinals and have lost all three matches they have played so far in the ISL.The team's poor form has led to mounting pressure on Cuadrat, and the club management has decided to part ways with him. Assistant coach Bino George will take over as the interim coach until a replacement is found.Cuadrat's departure marks the end of a disappointing chapter for East Bengal, who were hoping to challenge for the ISL title this season. The team's struggles have raised questions about the club's recruitment strategy and the quality of its squad.It remains to be seen who will replace Cuadrat as head coach, but the club will need to make a quick decision if they want to salvage their season.

Mohammedan Sporting Club, a storied legacy club with a 133-year history, made its mark in the Indian Super League (ISL) with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Chennaiyin FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Thursday.The match began with Owen Coyle's Chennaiyin FC showcasing their aerial dominance, but it was Mohammedan who struck first in the 39th minute. A miscommunication between Chennaiyin goalkeeper Samik Mitra and defender P.C. Laldinpuia allowed Mohammedan midfielder F. Lalremsanga to capitalize on a loose ball and slot it into an open net.Despite making five changes to his attacking lineup, Coyle's efforts to equalize proved futile. Mohammedan's Cesar Manzoki Lobi had a golden opportunity to seal the victory with a penalty in injury time, but his spot-kick went wide.Chennaiyin came alive in the dying minutes, with a shot cleared off the line by Gaurav Bora and Vanlalzuidika Chhakchhuak. However, their inability to fire a shot on target until the 82nd minute ultimately cost them the match.Mohammedan's victory marks a significant milestone for the club, which has long been a force in Indian football. The win also highlights the growing competitiveness of the ISL, where even newly promoted teams can challenge established powerhouses.

Punjab FC continued its impressive start to the Indian Super League (ISL) season, securing a dominant 2-0 victory over Hyderabad FC on Wednesday. This marks the first time Punjab has won three consecutive games in ISL history, showcasing the team's determination to overcome the absence of their talismanic skipper Luka Majcen.With an unchanged line-up and a clean sheet for the first time this season, Punjab started the match on the front foot. Mushaga Bakenga missed an early chance, hitting the upright in the seventh minute. Hyderabad's Ramhlunchhunga had a shot saved by Punjab goalkeeper Ravi Kumar in the 12th minute, but the visitors struggled to create many clear-cut opportunities.Ezequiel Vidal broke the deadlock for Punjab in the 35th minute with a well-placed free kick into the bottom left corner. The second goal came in the 71st minute when Filip Mrzjlak tapped into an empty net after a through ball from Bakenga. Mrzjlak could have scored more but missed the target, while Bakenga also had a few wide shots.Hyderabad's night worsened when Leander D'Cunha received a second yellow card in the final 15 minutes, reducing them to 10 men. The result leaves Hyderabad with only one win from the entire last season, while Punjab FC now sits atop the ISL table.Punjab's coach, Panagiotis Dilmperis, praised his team's performance, saying, "We are very happy with the result. We played well and deserved to win. We have a good team spirit and we are working hard to improve."Hyderabad's coach, Thangboi Singto, acknowledged the challenges his team faced, stating, "We had a difficult game today. Punjab played very well and we couldn't match their pace. We need to work on our mistakes and come back stronger in the next match."

Chennaiyin FC Aims for Home Advantage in Indian Super LeagueAs the Indian Super League (ISL) season kicks off, Chennaiyin FC head coach Owen Coyle has emphasized the importance of home support for his team. With seven of their first 10 matches scheduled away from home, CFC is eager to make a strong impression in front of their passionate fans."The scheduling is what it is. We prepare for the games and we know we can win. We are at home now, one of the few games here in the first 10 for us," Coyle said. "We want to make sure we do our very best here."Last season, Chennaiyin had a difficult start but rallied to qualify for the playoffs. Coyle is aiming for a better beginning this time around. "Hopefully, if we are really strong in the second half like last year, we will be in a really good position. We have to also gather points away from home to capitalize on those run of home games when they come about."Coyle also stressed the importance of building a team that can "do justice" to its loyal fans. "I want to provide a team the fans enjoy watching, and that is (when we) win/lose/draw. Hopefully, we can give them a team that's representative of them."Chennaiyin's home opener against Mohammedan SC on Tuesday will be a crucial test. The team will be looking to establish a winning rhythm and create a positive atmosphere for the rest of the season.

Punjab FC, riding high on two consecutive victories, will face Hyderabad FC in a midweek clash on Wednesday. A win for Punjab would mark their first three-game winning streak in ISL history.Currently third in the standings with six points, Punjab aims to maintain its momentum and potentially take the top spot. The absence of Slovenian striker Luka Majcen has not hindered Punjab's attacking prowess, with Felip Mrzljak stepping up with assists and youngster Nihal Sudeesh impressing with goals and threatening runs.Norwegian Mushaga Bakenga, who has taken on Majcen's role, is yet to find the back of the net, but coach Panagiotis Dilmperis remains confident in his abilities. "Bakenga is a quality player who's played at the highest level. He needs time to adjust, but I have full faith in him," Dilmperis said.Hyderabad FC, on the other hand, has struggled in its only game so far, losing 0-3 to Bengaluru FC. The absence of talented young striker Joseph Sunny due to a knee injury will further hinder their chances. Abdul Rabeeh will be hoping to make an impact for Hyderabad, who managed only a single win last season."We need to create more scoring opportunities and be clinical. The effort from the boys has been good, but we must improve tactically," head coach Thangboi Singto admitted.Punjab FC will be confident of extending their winning streak, while Hyderabad FC will be desperate for their first points of the season. The match promises to be an exciting battle between two teams with contrasting fortunes.

Virat Kohli, the legendary Indian cricketer, has extended his sporting prowess beyond the cricket field by co-owning FC Goa, a prominent team in the Indian Super League (ISL). Kohli's passion for football has driven his involvement in the club, reflecting his desire to contribute to the growth of sports in India.FC Goa was one of the founding franchises of the ISL, established in 2014 to revolutionize Indian football. Kohli, a fervent football enthusiast, recognized the opportunity to support the development of the sport and became a co-owner of the Goa-based club. His involvement was not merely financial but stemmed from a genuine love for the game.Kohli has often shared his childhood memories of playing football, emphasizing its role in his fitness regimen. He has expressed that if not for cricket, he might have pursued football professionally. His association with FC Goa provided a platform to channel this passion into action, supporting a team in a region with a rich footballing heritage.Kohli's presence has significantly boosted the visibility of the ISL and FC Goa. His immense fan following in India and abroad has drawn attention to the league, contributing to its growth and popularity. As one of the most recognizable names in Indian sports, Kohli's involvement has added credibility and legitimacy to the ISL, which was still in its early stages when FC Goa was launched.While Kohli acknowledges that he is still learning the intricacies of football ownership, his influence extends beyond the financial aspect. He actively supports youth development programs, grassroots initiatives, and advocates for creating a sports culture in India. FC Goa, under Kohli and the other owners, has become one of the most competitive teams in the league, known for its attacking style and nurturing local talent.For Kohli, owning a football team aligns with his broader vision of promoting sports in India. He believes that football has immense potential for growth, and his involvement with FC Goa is a step towards building a culture where football is as popular as cricket. His journey with FC Goa highlights his commitment to contributing to the rise of football in India while balancing his own legendary cricket career.

Mohun Bagan Super Giant's resilience shone through as they rallied from two goals down to secure a thrilling 3-2 victory over NorthEast United FC in an Indian Super League (ISL) encounter at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.The home team endured a shaky start as NorthEast United dominated the opening half. The trio of Alaeddine Ajaraie, Guillermo Fernandez, and Jithin M.S. kept the Mohun Bagan defense on high alert, leading to a thunderous goal from midfielder Mohammed Bemmamer in the fifth minute.However, Mohun Bagan regrouped swiftly and found the equalizer in the 10th minute through a well-taken header from young defender Dippendu Biswas. The visitors regained the lead in the 24th minute when Ajaraie produced a stunning finish.The second half saw a more balanced contest, with both teams creating chances. Mohun Bagan's persistence paid off in the 61st minute when Subhasish Bose scored a controversial goal to level the scores. The match reached its climax in the 87th minute when substitute Jason Cummings netted the winner for Mohun Bagan, securing all three points for the home team.