Football

Mohun Bagan Super Giant, eager to secure their first victory of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season, will face off against NorthEast United in their second home game on Monday in Kolkata. The Mariners, who drew with Mumbai City FC in their opening match, will be determined to break their winless streak.NorthEast United, on the other hand, enter the clash with confidence after securing a late victory over debutants Mohammedan Sporting in their first game. They will be looking to continue their winning ways in Kolkata, having defeated Mohun Bagan in the Durand Cup 2024 final just a few weeks ago.Mohun Bagan have a remarkable scoring record in the ISL, having found the back of the net in 15 of their 16 games played in 2024. They have scored in 11 consecutive games, just one short of their ISL streak of 12 matches set between March 2021 and January 2022.NorthEast United, known for their defensive prowess, have kept three clean sheets in their last four games, including two in a row in their previous matches. If they can keep Mohun Bagan at bay on Monday, it will be the first time they have not conceded a goal in three consecutive ISL encounters.Mohun Bagan coach Jose Molina is aware of his team's defensive vulnerabilities, having conceded a 2-0 lead against Mumbai City FC. He is determined to address these issues and secure victories in upcoming fixtures."We have to play better and defend better to win matches. We have to focus on that, keep working, stay positive, and hopefully, in the next matches, we will play better," he said.NorthEast United coach Juan Pedro Benali anticipates a strong response from Mohun Bagan after their draw against Mumbai City FC. However, he is confident that his team will pose a significant challenge to the Mariners."Mohun Bagan haven't had the best of results in the last few games. They will be eager to get over us and our job is to make it as much as difficult for them. The players are ready," Benali said.

Punjab FC finally broke the jinx against Odisha FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) on Friday, registering a hard-fought 2-1 victory at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai. The win propelled Punjab to the top of the table alongside Bengaluru FC, both with six points from two games.Odisha started the match strongly, but Punjab gradually grew into the game, led by Croatian midfielder Filip Mrzljak. Mrzljak was instrumental in Punjab's first goal, assisting Nihal Sudheesh in the 28th minute. Sudheesh's shot found the far post, giving Punjab the lead.After the break, Punjab continued to press for a second goal. Mrzljak set up Mushaga Bakenga in the 48th minute, but the Norwegian forward sent the ball wide. Abhishek Singh also missed a chance to double Punjab's lead, despite beating the Odisha defense.Punjab's profligacy in front of goal nearly cost them dearly. Asmir Suljic had a golden opportunity to equalize for Odisha in the 78th minute, but he shot straight at goalkeeper Amrinder Singh. Amrinder was in fine form throughout the match, making several crucial saves to keep Odisha in the game.However, Odisha's resistance was finally broken in the 89th minute. Ricky Shabong's assist found Leon Augustine, who slotted the ball into the far post from an acute angle. It looked like Punjab would keep a clean sheet, but Hugo Boumous hit the upright in extra time, with the ball brushing past Ravi Kumar's head.Despite the late scare, Punjab held on for the victory, their first-ever against Odisha in the ISL. The win is a significant boost for Punjab, who are aiming to make a strong start to the season.

Ten years ago, Gani Ahammed Nigam and Malappuram's MSP HSS came tantalizingly close to pulling off a major upset in the Subroto Cup international junior football tournament. With Gani scoring a goal late in the first half, MSP led 2-0 and nearly shocked Brazil's Colegio Estadul Santo Antonio (St. Antony's School) in the under-17 final. However, the Brazilian side managed to snatch victory with a last-gasp goal that leveled the score 2-2 and forced the match into a tie-breaker."The Subroto Cup final was a pivotal moment in my life," said Gani, the Calicut FC forward, in a recent interview. "I scored seven goals in that tournament, and it made me realize that I wanted to pursue football as a career."Now 26 years old, Gani is eager for more such turning points in his life. With three goals in as many matches in the ongoing Super League Kerala (SLK), he is in fine form and believes that continued success here will help him return to the Indian Super League (ISL) soon."I feel like I'm getting my goal-scoring touch back," said Gani, who has played for several ISL teams, primarily as a winger. "If I get a good offer in the ISL's January transfer window, I will definitely consider it."Gani's football journey began at the age of nine at the Kadathanad Raja FA academy near his home. After five years there, he moved to MSP School, where he honed his skills and developed into a formidable player. Like many players from the Malappuram area, he has also played extensively in sevens football."I played my first sevens match with seniors at 17," explained Gani. "You learn to make quick decisions and improve your decision-making skills because the ground is so small."However, Gani expressed concern about the current state of sevens football in the region. "It's become very rough and violent," he said. "There's a lot of kicking, elbowing, and fighting. It's scary, and you could get injured. I think it's changed a lot in the last couple of years, but I don't understand why because fans enjoy good, clean football."Despite the challenges, Gani remains optimistic about his future in football. He is determined to continue scoring goals and helping his team achieve success. With his talent and dedication, he is confident that he can reach even greater heights in the years to come.

Bengaluru FC (BFC) will face Hyderabad FC in an Indian Super League (ISL) match at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Thursday, aiming to build on their positive start to the season. BFC secured a 1-0 victory over East Bengal in their opening fixture, with Vinith Venkatesh scoring the winning goal.Hyderabad FC, on the other hand, is making its ISL debut and faces a challenging task against BFC. The club has undergone a financial transformation under the ownership of the BC Jindal group, but concerns remain about its on-field performance. Hyderabad FC finished last in the 2023-24 ISL season, recording only one win in 22 matches.Hyderabad FC head coach Thangboi Singto acknowledges the team's need to improve. "We want to build things now, and the next two or three matches will be crucial since a few overseas players are yet to join the team. Once they join us, understand us, and we understand them, we will have a clearer picture of where we want to reach," Singto said.BFC will be looking to improve its head-to-head record against Hyderabad FC, having won only two of their last 10 ISL meetings. The match will be a test of BFC's ability to maintain their momentum and Hyderabad FC's determination to make a strong start to their ISL campaign.

Mohammedan Sporting Club, the newly promoted I-League champions, will make their Indian Super League (ISL) debut on Monday against Durand Cup winners NorthEast United FC at their home ground, the Kishore Bharati Stadium.Mohammedan Sporting, which earned promotion to the ISL after winning the I-League last season, faces a tough challenge against NorthEast United, who finished seventh in the previous campaign.Mohammedan Sporting head coach Andrey Chernyshov expressed his team's ambition to finish in the top six and qualify for the knockout stage. "We understand the strength of this competition and the need to fight in every match and play good football," Chernyshov said.NorthEast United FC, which has won all six of its outings since the start of the season, including the Durand Cup, is brimming with confidence. Head coach Juan Pedro Benali emphasized the importance of consistent performance. "The feeling of winning the Durand Cup was great, but it ends 24 hours later. We are just focusing on the next game now," Benali said.Mohammedan Sporting will rely on the experience of former India international goalkeeper Phurba Lachenpa and defender Pritam Kotal, who has played for ATK Mohun Bagan and Delhi FC in the ISL. NorthEast United FC, on the other hand, will look to their foreign contingent, including Ghanaian midfielder Patrick Kpozo and Spanish forward Iker Guarrotxena, to make an impact.The match promises to be an exciting clash between two teams with contrasting styles. Mohammedan Sporting is known for its attacking flair, while NorthEast United FC is more defensively solid.The ISL is India's premier football league, featuring 11 teams from across the country. The league has attracted several high-profile players and coaches in recent years, including former Manchester United and England defender Wes Brown and former India national team coach Stephen Constantine.

Punjab FC Spoils Kerala Blasters' Thiruvonam Day Celebrations with 2-1 VictoryIn a thrilling Indian Super League (ISL) opener, Punjab FC stunned the home crowd at the Nehru Stadium in Kochi, Kerala, by defeating Kerala Blasters FC 2-1 on Sunday.The match, which was largely a midfield battle for the majority of the game, came to life in the final seven minutes. Slovenian forward Luka Majcen, who came on as a substitute in the 67th minute, proved to be the catalyst for Punjab's victory.With just four minutes remaining, Majcen converted a penalty after Kerala defender Saheef brought down Punjab's Leon Augustine in the box. The goal gave Punjab a crucial lead.However, the Blasters refused to go down without a fight. In the second minute of injury time, seasoned defender Pritam Kotal curled in a beautiful long-ranger from the right, which was headed home by new forward Jesus Nunez. The equalizer sent the home fans into a frenzy.But Punjab had the last laugh. Three minutes later, Majcen delivered a pinpoint cross to Filip Mrzijak on the right. The Croatian forward produced a sliding shot that found the back of the net, securing a dramatic victory for Punjab.The result was a bitter disappointment for the Blasters, who were playing their first match under new head coach Ivan Vukomanovic. The Serbian tactician had made several changes to the team, including the omission of star midfielder Adrian Luna, who was reportedly unwell.Punjab, on the other hand, will be delighted with their start to the season. The victory will give them confidence as they look to improve on their eighth-place finish last year.

Five years ago, Vinith Venkatesh was a mere ballboy, witnessing Bengaluru FC's Indian Super League campaign from the sidelines. On Saturday, he etched his name into the club's history, scoring the match-winning goal in a 1-0 victory over East Bengal FC.Making his debut at the iconic Sree Kanteerava Stadium, the 19-year-old Venkatesh emerged as the hero. In the 25th minute, Edgar Mendez's pinpoint assist found an unmarked Venkatesh inside the box. With a deft first touch and a powerful low strike to the far post, he sent the home crowd into raptures.Senior statesman Sunil Chhetri, a veteran of Indian football, rushed to celebrate with the local lad. Venkatesh, who joined the club academy at the tender age of eight, had come full circle.The match was a scrappy affair, with nearly 12,000 spectators witnessing a physical and cynical encounter. Six players received yellow cards, while East Bengal's Lalchungnunga was sent off for a second booking. Tempers flared at times, forcing referee Crystal John to intervene.East Bengal remained in the hunt for an equalizer, pressing forward with intent. Their best chance came late when substitute Cleiton Silva fired over the crossbar from close range. In the first half, Jeakson Singh tried his luck from long range, but Bengaluru FC goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh was up to the task.Mendez, making his BFC debut, nearly got on the scoresheet with a crisp shot that narrowly missed the target. A few minutes later, Mendez and Venkatesh combined to ensure that Bengaluru FC started its ISL season on a winning note.The result: Bengaluru FC 1 (Venkatesh 25) bt East Bengal FC 0.

Mumbai City FC staged a remarkable comeback in the second half to salvage a 2-2 draw against Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the opening match of the Indian Super League's 11th season at the Salt Lake Stadium on Friday.The hosts enjoyed a dominant first half, with Liston Colaco's ninth-minute goal giving them the lead. Alberto Rodriguez doubled their advantage in the 28th minute, capitalizing on a corner kick.However, Mumbai City turned the tide after the break. Tiri, who had scored an own goal in the first half, redeemed himself by reducing the deficit in the 70th minute. Substitute Thaer Krouma then netted the equalizer in the dying minutes of regulation time, sending the visiting fans into raptures.The result was reminiscent of the Durand Cup final played two weeks prior, where Mohun Bagan squandered a two-goal lead in the first half and eventually lost to NorthEast United FC on penalties.Mumbai City's comeback was a testament to their resilience and determination. Despite trailing by two goals, they refused to give up and fought back valiantly to earn a share of the spoils.Mohun Bagan, on the other hand, will be disappointed to have let slip a two-goal advantage. They were in control for much of the first half but failed to maintain their intensity after the break.The match was a thrilling start to the new Indian Super League season, showcasing the attacking prowess and defensive resilience of both teams.

The Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season kicks off with a blockbuster clash between Mohun Bagan and Mumbai City FC at the iconic Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on Friday, September 13.Mohun Bagan, the reigning ISL Shield winners, will be eager to make a strong start to their title defense. They have a perfect record in ISL season openers, having won both their previous matches against Kerala Blasters FC. However, their record against Mumbai City FC is less impressive, with only one victory in 10 encounters.Mumbai City FC, the ISL Cup winners, have undergone a change in leadership with Lallianzuala Chhangte taking over the captaincy from Rahul Bheke, who has moved to Bengaluru FC. The Islanders will be looking to avenge their defeat to Mohun Bagan in the ISL final last season.Both teams have made significant additions to their squads during the transfer window. Mohun Bagan have signed the likes of Aniket Jadhav, Asish Rai, and Nongdamba Naorem, while Mumbai City FC have brought in Mehtab Singh, Rostyn Griffiths, and Jorge Pereyra Diaz.The match is expected to be a close and exciting affair, with both teams possessing a wealth of talent and experience. Mohun Bagan will be relying on the goalscoring prowess of Hugo Boumous and Liston Colaco, while Mumbai City FC will look to their captain Chhangte and the creativity of Greg Stewart.The match will be telecasted live on Sports 18 and streamed live on Jio Cinema. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM IST.