Football

Mumbai City FC and Chennaiyin FC played out a thrilling 1-1 draw in the 1,000th match of the Indian Super League (ISL) at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai on Saturday.The Marina Machans took the lead in the 60th minute through captain Ryan Edwards' header, but their joy was short-lived as Nathan Rodrigues equalized for the Islanders just three minutes later.The match started with both teams looking to attack, with Mumbai City FC having the first chance in the 19th minute when Yoell van Nieff's long-range effort was saved by Chennaiyin FC goalkeeper Mohammad Nawaz.A minute later, Tiri came close to giving Mumbai City FC the lead with a header from a corner, but his effort went just wide.Nikolaos Karelis also had a chance for Mumbai City FC in the 30th minute, but his shot was blocked by the Chennaiyin FC defense.The second half started with Chennaiyin FC taking the lead through Edwards' header from a Connor Shields cross.However, Mumbai City FC responded quickly, with Rodrigues heading in a Van Nieff corner in the 63rd minute.Both teams had chances to win the match in the remaining minutes, but neither side could find a winning goal.The draw leaves Chennaiyin FC in fourth place in the ISL standings with 12 points, while Mumbai City FC remains in eighth place with 10 points.

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.

The Indian Super League (ISL) kicks off its 11th season on Friday with a highly anticipated clash between last season's finalists Mohun Bagan and Mumbai City FC. This season marks a significant milestone as Kolkata's "Big Three" clubs—Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, and Mohammedan SC—now compete in India's top-tier football competition.Mohammedan SC, the 103-year-old club, joins its city rivals after winning the I-League last season. Mohun Bagan, who merged with ATK in 2020, has been a consistent title contender since joining the ISL, winning the Shield last season but losing the final to Mumbai City FC. East Bengal completed the transition of Kolkata's famous clubs to the ISL, reigniting their century-old rivalry at the highest level.The opener between Mohun Bagan and Mumbai City promises to set the tone for an exciting season. Mohun Bagan has strengthened its attack with Australian star Jamie Maclaren, while Mumbai City has brought in several new faces, including Brandon Fernandes and Nikolaos Karelis.The 2024-25 season promises to be more open and competitive, with NorthEast United FC setting the tone with a thrilling victory in the Durand Cup. Juan Pedro Benali's team, which narrowly missed the playoffs last season, will look to build on their success.The shadow of Anwar Ali's four-month ban and hefty fine will loom large over East Bengal. Mohammedan Sporting faces a tough season ahead due to the departure of key players, but they have bolstered their squad with several new signings.Last season's semifinalists FC Goa will enter with renewed optimism under Manolo Marquez, who will juggle his club duties with his national team job. Chennaiyin FC and Bengaluru FC will also push to challenge for playoff success, while Sergio Lobera's Odisha FC will look to add to their Super Cup title.Kerala Blasters may struggle due to a weakened squad, while all eyes will be on Indian coach Khalid Jamil at Jamshedpur FC. Hyderabad FC, who endured financial instability in the build-up to the season, will face an uphill task.

The Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season is set to kick off with a thrilling clash between Shield winners Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Cup winners Mumbai City FC on September 13 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata. This blockbuster encounter will be a rematch of last season's final.The ISL has announced the fixtures for the first 84 matches of the season, which will run until the end of the year. The opening weekend will also feature Chennaiyin FC traveling to Odisha FC, while Bengaluru FC will take on East Bengal FC in the first double-header of the season on September 14. Kerala Blasters FC will host Punjab FC the following day at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi.Hyderabad FC will begin their campaign with an away fixture at Bengaluru FC on September 19, subject to their clearance of the AIFF Club Licensing. This season of the ISL will witness the addition of I-League champions Mohammedan Sporting Club, who will kick-start their campaign against NorthEast United FC at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on September 16.With the entry of Mohammedan Sporting, the ISL will now feature the three most storied football clubs from Kolkata: Mohun Bagan Super Giant, East Bengal FC, and Mohammedan Sporting Club. This will result in six high-intensity Kolkata derbies throughout the season. The first two Kolkata derbies are scheduled for October: Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs Mohammedan FC on October 5 and East Bengal FC vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant on October 19.Mohun Bagan Super Giant won the ISL League Shield in the 2023-24 season, while Mumbai City FC emerged victorious in the ISL final after a knockout round. The upcoming season promises to be equally exciting, with 13 teams competing for the coveted trophy.

Punjab FC emerged victorious in their final Group C match of the 133rd Durand Cup, defeating Mumbai City FC 3-0 at the Kishore Bharati Stadium on Sunday. The win propelled Punjab FC to the top of the group standings, while Mumbai City FC, fielding a young reserve team, finished without a point.Norwegian forward Mushaga Bakenga was the star of the show for Punjab FC, scoring twice, including a crucial penalty in injury time. Croatian midfielder Filip Mrzljak also found the net for the winning side.The match began with Punjab FC dominating possession and creating several chances. However, Mumbai City FC's young defenders held firm, preventing the Shers from finding the breakthrough.As the first half progressed, Mumbai City FC grew into the game and began to threaten Punjab FC's goal. However, the Shers' defense remained resolute, and the teams went into the break with the score still 0-0.The second half saw Punjab FC continue to press for the opening goal. Their efforts were rewarded in the 62nd minute when Bakenga broke the deadlock with a clinical finish.Mumbai City FC responded well to the setback and pushed for an equalizer. However, Punjab FC's defense held strong, and the Shers doubled their lead in the 90th minute through Mrzljak.In the dying moments of the match, Mumbai City FC conceded a penalty, which Bakenga converted to seal the victory for Punjab FC.The win sees Punjab FC finish their group league engagements tied with Kerala Blasters on seven points. However, Kerala Blasters took the top spot in the final standings for having a superior goal difference. Punjab FC remains the best second-placed team currently in the tournament and will now have to wait for the results of the other matches to confirm its place in the knockouts.

Kerala Blasters FC unleashed their attacking prowess, crushing Mumbai City FC 8-0 in a Group C league match of the 133rd Durand Cup football tournament at the Kishore Bharati Stadium. The Blasters' Moroccan forward Noah Sadaoui and Ghanaian striker Kwame Peprah led the goal-scoring spree, each netting a hat-trick.Sadaoui opened the scoring in the 31st minute, giving Kerala an early advantage. Peprah doubled the lead just seven minutes later, and the Blasters continued to dominate the match. Sadaoui struck again in the 50th minute, extending the lead to 3-0.Peprah scored his second goal in the 38th minute, followed by another in the 45th minute, completing his hat-trick before halftime. The Blasters' relentless attack continued in the second half, with Sadaoui completing his hat-trick in the 76th minute.Mumbai City FC, fielding its reserve team, struggled to contain the Blasters' offensive onslaught. Ishan Pandita, who came on as a late substitute for Peprah, added two quick goals in the 86th and 87th minutes, sealing the massive victory for Kerala.The result marked a resounding triumph for the Blasters, who showcased their attacking capabilities and defensive solidity. Mumbai City FC, on the other hand, will need to regroup and improve their performance in the remaining matches of the tournament.

Mumbai City FC emerged victorious in the Indian Super League (ISL) final, defeating Mohun Bagan Super Giant 3-1 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata. The triumph marked Mumbai City's second ISL title, having previously won in 2020-21.The first half saw Mohun Bagan take the lead through Jason Cummings' goal just before the break. However, Mumbai City rallied in the second half, with Pereyra Diaz equalizing in the 53rd minute. The momentum shifted in Mumbai City's favor, and Bipin Singh gave them the lead in the 81st minute. Jakub Vojtus sealed the victory for Mumbai City in injury time.Mumbai City dominated possession throughout the match, enjoying 66% of the ball. They created several chances in the first half but failed to capitalize. After the break, they showed greater incisiveness and determination, breaking down Mohun Bagan's defense.Mohun Bagan, the home favorite, started the match brightly but faded after the equalizer. They struggled to create clear-cut chances and were unable to match Mumbai City's intensity in the second half.The victory was a testament to Mumbai City's resilience and tactical adaptability. They overcame a slow start and showed their class in the second half. The title triumph is a significant achievement for the club, which has established itself as a force in Indian football.

In the twilight of a coaching career spanning four continents and 34 years, Antonio Lopez Habas has found a fitting finale in India. The 66-year-old Mohun Bagan Super Giant coach is now one game away from completing a remarkable season, with the ISL trophy within reach.Standing between Mohun Bagan and glory is Mumbai City FC, a team that has matched their brilliance throughout the season. Both teams topped the league standings with identical points, wins, goals, and clean sheets. Mumbai City FC boasts the league's tightest defense, but Mohun Bagan breached it in their final league encounter to secure the league shield.Both teams have overcome adversity this season. Mumbai City FC seamlessly transitioned under Petr Kratky after Des Buckingham's departure, while Mohun Bagan found renewed belief under Habas after a string of losses led to Juan Ferrando's sacking.The finalists shared 2-1 wins in the league phase, and both have a player suspended for the final. Mohun Bagan will miss Armando Sadiku, while Mumbai City FC will be without Yoëll van Nieff and possibly Akash Mishra.Mumbai City FC has relied heavily on Indian talent this season, with Vikram Partap Singh and Lallianzula Chhangte leading the charge. Chhangte's versatility and ability to play centrally pose a significant threat to Mohun Bagan's defense.Mohun Bagan's attack is spearheaded by Petratos, Cummings, and Sadiku, but Manvir Singh, Colaco, and Samad have also contributed crucial goals. Joni Kauko has been the anchor in midfield since his return from injury."There are no favorites in a final," said Habas. "We have a good team, but I am confident we have the team to match them," added Kratky.The final will be played in front of a partisan crowd of over 60,000 Mohun Bagan fans at the Salt Lake stadium. Mumbai City FC is prepared for the atmosphere, having played in the Durand Cup and the away league game at the same venue.The stage is set for a thrilling encounter between two evenly matched teams. The ISL trophy awaits, and both Mohun Bagan and Mumbai City FC will give it their all to etch their names in history.