Football

Manchester United's beleaguered manager Erik ten Hag breathed a sigh of relief as his team secured a much-needed 3-0 victory over Southampton at St. Mary's Stadium. The win, United's second of the season, eased the pressure on Ten Hag, who had come under intense scrutiny following back-to-back defeats to Brighton and Liverpool.The match started with Southampton dominating possession and creating several early chances. However, United goalkeeper Andre Onana proved to be a formidable barrier, saving a penalty from Cameron Archer in the 15th minute. This crucial save proved to be a turning point in the game, as United seized the momentum and took control of the match.Just two minutes after Onana's heroics, Matthijs de Ligt opened the scoring for United. The Dutch defender, who had endured a difficult week with the Netherlands national team, rose above the Southampton defense to head home a Bruno Fernandes cross. Marcus Rashford doubled United's lead in the 41st minute with a curling strike from outside the box, ending his six-month goal drought.Southampton's woes deepened in the second half when captain Jack Stephens was sent off for a reckless challenge on Alejandro Garnacho. The Argentine winger then added insult to injury by scoring United's third goal in stoppage time, sealing the victory for the visitors.The win lifted United to eighth in the Premier League standings, while Southampton remained without a point after four games. Ten Hag's team will now face Leicester City at home on Thursday, while Southampton will travel to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.

Odisha FC is gearing up for a challenging start to its Indian Super League campaign as it faces two-time champion Chennaiyin FC in its season opener on Saturday, September 14, 2024.Sergio Lobera's team will be eager to make a strong start to the season, but Chennaiyin has proven to be a formidable opponent in the past. The two teams have faced off 10 times in the league since 2019, with each side claiming three victories and sharing the spoils on the remaining four occasions.Last season, the teams split their encounters, with Odisha securing a comfortable 2-0 win at the Kalinga Stadium thanks to goals from Jerry Mawihmingthanga and Diego Mauricio.Odisha has made several key additions to its squad during the off-season, including Hugo Boumous, Rahim Ali, Rohit Kumar, and Saviour Gama, while Raynier Fernandes returns for his second stint with the club.The team finished fourth in the league campaign last season, losing in the semifinal stage. With four of its first five league fixtures at home this season, coach Lobera will be looking for an early advantage in the title race."We signed some players trying to be stronger, but we are preparing the game as always, being loyal to our style of play," Lobera said.Chennaiyin FC head coach Owen Coyle is also confident in his team's chances. "I think it's more about ourselves, how we have to play, how we have to attack, and how we have to defend," Coyle said.The match promises to be an exciting encounter between two teams with contrasting styles of play. Odisha is known for its possession-based approach, while Chennaiyin is more direct and physical.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has filed a complaint with the Delhi Police, alleging threats to the life and property of its president, Kalyan Chaubey. The complaint was lodged at the Dwarka Sector 23 police station on Thursday, September 15, 2023.According to the complaint, the AIFF office received an anonymous call on September 10, 2023, threatening the safety of Chaubey and his family. The caller allegedly made specific threats to harm Chaubey and his property."Delhi Police has received a complaint at Dwarka Sector 23 police station and are conducting an inquiry," a senior police officer told PTI.The AIFF has been embroiled in controversies in recent months. Former secretary general Shaji Prabhakaran was sacked, and Chaubey has faced accusations of corruption from the federation's former legal head.Chaubey, who was elected as AIFF president in September 2022, has denied the charges.The AIFF's complaint comes amid heightened concerns about the safety of sports officials in India. In recent years, there have been several incidents of violence and threats against sports administrators.The Delhi Police is investigating the complaint and has assured the AIFF of its full cooperation. The federation has also taken steps to enhance security measures at its office and for Chaubey and his family.The AIFF is hopeful that the police will apprehend the individuals responsible for the threats and bring them to justice. The federation is committed to ensuring the safety of its officials and will continue to cooperate with the authorities in their investigation.

Forca Kochi's Super League Kerala campaign got off to a shaky start, but they managed to salvage a point in their second match against Kannur Warriors. The Kochi side had lost their opening match and could not afford another defeat.The match started with Forca Kochi looking the more dangerous side. They created several chances but failed to find the back of the net. Kannur Warriors, on the other hand, were content to sit back and defend.The deadlock was broken in the 18th minute when David Grande scored a bizarre goal for Kannur Warriors. Forca Kochi goalkeeper Subhasish Roy Choudhury's lazy goal-kick hit the back of Grande inside the box and the deflection beat him comfortably.Forca Kochi continued to attack after the goal, but they were unable to find an equalizer. The Warriors defense held firm and kept the Kochi attackers at bay.The second half saw Forca Kochi continue to press for an equalizer. They finally got their reward in the 77th minute when Basanta Singh headed home a cross from Said Nidhal.The goal gave Forca Kochi a much-needed point and moved them up to fourth place in the table. Kannur Warriors remain top of the table with four points from two games.

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.

Kerala Blasters Limit Capacity for ISL Opener Due to Thiruvonam CelebrationsThe Kerala Blasters Football Club announced on Friday that the capacity for its Indian Super League (ISL) opener against Punjab FC at the Nehru Stadium in Kochi on September 15 will be limited to 50%. This decision was made after discussions with relevant stakeholders to support essential services and match-day operations during the Thiruvonam festival, which falls on the same day.Thiruvonam, the harvest festival of Kerala, is one of the most important cultural events in the state. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor, and many people take time off from work and other activities to participate in the festivities.The Kerala Blasters recognized the importance of Thiruvonam and wanted to ensure that the festival could be celebrated without disruption. By limiting the capacity for the ISL opener, the club hopes to minimize the impact on essential services and allow fans to enjoy the festival without having to worry about match-day traffic or other logistical issues.The decision to limit capacity was made in consultation with the Kerala Police, the Kochi Municipal Corporation, and other relevant authorities. The club also took into account the safety and security of fans, as well as the need to maintain a festive atmosphere in the city.The Kerala Blasters are confident that the ISL opener will be a success, despite the limited capacity. The club has a strong fan base in Kochi, and the team is eager to start the season on a positive note.Fans who have already purchased tickets for the match will be contacted by the club and given the option of a refund or a ticket exchange for a future match.

Ivan Vukomanovic's departure from Kerala Blasters left a void in the hearts of the club's passionate fans. The Serbian coach had forged an unbreakable bond with the supporters during his three seasons at the helm, guiding the team to three ISL playoffs appearances.Mikael Stahre, the new head coach, faces the daunting task of filling Vukomanovic's shoes. The Swede is eager to win over the fans and has promised an exciting brand of football. "We'll play good and energetic football, score a lot of goals, and win," Stahre declared at the Nehru Stadium ahead of Blasters' ISL season opener against Punjab FC.Stahre understands the importance of fan support and is determined to create a positive atmosphere at the Nehru Stadium. "I think that's what football fans want in general. They have high expectations, want players to score a lot of goals, see positive football, energetic players, and they also want to see fighters out there. That's my message to the fans... we want to please them."The Blasters' fans have been the team's backbone, consistently filling the Nehru Stadium to capacity. Their unwavering support has played a crucial role in the team's success. However, the fans are also hungry for silverware. With Blasters having come tantalizingly close to the ISL Cup by reaching the final thrice and losing twice in the tiebreaker, the fans are desperate to lift the trophy.While they will expect the inspirational Adrian Luna to continue his magical touch, they will also be eagerly looking at new stars like Moroccan Noah Sadaoui, who won the Golden Boot at the recent Durand Cup, and Spaniard Jesus Jimenez to score goals aplenty.Stahre is confident that he can deliver the success that the Blasters' fans crave. "We want to win trophies. We want to play in Asia. We want to make the fans proud," he said.The new season promises to be an exciting one for Kerala Blasters. With a new coach, new players, and a hungry fan base, the team has all the ingredients for success.

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.

Diego Maradona Negligence Trial Postponed to March 2025An Argentine court has postponed the criminal trial of seven medical professionals accused of negligence in the death of football legend Diego Maradona to March 2025. The trial was initially scheduled to begin next month but has now been rescheduled to start on March 11, 2025.Maradona, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, died in November 2020 at the age of 60 while recovering from brain surgery. He had a history of cocaine and alcohol addiction.The medical professionals facing trial include neurosurgeon Leopoldo Luque, psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov, and six nurses. They are accused of providing "reckless" and "deficient" home treatment to Maradona.Prosecutors allege that the medical team failed to provide adequate care to Maradona, who was found dead in bed two weeks after undergoing brain surgery. A panel of medical experts concluded that Maradona would have had a better chance of survival if he had received proper treatment in a hospital setting.The medical professionals face prison sentences ranging from eight to 25 years if convicted. One of the nurses, Gisela Dahiana Madrid, has requested a separate jury trial, which is scheduled to begin on October 2, 2023.The postponement of the trial has been met with mixed reactions. Some believe that it is necessary to ensure a fair trial, while others argue that it is a further delay in seeking justice for Maradona's family.