Category: Football

by Abhishek Shukla

Bengaluru FC climb to 6th spot with crucial win against Chennaiyin FC

Bengaluru, 7 February, 2024: Bengaluru FC sealed a 1-0 victory over Chennaiyin FC as the Southern Derby titled in favour of the Blues at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 tonight. A second-half strike by Ryan Williams was enough for Gerard Zaragoza and his side to triumph over the visitors in a clash that they dominated from the offset, and held an upper hand to a greater extent than suggested by the scoreline.

Zaragoza had claimed ahead of the game that he had almost a month’s time to train with this squad after taking over the reins from his predecessor Simon Grayson in December. The tactician hoped that the work put in the practice sessions would reflect on the field, but all of that expectation was squandered in their 3-1 loss to Punjab FC in New Delhi.

They needed a strong response and got one tonight with the team functioning in coordination and cohesion to build consistent pressure over the Marina Machans. From skipper Sunil Chhetri and Javi Hernandez combining for the former to attempt a shot from a unique set-piece to the latter trying his luck from the edge of the box – the first-half comprised a lot of entertaining action for the supporters at the Kanteerava.

Unfortunately, those efforts weren’t bearing tangible results, and hence the talk in their dressing room must have been to keep doing what they had been doing right so that Coyle’s team could eventually be cracked. Encounters like these are often decided by fine margins and hence it appeared that Scottish striker Connor Shields could swing the game against the momentum when he tested Gurpreet Singh Sandhu from the left hand side of the 18-yard box merely minutes into the second half. However, decisiveness and certain efficiency was lacking in his endeavour, resulting in his team giving away an excellent opportunity to get an early lead.

Bengaluru FC got their act together straightaway, slowly pulling the strings to ensure that their efforts from the opening essay of the game didn’t go to waste. Chhetri and youngster Harsh Patre took a shot each from either side of the box soon afterwards, but the Chennaiyin FC backline got back just in time to avoid trouble. Unfortunately, they could not do so when Williams was set up with a beautiful through ball by Halicharan Narzary through the centre in the 62nd minute. Williams showed remarkable composure to put the ball past Debjit Majumder and prevent Chennaiyin FC from doing the double over Bengaluru FC this season.

Key Performer of the Match

Ryan Williams (Bengaluru FC)

Williams tackled thrice, crossed five times, and created one goal-scoring opportunity, in addition to completing 14 of his 17 attempted passes. However, his calm headedness inside the box was laudable as he beat Majumder with a sweet strike to secure three points for the home team.

What’s next for both teams?

Bengaluru FC will play Jamshedpur FC on February 11, whereas Chennaiyin FC will be clashing against Kerala Blasters FC on February 16 for their forthcoming fixture.

Brief Scores

Bengaluru FC 1 (Ryan Williams 62’) – 0 Chennaiyin FC

Stats Pack:

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by Abhishek Shukla

Sergio Lobera: Like I did in FC Goa, I want to help Odisha FC players to play in the national team

The Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 readies itself for a top of the table clash that will go a long way in determining the eventual League Winners Shield champions of the tenth season of ISL. Odisha FC and FC Goa occupy the first two places respectively in the league at present, and they are set to square off at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on February 9, Friday, at 7:30 pm IST. The two teams are solid contenders to stake a claim for the biggest honours at the end of this campaign and this game can help the Juggernauts, currently at 30 points, to build a reasonable distance with FC Goa (27), despite having played two games more (13) than the Gaurs (11).

It will be an encounter that will bring back a host of memories and emotions for Odisha FC head coach Sergio Lobera, who entered the shores of Indian football with FC Goa in 2017. Over the years, the Spaniard has gone on to record his name as one of the finest tacticians to have graced the ISL, seeing success both with the Gaurs as well as Mumbai City FC.

However, he is one coach whose impact has been felt beyond silverware. Right from his stint with the Gaurs, the Spaniard has helped provide a platform for young Indian players and propel them to achieve the national team call-up.

“We will see big stars coming out of Odisha FC in 4-5 years”

Several players like Brandon Fernandes, Manvir Singh, Lenny Rodrigues, and Mandar Rao Dessai, amongst others began representing the Blue Tigers whilst playing under Lobera at the club level. Similarly, the tactician wants to replicate that pattern with Odisha FC, with players like Isak Vanlalruatfela, Lalthathanga Khawlring, Jerry Mawihmingthanga amongst others taking giant leaps with the Juggernauts in his watch.

“Individuals shine when the team does well. Odisha FC have a number of young players with an amazing future. One of my main jobs is to increase the number of players playing in the national team. I did this in FC Goa. When I went there, they had only one-two players playing in the national team, and then a lot of players went to the national team. This is also my target in Odisha FC,” Lobera said.

He added, “They have a great future, but also a good present, because they need to help us to achieve results, as we are in a professional setup and we need to win. I am very excited with the job we can do with some players in the future. We have young talent and in four-five years, maybe some of these players will be big stars in Indian football.”

Odisha FC and their wealth of attacking riches are reflecting brilliantly in statistics too. Roy Krishna leads the goal-scoring charts with 10 strikes, whereas Diego Mauricio is placed fifth, having netted six times. Goalkeeper Amrinder Singh is tied with his FC Goa counterpart Arshdeep Singh in the Golden Glove race, with both custodians keeping seven clean sheets each. Lobera insists that to strike the right balance between individual and collective objectives is one of his foremost jobs as a coach.

“The main job of a coach is to manage a group to get a good performance. Managing a group means a lot of things, not only about tactical and technical situations, but to do it with different persons and targets, also with individual targets, as everyone wants to win the Golden Boot and similar awards. We need to manage the balance between individual and collective targets,” Lobera said.

“That is the key as a coach. When you work in different countries, customs, and mentalities, you cannot compare Chinese, Moroccan, Spanish, and Indian players. As a coach I learnt a lot about this, because you need to put a lot of effort to get performance from different clubs, people, customs, and persons,” he added.

“Indian youngsters are always keen to learn new things”

Lobera went on to add that he would be a teacher if not a football coach, simply because of the love that he has towards imparting knowledge amongst youngsters. On that note, he has been particularly pleased with his experience of working with budding Indian players. He speaks highly of their grasping power, and their keenness to learn newer aspects of the game. The head coach said that he takes active interest in understanding them on a personal level, as they are emotional beings and whatever occurs in their life off the field has a massive impact on their on-field performances.

“India is a special place to work with Indian players, because they want to learn a lot. They listen to everything that you tell them. It’s important to understand their personal lives. There are families behind these players, and if you get success by doing a good job in clubs, your life can change. As a coach, it’s very important for me to improve the level of players, but it’s also important to help players in their personal lives and situations, because if you want to have a good situation on the pitch, you need to have stability on the pitch too,” Lobera said.

“I like to have players who have a positive outlook towards challenges”

For all his insistence on winning, the ex-Mumbai City FC tactician is equally of the belief that players should take the sport lightly. He does not subscribe to exerting extreme pressure on them, and believes that positive outcomes will be a by-product of them getting the processes right and enjoying the beautiful game. Taking the larger worldview into context, Lobera mentioned that there are bigger problems that the world is grappling with, and that football should be an outlet from those issues and hence encouraged his squad to embrace a positive lens towards life.

“The most important thing for players is that they need to enjoy playing football. Pressure in life is for different things. We are living in a crazy world with problems related to wars and the pandemic. We are privileged people because we are working on our hobbies. When we are going to stadiums, we need to know what a privilege we have to work in this job. There are a lot of problems in life, but we need to be positive. I like to work with people who change problems into challenges without complaints. I think it’s very important to know what kind of people you want to work with,” Lobera signed off.

Both FC Goa and Odisha FC resumed their ISL campaigns with convincing wins against Hyderabad FC. The two teams have climbed up the ISL ladder since appointing Manolo Marquez and Lobera at the helm ahead of this campaign. Both Spaniards have had a tremendous impact in the ISL since arriving in India, and their face-offs have always generated genuine interest amongst fans. A late winner by Jay Gupta had helped FC Goa get the better of Odisha FC in their fixture earlier in this ISL season and Lobera will be keen to make amends to that in Bhubaneswar on Friday.

Where to Watch

Fans across the country can catch the action in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Malayalam. Fans can watch the action on linear channels like Sports18 Khel (Hindi), Sports18 1 HD (English), Sports18 3 SD (English, Hindi, Malayalam and Bengali), VH1 SD & HD (English), Surya Movies (Malayalam), News 18 Kerala (Malayalam – select matches) & DD Bangla (Bengali). Fans can also catch the action streaming Live for free on JioCinema, the home of Indian football. In addition to this, as part of FSDL’s partnership with OneFootball, ISL live streams and highlights of all matches of the upcoming 2023-24 season will be delivered across more than 190 countries.

by Abhishek Shukla

Bengaluru FC, Chennaiyin FC embark on pursuit of a playoff spot with the Southern Derby

Bengaluru, February 06: Bengaluru FC will host Chennaiyin FC at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium as the southern rivals restart their bid to reignite their ambitions of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 season. Kicking off at 7:30 p.m. (IST), this is a fixture that has always excited fans and supporters alike, due to the background significance attached to both the sides. The two sides had clashed in the final in the first campaign that Bengaluru FC competed in the ISL, i.e. 2017-18.

The Marina Machans had gotten the better of them in a thrilling 3-2 clash back then, and since then, this duel has taken many a turn, producing one entertaining encounter after another. However, right now, both sides are in similarly challenging circumstances. The Blues would have hoped for a happy start since the resumption of the season, but they ended up losing 3-1 to Punjab FC.

They ended up squandering a one-goal lead away from home, which will raise concerns for Gerard Zaragoza, especially because the club has invested in strengthening the defence in the winter transfer window through the acquisitions of Nikhil Poojary and Chinglensana Singh. Chennaiyin FC got Mobashir Rahman on loan, but it is widely perceived that they needed more incomings to build upon the first leg of the campaign that saw their team winning 12 points in as many games.

What’s at stake?

Bengaluru FC

Bengaluru FC has made a remarkable statement in the transfer market, and the time has come for the head coach and the whole squad to live up the expectations of the fans as well as the owners. What’s startling to the supporters is that the team that made it to the ISL final last year cannot be struggling to find form, regardless of the departures. They boast of an incredible record against the Marina Machans, having defeated them seven times across the ISL seasons.

Chennaiyin FC

Chennaiyin FC won three matches in the opening leg of the campaign, and one of them was when they beat Bengaluru FC by 2-0 at home. The Marina Machans have in fact never won twice consecutively in this fixture in the past, and Owen Coyle must be aiming to bring curtains down to that run after getting a good month-long time to refine his squad and imprint his coaching style on them.  The coach needs to plug some leakages in the back, having conceded 22 goals in 12 matches, only second behind Hyderabad FC, who have given away 24 strikes.

They have found the back of the net 15 times and are gifted with some really promising forwards in Jordan Murray, Rafael Crivellaro, Connor Shields amongst others. When on song, the trio is capable of running circles around any backline, and the new additions in the Bengaluru FC ranks thus have a task up their hands now. A sense of cohesion has been lacking in their setup off late, with all the departments being unable to click simultaneously. This has resulted in them dropping points when they could get all three of them. Hence, Coyle must be hoping that the start of the second half of the season is a mark of new beginnings for them.

Key Players

Oliver Drost (Bengaluru FC)

Bengaluru FC also roped in 28-year-old Danish forward Oliver Drost to replace the outgoing Curtis Main in the winter transfer market. Drost is a bit of an unknown commodity in the Indian footballing circuit, and that bit of unfamiliarity about him could help him spring a surprise in this crucial fixture. He has played in Denmark for most of his professional career and is deemed to be a quick operator in the final third. The Blues can do with some fresh legs that can trouble the opposition’s backline. He will be hoping to strike a good partnership with key players like Sunil Chhetri and Javi Hernandez, but whether Drost has it in him to be a key architect behind a possible turnaround for Bengaluru FC this year will be closely watched.

Ninthoinganba Meetei (Chennaiyin FC)

Ninthoinganba Meetei has been one of the promising players who have broken through the ranks to really shine under the tutelage of Coyle in Chennaiyin FC this season. He averages 61.7 minutes on the field per game and has netted twice in nine appearances in ISL 2023-24. The 22-year-old limits his involvement in the final third, averages 14 passes every 90 minutes, and has created nine goal-scoring opportunities. He has a burst of pace that comes in handy whilst catching the opposition off-guard inside their penalty box. He is also adept at drawing fouls from dangerous positions, and 75% of his shots have landed on target. There is some efficiency in his gameplay that helps him convert most of the chances that he creates or the ones that come his way. On that note, one can expect him to play an important role at the Kanteerava in the coming game.

Head-to-Head

Played – 14

Bengaluru FC – 7

Chennaiyin FC – 4

Draws – 3

Team Talk

“Of course, you need to change the mood after the loss. When we lost one game, for which we travelled to Delhi, we played at 5:30pm, so everything was fast, and then we came home and the players were tired. We knew we had a game in three days. We need to work with them to change this mood. We forget the last game. We always look to work. Chennaiyin FC is coming and they are in this battle for the sixth position, and I can say that we are hungry, all of us want to fight till the last moment,” Bengaluru FC head coach Gerard Zaragoza said in the pre-match press conference.

“We know we go into the second half of the season with six games at home and four away. It’s a great opportunity for us to make it to the playoffs. We need to make sure that we are in the top-six. Everything is in our own hands. We decide our own fate. We are excited and looking forward to that,” Chennaiyin FC head coach Owen Coyle mentioned prior to the game.

Fans across the country can catch the action in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Malayalam. Fans can watch the action on linear channels like Sports18 Khel (Hindi), Sports18 1 HD (English), Sports18 3 SD (English, Hindi, Malayalam and Bengali), VH1 SD & HD (English), Surya Movies (Malayalam), News 18 Kerala (Malayalam – select matches) & DD Bangla (Bengali). Fans can also catch the action streaming Live for free on JioCinema, the home of Indian football. In addition to this, as part of FSDL’s partnership with OneFootball, ISL live streams and highlights of all matches of the upcoming 2023-24 season will be delivered across more than 190 countries.

Points Table

by Abhishek Shukla

Zaragoza: Bengaluru FC fans are the fire in our veins, we need to bring joy to them

Bengaluru FC head coach Gerard Zaragoza believes that the Blues need to spark a turnaround and play an attractive brand of football primarily to bring happiness back to their beloved supporters. The team is gearing up to host their southern rivals Chennaiyin FC at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on February 7, Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. (IST). Zaragoza shares a special connection with the club, as he was the assistant to Carles Cuadrat when they won the title in 2018-19.

“We need to ensure that fans enjoy the price that they pay for our tickets”

Since then, he has coached in Greece and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), but Zaragoza fondly remembers the sheer passion of the BFC faithful, and his straightforward objective at the moment is to give a memorable experience to the supporters flocking the stands in their home games.

“We are going day by day, match by match, this is a process. The only thing we want to do is to bring joy to our supporters. They are too important for us. They are the fire in our veins. When we are in the changing room and we go outside and listen to them, it’s amazing. The players know that not just the players, even when the other clubs come to the Kanteerava, they know the importance of our supporters. They pay a ticket to come to us, and when they go home, they need to say, ‘We enjoyed today’. This is the most important thing,” Zaragoza said.

Bengaluru FC saw some significant departures in the summer, most important, Udanta Singh and Sandesh Jhingan leaving for FC Goa. That surely took a hit on the club, as acknowledged by former head coach Simon Grayson before he was relieved from his duties. Throughout his career, he has coached in Spain, Georgia, UAE, Qatar, Greece, and India. The Blues are accordingly in a phase of transition this season, and Zaragoza is acknowledging the fact that he cannot burden the team with his demands straightaway. He understands that he needs to spend some time getting the current squad adapted with his ideas, and hence has adopted a pragmatic approach of finding a middle ground that works in the best interests of all stakeholders involved.

“We will see a nice change at BFC in a few months”

“It is something that I have learned from all the countries I have worked in. You need to have the capacity to adapt to the new country, new club, and new players. For me, in my style of life, I have a style of football, and I have these players, and I need to try to arrive in the middle and we have to try to arrive in the middle. That means that the players we have are the best at the moment. We are going to work hard,” Zaragoza said.

“We are on the right wave. We have a lot of young talented players who are knocking at the door and I am sure that we will see a nice change in a few weeks or months,” he added.

There is a sense of familiarity for Zaragoza at Bengaluru FC, primarily because of his former association with the club. Albert Roca is the technical consultant for the Blues, and he naturally had a key role to play in bringing Zaragoza back to the club. He is also in good touch with his former head coach Cuadrat, who is at the helm of East Bengal FC at the moment. He insists that his style of football is concerned with maintaining complete control over the proceedings.

“I know what Albert Roca means for the BFC and the city”

“I know what Albert Roca means for the BFC and the city. We have been friends for a long time. From when I was with Carles, we always said that maybe one day we will work together. We were always in touch, not only about BFC, but about football in general. I am a type of person that likes to have control over everything and in football, of course. I like to take control of the game, it means whether we have the ball or not, we control the situation. But this is a process that needs time to work, and needs the players to understand too,” Zaragoza said.

Whilst the campaign must not have resumed on the best of notes for the Blues, as the head coach said, they must be taking belief and confidence in returning to their base at the Sree Kanteerava. Their clashes against Chennaiyin FC have always produced fireworks, starting from their maiden final encounter in the 2017-18 season, where the Marina Machans triumphed. With both teams in the quest of a much-needed win, one can expect this match to be a terrific entertainer for the fans.

Where to Watch

Fans across the country can catch the action in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Malayalam. Fans can watch the action on linear channels like Sports18 Khel (Hindi), Sports18 1 HD (English), Sports18 3 SD (English, Hindi, Malayalam and Bengali), VH1 SD & HD (English), Surya Movies (Malayalam), News 18 Kerala (Malayalam – select matches) & DD Bangla (Bengali). In addition to this, as part of FSDL’s partnership with OneFootball, ISL live streams and highlights of all matches of the upcoming 2023-24 season will be delivered across more than 190 countries.

by Steve Murphy PL

Foden’s Hat-trick Powers Manchester City Past Brentford

In a captivating Premier League encounter, Phil Foden’s remarkable hat-trick rallied Manchester City to a 3-1 victory over Brentford, narrowing the gap to league leaders Liverpool to just two points. Despite Brentford’s initial lead through Neal Maupay, City’s resilience, spearheaded by Foden’s brilliance, showcased their championship mettle.

Brentford’s lineup saw a single alteration from their previous match, integrating Sergio Reguilon in place of Keane Lewis-Potter. Manchester City welcomed the return of Erling Haaland, marking his first start since early December, alongside other key players such as Kyle Walker, Ruben Dias, and Bernardo Silva.

The match began with City asserting their dominance, though Brentford’s Mark Flekken was outstanding, denying several attempts from City’s attackers. Against the run of play, Maupay’s precision gave Brentford the lead, with Ivan Toney’s physicality crucial in the buildup, although Flekken’s long ball ultimately secured him the assist, marking a rare goalkeeper contribution in the Premier League.

City’s response was immediate, with Haaland nearly equalizing if not for Flekken’s heroics. However, Foden’s persistence paid off just before halftime, exploiting a defensive lapse from Ethan Pinnock to level the scores.

The second half saw Foden continue where he left off, quickly adding to his tally with a header from Kevin De Bruyne’s cross. Despite Brentford’s attempts to rally back, spearheaded by Maupay and Toney, City’s defense held firm.

Foden completed his hat-trick with a composed finish, solidifying City’s win and contributing to a record-breaking Matchweek with 45 goals across the league. This victory marks City’s fifth consecutive win, positioning them as strong contenders in the title race, just two points behind Liverpool.

Brentford’s struggle continues, with this defeat adding to a series of losses that sees them precariously placed above the relegation zone. As Manchester City looks to build on this momentum, Brentford faces the daunting task of regaining form to ensure their Premier League survival.

by Abhishek Shukla

FIFA World Cup 26™ final to be held in New York New Jersey, Mexico City to host historic opening match

FIFA has revealed the match schedule for the FIFA World Cup 26™, with the final to be held in New York New Jersey on Sunday, 19 July 2026 and the opening match featuring the Mexican national team scheduled to be played at the iconic Estadio Azteca Mexico City on Thursday, 11 June 2026.

Like Mexico, the national teams of Canada and the United States will each play their three group-stage matches on home soil. Canada will kick off their campaign in Toronto on Friday, 12 June 2026, while the United States will begin their journey on the same day in Los Angeles.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said: “The most inclusive and impactful FIFA World Cup ever is no longer a dream but a reality that will take shape in the form of 104 matches in 16 state-of-the-art stadiums across Canada, Mexico and the USA. From the opening match at the iconic Estadio Azteca to the spectacular final in New York New Jersey players and fans have been at the core of our extensive planning for this game-changing tournament.”

“I would like to thank our three host countries and 16 Host Cities for the unwavering commitment to staging a FIFA World Cup that will not only set new records but also leave an indelible legacy.”

FIFA Vice-President and Concacaf President Victor Montagliani said: “The FIFA World Cup 26 will be a watershed moment and one that will trigger massive football development in our region and worldwide. While each Host City is unique, they all have something in common – they are passionate about football and cannot wait to welcome the world in June and July 2026.”

The tournament’s innovative match schedule will serve to minimise travel for teams and fans alike, while the number of rest days between fixtures will be maximised. Having been drawn up in consultation with key stakeholders, including national-team coaches and technical directors, the schedule will also increase the prospect of matches being played in the best possible conditions and ensure that fans have shorter travel times when following their teams.

Match pairings and kick-off times will be confirmed following the Final Draw for FIFA World Cup 26, which is expected to take place towards the end of 2025.

FIFA World Cup 26 match schedule – summary:  

  • FIFA World Cup 26 to kick-off at the iconic Estadio Azteca Mexico City on Thursday, 11 June 2026, with the final scheduled for Sunday, 19 July 2026 in New York New Jersey.
  • Toronto, Mexico City, and Los Angeles to host the opening matches of their respective national teams.
  • Canada, Mexico, and the United States guaranteed to play their three group-stage matches on home soil, with Guadalajara, Vancouver, and Seattle also selected to stage host countries’ group-stage matches.
  • Miami to host the bronze final, Dallas and Atlanta to stage the highly anticipated semi-finals, while Dallas will host nine (9) matches – the most of any Host City at the tournament.
  • Innovative match schedule ensures that three days of rest for teams is observed for 103 of the tournament’s 104 matches. Majority of matches to be played in three regionalised zones (east, central and west) to reduce travel for teams and fans.
  • Group stage:
  • First matchday of the tournament to feature two matches, including the tournament curtain-raiser in Mexico City and a match in Guadalajara.
  • Day two to feature two matches involving hosts Canada and the United States respectively.
  • The final four matchdays of the group stage will feature six matches per day. Matches in the same group will be played simultaneously to maintain the integrity of the competition.
  • All other group-stage matchdays will feature four matches per day across four kick-off times.
  • Estadio Azteca Mexico City set to host opening match for the third time, making FIFA World Cup history as the first stadium to do so.
  • Canada will host its first FIFA World Cup, complementing its proud history of hosting top FIFA women’s and youth tournaments, including the successful FIFA Women’s World Cup 2015™.
  • USA to host FIFA World Cup for the second time, following record-setting 1994 edition. USA has also hosted two successful editions of the FIFA Women’s World Cup (1999 and 2003).
  • Fans can pre-register for FIFA World Cup 26 tickets atfifa.com/tickets
  • Pre-registration for information about hospitality packages is available atfifa.com/hospitality
by Abhishek Shukla

Odisha FC scales to the top of the table with an emphatic win over Hyderabad

Odisha FC steamrolled past Hyderabad FC by 3-0 at the Gachibowli Stadium tonight to bring up their fourth consecutive victory in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 season. The Juggernauts’ in-form striking duo Diego Mauricio and Roy Krishna were on the money as the visitors capped off a convincing win to move to the top of the points table, displacing Kerala Blasters FC.



Joao Victor is the sole foreigner starting matches for Hyderabad FC at the moment, and accordingly there is added responsibility in his shoulders to uplift both his performance as well as that of the entire team around him. Unfortunately for them, it was a misplaced pass by him that led to Mauricio pouncing upon the chance and hitting the ball past Gurmeet Singh to open the scoring for Sergio Lobera & Co.

Throughout the game, Odisha FC went about their business with an impeccable sense of assurance. They perhaps expected to take three points from this encounter, and the sheer individual brilliance in their ranks blended with the seamless consistency with which they operate under Lobera came together to ensure that they suffered no hiccups in their pursuit of this victory.



Isak Vanlalruatfela has been one of the most improved domestic stars in Odisha FC this season, and it was a moment of magic by him that helped them double the lead before the halftime break. Receiving the ball en route to his way inside the box, Isak demonstrated some quick feet and some innate composure in the final third to find an unmarked Roy Krishna on the right. The Fijian received the squared up pass, and had no hesitation in merely slotting the ball into the back of the net, adding another feather to the illustrious season that he has had so far.

After Isak, it was Princeton Rebello’s turn to show his prowess. Having spent time with Lobera at FC Goa, Princeton moved to Odisha FC when his former head coach returned to the league. Whilst chances haven’t come across frequently so far, he gave a good account of the strengths that he possesses, dazzling ahead through the centre, charging towards the Hyderabad FC defence before splitting it wide open for an onrushing Mauricio to strike the ball in and get his second goal of the match in the 75th minute.

Key Performer of the Match

Diego Mauricio (Odisha FC)

The Brazilian consciously limited his involvement in the proceedings in the final third. He made only 14 passes, but completed 10 of them, in addition to being extremely efficient whenever opportunities came his way to bag the brace. The clinical show he put on tonight was arguably the biggest differential point between the two opponents here.

What’s next for both teams?

Odisha FC will be squaring off against FC Goa on February 9, whereas Hyderabad FC will play Mohun Bagan Super Giant the following day.

Brief Scores

Odisha FC 3 (Diego Mauricio 27’ 75, Roy Krishna 45+1’) – 0 Hyderabad FC

Stats Pack:

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by Abhishek Shukla

Chennaiyin aims to grab playoffs spot, asserts head coach Coyle ahead of Southern Derby

Chennai, January 5, 2023: Chennaiyin FC are ready to face Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 on Wednesday at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru after a two-week break and head coach Owen Coyle asserted that the team’s sole focus is to qualify for the playoffs.

The Marina Machans had a comfortable 2-0 win when they faced Bengaluru FC previously in the league this season and will look to register another victory in the southern derby. They are currently sitting in ninth position in the points table with a total of 12 points. 

“It’s great to come back fresh and ready to go as we move into the second half of the season. We have six games at home, four away and with a great opportunity to be in the playoffs. Our aim is to make sure that we move to the top six and everything’s in our own hands, we will decide our own fate. So, we are excited and looking forward to the upcoming match against Bengaluru FC,” commented head coach Owen Coyle ahead of the match.

He added, “We’ll look to pick the best team available and go to Bengaluru. We will try to do the double, having already beaten them in Chennai in the league game and we take valuable three points which would take us into the top six straight away. So whatever happens even coming out of the Bangalore game, everything’s in our own hands. Within the club we always feel that we want to be fighting out for playoffs and championships and to do that, you have to get yourself now in that top six and that’s what we have to do.”

Chennaiyin are coming into the game after a break and forward Ninthoinganba Meetei stated that the players worked hard on their finishing in training during the last two weeks.

Ninthoi said, “Actually, the break was really important for us. Two weeks after the Super Cup, we worked really hard and the training went well and we followed the process doing a lot of conditioning and finishing. The team is focused on the upcoming match against Bengaluru FC. In the matches we work really hard but miss the key opportunities, so we worked on it during the break.”

Chennaiyin and Bengaluru have contested 14 matches in the ISL, with the Marina Machans securing victories in four games, while Bengaluru FC emerged triumphant in seven.

The match will begin at 8 PM IST as the fans can watch the action live on Viacom18 and JioCinema.

Head-to-head:

Matches: 14, CFC: 4, BFC: 7, Draw: 3

by Abhishek Shukla

Jamshedpur FC make rapid inroads in standings with a 3-2 comeback win against Mumbai City FC

Mumbai, 4 February, 2024: Jamshedpur FC sprung a surprise by striking thrice in the second half to round off an enthralling 3-2 victory against Mumbai City FC at the Mumbai Football Arena (MFA) in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 tonight.

The Islanders saw their senior stars step up with Tiri and Alberto Noguera finding the back of the net in the 14th and 32nd minute of the game respectively. However, the renewed spirit and belief prevalent in the Red Miners since Khalid Jamil took over as the head coach was evident in the final 45 minutes, with the visitors running circles around the home team and capping off a comeback that will infuse tremendous confidence within them moving ahead in this season.

Tiri and Noguera scored from almost similar passages of play to get Mumbai City FC to a comfortable position at the halftime break. The central defender nodded home from a corner, whereas the Spaniard did the same albeit from a cross by winger Lallianzuala Chhangte. These efforts were essential for their own conviction as well. Tiri will be assuming greater responsibility in the backline due to the departure of Rostyn Griffiths and Noguera finds himself in a similar situation upon his return from a long injury layoff. These goals must have put them in a fairly safe spot.

However, few could have predicted what struck them later on, with Jamil’s pep talk in the break reaping rich dividends for Jamshedpur FC. Firstly, Imran Khan scored in the second consecutive game as he netted in the 56th minute off a rebound that had come to him due to a save made by Phurba Lachenpa against Daniel Chima Chukwu. Imran showed composure in a tight space to slot the ball into the back of the net, which in some ways reflects his growing confidence under the watch of the new head coach.

The visitors made the most of the momentum swaying their way, as Manzorro bagged the equaliser merely four minutes later courtesy of a sweet shot from the edge of the box. To be fair, he was set up with a delightful assist by Reliance Foundation Youth Champs (RFYC) graduate Mohammed Sanan, who has swiftly progressed to become an important member of the first-team in his maiden season of professional football. Manzorro sealed the deal by drilling a spot-kick on the right corner of the net in the 88th minute, which he had earned due to the relentless efforts of striker Daniel Chima Chukwu. The Nigerian was alert and smart to be at the receiving end of the foul, and Manzorro didn’t blink twice before hammering the ball past Lachenpa.

Jamil thus extended his unbeaten record against Mumbai City FC in the ISL, having won and drawn twice in his four face-offs against them in the competition now!

Key Performer of the Match

Jeremy Manzorro (Jamshedpur FC)

Monzorro was an impeccable presence in the advanced midfield position, completing 35 of his 46 attempted passes. His brace was accompanied with two clearances and crosses each. The 32-year-old deserves praise for the assurance with which he converted the spot-kick, and it speaks volumes of his leadership credentials and the ability to perform under pressure, traits that can take Jamshedpur FC a long way in this season.

What’s next for both teams?

Mumbai City FC will face East Bengal FC in Kolkata on February 13 for their next game, whereas Jamshedpur FC will be squaring off against Bengaluru FC at home on February 11 in their forthcoming fixture.

Brief Scores

Jamshedpur FC 3 (Imran Khan 55’, Jeremy Manzorro 59’ 87’) – 2 Mumbai City FC (Tiri 14’, Alberto Noguera 32’)

Stats Pack:

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by Abhishek Shukla

Fresh-faced Hyderabad FC host unstoppable Odisha FC at home

Hyderabad FC will contest the in-form Odisha FC at the Gachibowli Stadium on February 5, Monday, in pursuit of their maiden victory in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24.


This match marks the commencement of the 14th matchweek of the current season of the ISL, with the home side still striving hard to catch hold of the coveted three points. They faced a 2-0 defeat to FC Goa in their previous encounter, with a Carlos Martinez brace depriving them of any point. Joao Victor was the only foreign international starting the game for Hyderabad FC and the situation is such that head coach Thangboi Singto has to make do with the available set of players, most of whom are from the domestic contingent.


Ahead of the fixture against the Gaurs, Singto had tried to look at the positive side of things, saying that this is a remarkable opportunity for him to do something noteworthy amidst the prevailing challenges. He needs to stay true to that perspective even against the Juggernauts, who last lost an ISL fixture back in late October this season. They have developed an impeccable record on the road this season, remaining unbeaten in their last four away games and have also emerged victorious in their previous two games in front of Hyderabad FC.


Moreover, their tendency to overcome difficult in-game circumstances has been one of the cornerstones of their success lately. Even against Kerala Blasters FC, Odisha FC showed impressive resolve to strike twice in the second half, thanks to Roy Krishna, and defeated them to get level on points with the top-placed FC Goa.


What’s at stake?Hyderabad FC
Hyderabad FC has a fairly young squad at its disposal and the coming few games gives them an excellent opportunity to hand a proper account of what they could offer in the Indian top-tier. For starters, they need to find some spark in their attacking patterns, having found the back of the net only once in their last six home matches.


They are currently on a seven-game winless run at the Gachibowli, and a victory against one of the favourites of the title could really help reinvigorate the spirits of the fans who must have lost some hope and belief lately. Such issues are evident at the back too, reflecting in their inability to keep a clean sheet in each of their last 12 fixtures in the league. Overall, the season is not transpiring as they would have liked and there are a host of factors that could be held against them for that. However, the immediate concern must be to shove aside those problems and work towards putting up an inspiring performance in search of the elusive victory.


Odisha FC
The Juggernauts now have equal points as FC Goa (27), but have played two more games (13), as compared to the Gaurs (11). The race for the first place in the standings is expected to go down to the wire with the fixture between FC Goa and Odisha FC playing a pivotal role in that later in the season. However, that’s a long journey to chart and the Juggernauts at this point need to ensure that they maximise whatever opportunity comes their way.
To be fair, they have been on a winning spree off late with the only blip being the Kalinga Super Cup final loss to East Bengal FC. They have progressed admirably well in Asia and the seasoned guard of the squad has stepped up to the challenge more often than not, much like how Krishna did in the previous game. Odisha FC has averaged 10.2 sequences of 10+ passes per game in the current season, which signifies how quickly they have adapted to Lobera’s ideas and playing philosophy. They will be confident and hoping to return with all points possible from Hyderabad.


Key Players


Abdul Rabeeh (Hyderabad FC)


Abdul Rabeeh featured for Hyderabad FC in the opening half of the season too, but his prominence and involvement in matches is set to increase in this leg of ISL 2023-24. He will be playing a slightly more advanced role on the field, and that could perhaps help his offensive instincts to come to the fore in a greater capacity. The 23-year-old has created six goal-scoring opportunities in eight games, intercepting thrice, and recording a 77% passing accuracy. Overall, he has made 29 appearances in the ISL, making 17 passes on an average in every 90 minutes and having notched three assists in total. Rabeeh will be up against a full-strength Odisha FC backline, with robust central defenders and dynamic fullbacks. His ability to work his way around them and influence the proceedings to the best of his abilities will be kept close tabs on.


Hitesh Sharma (Odisha FC)
Hitesh Sharma secured a move to Odisha FC from Hyderabad FC in the January transfer window and he will be hoping that his creative capabilities could be put to the best possible use by Lobera and his team. Hitesh can pack a punch whilst playing behind the striker, as his tenacious work ethic, and the desire to win every loose delivery or second ball helping the team retain and recover possession in dangerous areas higher up on the field. He completes almost three-fourth of his attempted passes, and can take a formidable shot from outside of the 18-yard box. Hitesh ticks the basic fundamentals that one would demand from modern-day midfielders, and Lobera almost specialises in bringing the best out of such Indian players. The second half of ISL 2023-24 promises an exciting journey for the 26-year-old.

Head-to-Head
Played – 9
Odisha FC – 4
Hyderabad FC – 4
Draw – 1

Trivia: Teams coached by Sergio Lobera are yet to concede a goal against Hyderabad FC in the ISL.

Team Talk

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The focus is on the recovery for the team, because we have a young squad at the moment but with the senior players the recovery is important,” Hyderabad FC head coach Thangboi Singto addressed the quick turnaround time between the team’s match against FC Goa and the coming fixture against Odisha FC. 

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“We need to try to find a way to prepare for the game in the best way possible and not try and find excuses. The team is ready. We need to play three games in seven days and it’s not easy with the travel in between and we have to think about the challenges and not about the problems,” Odisha FC head coach Sergio Lobera said in the pre-match press conference.

Where to Watch
Fans across the country can catch the action in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Malayalam. Fans can watch the action on linear channels like Sports18 Khel (Hindi), Sports18 1 HD (English), Sports18 3 SD (English, Hindi, Malayalam and Bengali), VH1 SD & HD (English), Surya Movies (Malayalam), News 18 Kerala (Malayalam – select matches) & DD Bangla (Bengali). Fans can also catch the action streaming Live for free on JioCinema, the home of Indian football. In addition to this, as part of FSDL’s partnership with OneFootball, ISL live streams and highlights of all matches of the upcoming 2023-24 season will be delivered across more than 190 countries.

Point Table

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by Steve Murphy PL

Aston Villa Dazzles with 5-0 Rout of Sheffield United

In a demonstration of attacking prowess and tactical superiority, Aston Villa stormed past Sheffield United with a resounding 5-0 victory, propelling them back into the Premier League’s top four. Ollie Watkins delivered an outstanding performance, netting a goal and providing two assists, underlining his critical role in Villa’s success.

The match, held at Sheffield United’s home ground, saw the hosts struggling to contain Villa’s dynamic forward play. Chris Wilder’s decision to make five changes to his lineup, including handing Mason Holgate his debut, did little to fortify the Blades against a Villa side determined to bounce back from their recent defeat to Newcastle United.

John McGinn opened the scoring with his sixth goal of the season, capitalizing on a rebound from Watkins’ initial attempt that hit the post. Watkins then quickly added to the tally, securing his 11th goal of the campaign with a precise finish. The early goals set the tone for what was to become a difficult evening for Sheffield United.

Leon Bailey and Youri Tielemans further compounded Sheffield’s woes, with Bailey curling a beautiful shot into the net and Tielemans thundering in his first league goal of the season off the crossbar. The first half concluded with Villa firmly in control, leading 4-0.

Any hopes of a Sheffield United comeback were dashed early in the second half when Alex Moreno scored within the first 90 seconds, further extending Villa’s lead. Watkins’ contribution to this goal made him the first player in the Premier League this season to reach double figures for both goals and assists, showcasing his immense contribution to Villa’s campaign.

Despite a brief spell of pressure from Sheffield United, Emiliano Martinez ensured Villa’s clean sheet with a brilliant save to deny Cameron Archer. The Blades saw a late goal from Vinicius Souza disallowed for offside, leaving them without consolation and rooted to the bottom of the table, 10 points from safety.

This victory moves Aston Villa two points clear of Tottenham Hotspur into the top four, reigniting their aspirations for European football next season. Sheffield United, on the other hand, face an uphill battle to escape relegation, with performances needing a significant turnaround to bridge the widening gap to safety.

by Abhishek Shukla

Club spending on international transfer fees reaches all-time record in 2023

  • USD 9.63 billion spent on international transfer fees, an increase of 48.1% compared to 2022, according to Global Transfer Report
  • 2023 also saw a new all-time high number of transfers with a transfer fee (3,279), 14.7% more than in 2022
  • Women’s football continues to grow, with international transfers increasingby more than 20% compared to 2022

FIFA has today published the 2023 edition of the Global Transfer Report, according to which an all-time record of 74,836 cross-border transfers were made in 2023. Some 23,689 (31.7%) of these moves involved professionals (men and women), with the other 51,147 (68.3%) transfers being those of amateurs.

Following falls in spending in both 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, clubs spent a new record high amount on international transfer fees in 2023, with their combined outlay reaching a total of USD 9.63 billion – an increase of 48.1% compared to 2022 and surpassing the former record, set in 2019, by more than USD 2 billion.

The top ten player transfers alone generated more than 10% of the entire amount spent on transfer fees in 2023. Similarly, of the 3,279 transfers that included fees, the top 100 were responsible for more than 45% of all money spent on transfer fees, with English clubs once again topping the list with USD 2.96 billion.

German clubs topped the list for transfer fees received from outgoing transfers with a total of more than USD 1.2 billion. Just as in the previous year, Portuguese clubs completed more incoming transfers than clubs from any other association (1,017). Brazilian clubs, on the other hand, released the highest number of players (1,217).

A total of 1,024 clubs spent money on international transfers in 2023, the first-ever time that more than 1,000 clubs invested in transfer fees for new players from abroad. The number of clubs that received transfer fees, 1,241, was also another new high.

Impressive growth of women’s football continues

The impressive growth of women’s professional football also showed no sign of letting up in 2023, with more than 20% more transfers last year compared to 2022. The number of clubs involved in international transfers also rose from 507 in 2022 to 623 in 2023, a 22.9% increase.

All of these numbers reflect the huge strides being taken in the women’s game, with more and more female players turning professional. Some 1,888 international transfers of professional players were recorded in 2023, while a new high of 131 associations (+7.4% compared to 2022) were involved in these transfers.

International transfers of amateurs

In 2023, more than 50,000 amateur players moved across borders to join a club in a new association. Some 91.7% of these players were male. The global reach of amateur football is striking as 207 of FIFA’s 211 member associations were involved in at least one amateur transfer last year. The number-one association in terms of the number of incoming amateur transfers was Germany with a total of 7,825.

The Global Transfer Report 2023 also includes analyses on player nationalities, ages and movement between confederations and associations, in addition to the list of top transfers in both the men’s and women’s game.

by Abhishek Shukla

FIFA Delegation to Evaluate 2027 Women’s World Cup Bids

In a significant development in the football world, FIFA is gearing up to scrutinize the bids for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™. Starting from 30 January, a special FIFA delegation will commence inspection visits to the member associations that are in the race to host this prestigious tournament. This meticulous process involves evaluating the technical proposals and women’s football development plans outlined in their bid books.

The evaluation journey will kick off with a joint submission by the Royal Belgian Football Association, the German Football Association, and the Royal Netherlands Football Association, scheduled from 30 January to 2 February. Subsequently, the delegation will visit the Brazilian Football Association from 20 to 23 February, followed by a joint inspection of the Mexican Football Association and the U.S. Soccer Federation from 26 to 29 February.

These inspection visits are crucial for FIFA’s comprehensive assessment process, allowing the delegation to examine specific locations agreed upon with the bid committees. Additionally, these visits will enable detailed discussions on the technical aspects and the ambitious plans for fostering women’s football in the bidding countries.

The outcomes of these inspections will be integral to the Bid Evaluation Report, which FIFA plans to publish on its official website in May 2024. The final decision, marking a pivotal moment for women’s football, will be made through an open vote by the FIFA Congress in Bangkok, Thailand, on 17 May 2024.

This process underscores FIFA’s commitment to transparency and thoroughness in selecting the host(s) for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™. The chosen host(s) will have the honor of building upon the legacy of the groundbreaking 2023 edition, which set new records in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, further propelling the global growth and popularity of women’s football.

by Abhishek Shukla

Jahanbakhsh Penalty Seals Dramatic Comeback for Iran Against Japan in AFC Asian Cup Quarterfinals

In a thrilling AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ quarterfinal clash at Education City Stadium, the Islamic Republic of Iran staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Japan 2-1, with Alireza Jahanbakhsh converting a crucial late penalty. This victory avenged their semi-final loss to Japan in the previous edition and propelled Iran into the semi-finals.

Japan had taken the lead in the first half, looking poised to replicate their previous victory over Iran. However, Iran’s resilience shone through in the second half with goals from Mohammad Mohebi and Jahanbakhsh overturning the deficit.

The match started with high intensity, with Jahanbakhsh, wearing the captain’s armband in Ehsan Hajsafi’s absence, nearly giving Iran the lead early on. His attempt, however, narrowly missed the target. Japan responded with a goal from Hidemasa Morita, who navigated through Iranian defense to place the ball past goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand.

Despite trailing, Iran maintained their composure and pushed for an equalizer. Their efforts paid off nine minutes into the second half when Mohebi capitalized on a through pass from Sardar Azmoun, calmly slotting the ball into the net to level the scores.

Iran continued to press, and Azmoun thought he had given Iran the lead, but his effort was disallowed for offside. As the match seemed destined for extra time, Iran was awarded a penalty in the dying minutes. Jahanbakhsh took the responsibility and expertly converted the spot-kick, securing a memorable win for Team Melli.

This victory not only showcases Iran’s determination and skill but also sets up an intriguing semi-final match, keeping their hopes alive for their first AFC Asian Cup title since 1976. Japan, on the other hand, will reflect on what could have been as they bow out of the tournament, unable to repeat their success from the previous edition.

by Abhishek Shukla

Newcastle and Luton Town Battle to a Spectacular 4-4 Draw

In an electrifying display of football, Newcastle United and Luton Town fought to an unforgettable 4-4 draw at St James’ Park, showcasing the unpredictable nature of the Premier League. This high-scoring affair had everything from a fast-paced start, a comeback, and a late equalizer, encapsulating the essence of a breathless encounter.

Sean Longstaff emerged as an early hero for Newcastle, putting the Magpies ahead twice in the first half with his clinical finishes, capitalizing on swift counter-attacks. However, Luton Town, undeterred by the raucous home support, demonstrated resilience and tactical acumen to claw their way back into the game, with Gabriel Osho and Ross Barkley restoring parity before halftime.

The second half saw the Hatters take control, with Carlton Morris converting a penalty and Elijah Adebayo extending their lead, showcasing Luton’s lethal efficiency on the break. At 4-2 down, Newcastle faced an uphill battle to salvage something from the game.

However, the Magpies showed their class and fighting spirit, with Kieran Trippier and Harvey Barnes scoring two quick goals to level the match. Trippier’s volley and Barnes’ long-range effort electrified the St James’ Park crowd, turning the game into a memorable spectacle.

Despite numerous chances for both teams to find a winner, including a golden opportunity missed by Jacob Murphy in the dying minutes, the match ended level, reflecting the competitive spirit and attacking quality of both sides.

This result sees Newcastle settle in ninth place, while Luton Town’s valiant performance lifts them to 16th, giving both teams vital points in their respective campaigns. The match will be remembered not only for its scoreline but also for the display of tenacity, skill, and the sheer unpredictability that makes the Premier League one of the most exciting leagues in the world.

by Abhishek Shukla

Fofana’s Late Heroics Snatch Draw for Burnley Against Fulham

In a dramatic turn of events at Turf Moor, substitute David Datro Fofana’s late double salvaged a 2-2 draw for Burnley against Fulham, injecting a vital spark into their relegation survival efforts and denying the visitors a much-needed away victory.

Fulham, seeking to end a 10-match winless streak on the road, seemed poised to break the curse as Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Muniz put them ahead with well-executed goals. Palhinha’s opener, a smart finish from an Andreas Pereira corner, and Muniz’s cool lob over James Trafford, highlighted Fulham’s strategic prowess in exploiting Burnley’s defensive gaps.

Despite Fulham’s dominance and several chances to extend their lead, Burnley, under Vincent Kompany’s guidance, refused to capitulate. The introduction of Fofana and other deadline-day signings shifted the momentum in Burnley’s favor. Fofana’s impact was immediate and decisive, showcasing his ability to be in the right place at the right time.

The Chelsea loanee’s first goal, a header from Lorenz Assignon’s cross, ignited hopes of a comeback. His second, a crucial poke past Bernd Leno in stoppage time, completed a remarkable turnaround for the Clarets. This late resurgence was a testament to Burnley’s fighting spirit and resilience under pressure.

Fulham, despite their early control and numerous opportunities to seal the game, will rue missed chances and the lapse in concentration that allowed Burnley to claw their way back into the match. Marco Silva’s side showed promise but ultimately failed to convert their superiority into three points.

This result leaves Burnley in 19th place, still deep in the relegation mire but with renewed hope following Fofana’s heroics. Fulham, on the other hand, sits in 12th place, a position that reflects their inconsistent season.

For Burnley, the draw represents more than just a point; it’s a morale booster in their fight for Premier League survival. For Fulham, it’s a missed opportunity to climb further away from the relegation zone and solidify their mid-table standing. As the season progresses, both teams will look back on this match as a pivotal moment in their respective campaigns.

by Abhishek Shukla

Brighton Shines with Dominant Win Over Crystal Palace

Brighton & Hove Albion emphatically returned to winning ways, securing their first Premier League victory of 2024 with a 4-1 triumph over Crystal Palace at the Amex Stadium. The win, marked by a series of dazzling performances and a stunning strike from Joao Pedro, propelled the Seagulls to seventh in the league standings.

The match began with Brighton asserting their dominance early on, as Lewis Dunk headed home from a Pascal Gross corner just three minutes into the game. This early goal set the tone for Brighton, who were keen to make amends following a 4-0 defeat at Luton Town earlier in the week. Roberto De Zerbi’s side, showing five changes from that loss, looked rejuvenated and determined.

Crystal Palace, despite coming off a midweek win, struggled to find their rhythm. Their situation worsened when Michael Olise, a half-time substitute, had to leave the field injured shortly after coming on, summing up a day of frustrations for the Eagles.

Brighton capitalized on their opportunities with ruthless efficiency. Jack Hinshelwood and Facundo Buonanotte added to the scoreline with goals that showcased the team’s attacking prowess and ability to exploit their opponent’s vulnerabilities. Buonanotte’s goal, in particular, was a highlight, curling a beautiful shot beyond Dean Henderson’s reach.

Palace’s momentary spark of hope was ignited by Jean-Philippe Mateta, who headed in from a Joachim Andersen cross. However, any aspirations of a comeback were swiftly extinguished by Joao Pedro’s exquisite finish, following a neat exchange with Danny Welbeck. This goal sealed the victory for Brighton, underscoring their superior play and tactical execution.

The match also saw Brighton’s head coach, De Zerbi, receive his third yellow card of the season, resulting in a suspension for the upcoming fixture against Tottenham Hotspur. This disciplinary issue did little to dampen the spirits of a Brighton side that looked cohesive, confident, and creative throughout the match.

For Crystal Palace, this result is a setback, leaving them in 14th place with 24 points. The Eagles will need to regroup and address their vulnerabilities if they are to climb the table and avoid getting dragged into a relegation battle.

Brighton’s victory is a testament to their resilience and ability to bounce back from adversity. With this win, they have not only ended their goal drought but also reignited their campaign, moving up to a position that reflects their ambitions and capabilities within the Premier League.

by Abhishek Shukla

Branthwaite’s Late Heroics Salvage Point for Everton in Thrilling Draw with Spurs

In an electrifying Premier League encounter at Goodison Park, Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite emerged as the unlikely hero, securing a crucial 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur with a dramatic stoppage-time goal. This vital point lifted the Toffees momentarily out of the relegation zone, showcasing their resilience against a Spurs side eyeing the top of the table.

Tottenham, propelled by Richarlison’s outstanding performance against his former club, looked set to clinch the victory. The Brazilian forward netted twice, first capitalizing on Destiny Udogie’s assist in the opening minutes and then delivering a stunning strike before the half-time whistle. His efforts temporarily positioned Spurs alongside Premier League giants Manchester City and Arsenal in the standings.

Everton, however, showed commendable spirit and determination. After enduring a goal drought over their previous three league matches, they responded with an equalizer from Anthony Gordon, ending a streak of 49 unsuccessful attempts. The Toffees’ relentless pursuit paid off in the dying moments of the match when Branthwaite capitalized on a defensive lapse, directing the ball past Guglielmo Vicario to secure a draw.

The match was not just a testament to Everton’s fighting spirit but also highlighted individual brilliance on both sides. Richarlison’s double against his old club etched his name into the records, becoming the first ex-Everton player to score in both league fixtures against them in a single season. Meanwhile, Everton’s tactical adjustments and substitutions, including the introduction of Idrissa Gueye and Seamus Coleman’s return, showcased their depth and strategic flexibility.

As the final whistle blew, the outcome had significant implications for both teams. Everton’s brief escape from the relegation scare underscored their ongoing battle for survival, while Tottenham’s missed opportunity to advance in the standings leaves them in a precarious position in their pursuit of league leaders.

Looking ahead, both teams face critical fixtures. Everton’s draw, albeit uplifting, places them back in a tight relegation battle following Luton Town’s dramatic 4-4 draw at Newcastle. Meanwhile, Spurs, now trailing Manchester City and Arsenal, must regroup and refocus as they continue their chase for the top spot in a highly competitive Premier League season.

This match, with its dramatic twists and fervent displays of skill, encapsulates the unpredictable nature of football, where fortunes can change in the blink of an eye, leaving fans and players alike on the edge of their seats until the very end.

by Abhishek Shukla

Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal FC play out a sensational 2-2 draw in the Kolkata Derby

Mohun Bagan Super Giant drew 2-2 to East Bengal FC as the first Kolkata Derby of the 10th season of the Indian Super League (ISL) presented an all-time classic at the Salt Lake Stadium tonight. Antonio Lopez Habas, head coach of the Mariners, had predicted before the game that a match like this could swing different ways in 90 minutes, and so it did with both sides netting once each in either halves to walk away with a point to their names.

East Bengal FC stormed into this clash high on confidence after winning the Kalinga Super Cup, and that was evident in the suddenness with which they got their act running in front of a jam-packed stadium. Fullback Nishu Kumar lobbed in an inch-perfect delivery for Ajay Chhetri inside the 18-yard box and the young midfielder got to the end of the ball and hammered it home with a full stretched leg extension that got the crowd going from the get go in the 3rd minute.

However, Habas had made it a point to reiterate his impeccable derby credentials before the game, saying, “I don’t have the sensation to lose because I’ve never lost against East Bengal.” His players were tasked with standing tall to that reputation tonight and they took the first step towards that courtesy of a clinical finish by striker Armando Sadiku in the 17th minute of the game. The goal should actually be a tribute to the fine finesse and skillsets of Brendan Hamill, who carved in a delightful delivery that Sadiku broke no sweat in converting to draw the scores level.

The Red & Gold Brigade were in no mood to step back though, and Hamill’s substitution due to an injury in the 52nd minute opened gateways for them. As Glan Martins was settling into the game, Carles Cuadrat’s side stepped up the ante, with Naorem Mahesh Singh earning a foul off Deepak Tangri in the 55th minute. Captain Cleiton Silva stepped up for spot-kick duties and pulled off a breathtaking panenka that caught Vishal Kaith completely off-guard. The proceedings thereafter suggested that Cuadrat’s side was well on course to rounding off their third Kolkata Derby win of the season, after beating the arch-rivals once each in the Durand Cup and the Super Cup.

Thankfully for Habas, Sahal Abdul Samad came to the rescue, showing a relentless attitude to make something out of the countless loose balls he encountered inside the box as the full-time whistle neared. After a tremendous passage of play that saw him struggling to recover possession, Sahal squared up a pass for Dimitrios Petratos in the 88th minute, and the forward completed the incomplete task by depositing the ball into the back of the net.

Key Performer of the Match

Dimitrios Petratos (Mohun Bagan Super Giant)

In addition to converting arguably the most important chance of the game, Petratos completed 23 out of his 30 passes, and created three goal-scoring opportunities for his team. He earned two fouls, played the perfect foil to Sadiku, but it was his razor sharp focus and supreme finishing skills that ensured that Mohun Bagan Super Giant didn’t walk away from this game empty handed.

What’s next for both teams?

Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal FC will face Hyderabad FC and NorthEast United FC for their respective next fixtures on February 10.

Brief Scores

Mohun Bagan Super Giant 2 (Armando Sadiku 17’, Dimitrios Petratos 87’) – 2 (Ajay Chhetri 3’, Cleiton Silva 55’) East Bengal FC

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by Abhishek Shukla

Punjab FC produces an inspired entertainer to beat Bengaluru FC 3-1

Punjab FC roared to success with a convincing 3-1 win over Bengaluru FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi this evening to bag their second victory in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 season. Goals came in thick and fast in a fixture that produced end-to-end, exciting action, much like what had transpired when the two teams squared off in the Garden City earlier in this campaign.

Opening the scoring was Bengaluru FC skipper Sunil Chhetri, whose pass unlocked Naorem Roshan Singh on the left flank. The seasoned talisman sprinted admirably well to get to the end of the cross by Roshan, and beat an aerial challenge by Greek centre-back Dimitris Chatziisaias to nod the ball into the back of the net.

The Blues were naturally expected to make the most of this early advantage, but the game slipped away from their hands courtesy of a seamless offensive performance by Punjab FC and their bolstered attacking contingent. The league debutants responded with a picture perfect replica of the goal scored by Chhetri, albeit from the opposite flank. Fullback Tekcham Abhishek Singh whipped in a cross for former NorthEast United FC forward Wimar Jordan Gil, who demonstrated laudable aerial prowess to leap forward and hammer the ball in through his head to draw the scores level.

Bengaluru FC has taken a conscious effort to strengthen their defence in the winter transfer window, but conceding thrice on an away turf isn’t the most ideal of starts to their activities in the January market.

Luka Majcen was a terrific presence in the Punjab FC frontline throughout the game, using his strong frame and quick burst of pace to breach past the Bengaluru FC backline and discover opportunities. One of his efforts was saved by Gurpreet Singh Sandhu in the 41st minute, but the Slovenian didn’t break a sweat in rounding off a counter attack initiated by Madih Talal in the 71st minute of the game. Talal showed good feet to lay out a terrific pass for Majcen and the striker strolled past the disoriented backline to receive and then strike the ball successfully past Sandhu.

After settling one goal, Talal decided to add another one to his tally by jumping upon a defensive error by Aleksandar Jovanović and storming into the box in his carefree demeanour to chip the ball over Sandhu and seal the deal for the home team. Chhetri had a chance to bring the game back on level terms after Majcen’s strikethrough. Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC) graduate Chingambam Shivaldo Singh curled in a peach of a cross for his captain from the right flank, but Chhetri was unable to keep his headed shot on target, thus allowing Punjab FC to secure the three points lock, stock, and barrel, after Talal’s goal.

Key Performer of the Match

Madih Talal (Punjab FC)

The attacking midfielder was the architect of their previous win against Chennaiyin FC, and he rose to the occasion again tonight by recording a goal and an assist to his name. Impressively, he completed 94% of his 35 passes, made two crosses, and created four goal-scoring opportunities to deliver a highly impactful individual performance.

What’s next for both teams?

Punjab FC will next play Kerala Blasters FC on February 12, whereas Bengaluru FC will host Chennaiyin FC on February 7.

Brief Scores

Punjab FC 3 (Wimar Jordan Gil 23’, Luka Majcen 71’, Madih Talal 77’) – 1 Bengaluru FC (Sunil Chhetri 15’)    

Stats Pack:

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by Abhishek Shukla

Mumbai City FC complete signing of Syrian International Thaer Krouma

Mumbai, 2 February 2023: Mumbai City FC are delighted to announce the arrival of defender Thaer Krouma. The Syrian international joins the Islanders on a short-term contract until the end of the 2023-24 season.

The experienced centre-back has played most of his football in his home country of Syria. In addition to this, he has also plied his trade in the top flight divisions of Iraq, Lebanon and Bahrain. Most recently, Krouma turned out for defending Syrian Premier League champions Al Fotuwa SC and represented the Syrian club in continental competitions as well, having participated in the 2023-24 AFC Cup.

The 33-year-old defender has over 30 caps for the Syrian Men’s National Football Team and recently represented his country at the ongoing 2023 AFC Asian Cup in Qatar, playing every minute of Syria’s memorable campaign. Krouma was a part of the Syrian defence that only conceded two goals in the entire tournament before their penalty shootout defeat to Iran in the Round of 16.

Krouma will join the Islanders’ camp in Mumbai in the coming days and will wear the number 35 shirt for Mumbai City.

Thaer Krouma said:

“Joining Mumbai City and coming to India is a very exciting prospect for me and I want to thank the club for making me a part of this project. The ISL has a great profile in Asia and so does Indian football. I recently had the pleasure of playing against India at the AFC Asian Cup and the growing quality of Indian players and clubs is for everyone to see. I’m delighted and excited to start my journey with one of India’s biggest clubs, and I can’t wait to get going with my teammates and our fans.”

Petr Kratky, Head Coach – Mumbai City, said:

“In Thaer, we are bringing in an experienced and a solid defender. He had a very good AFC Asian Cup campaign with Syria and his performances speak for themselves. He not only brings plenty of international pedigree but also great experience of club football across Asia. Thaer has demonstrated his abilities at the highest level and we are confident that he will form an important part of our group in the second half of the season. We are excited to welcome him to our squad and I look forward to working with him.”

by Abhishek Shukla

Mumbai City FC looks to overcome significant departures against rejuvenated Jamshedpur FC

Mumbai City FC and Jamshedpur FC will square off in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 at the Mumbai Football Arena (MFA) on February 4, Sunday at 7:30 p.m. (IST). This game will mark the return of Khalid Jamil with his first game for JFC in Mumbai, the place that propelled him to coaching success back when he coached Mumbai FC in the I-League.

Jamil has had a terrific impact on the Red Miners since he replaced Scott Cooper at the helm. He spearheaded them to the semi-final of the Kalinga Super Cup, which is a remarkable feat given that they have won only twice and lost seven times in their 13 league encounters so far.

They sealed a 1-1 draw against NorthEast United FC on Wednesday, but will want to go one step ahead and inflict a loss upon the Islanders in their own backyard. Mumbai City FC have endured an exciting campaign in their bid to defend their League Winners Shield title. They lost all their games in the AFC Champions League, suffered a series of unconvincing results given the quality of their squad, and saw the departure of their head coach Des Buckingham to Oxford United FC.

They went into the break with a terrific victory against Chennaiyin FC at home, and will wish to pick up from there against Jamshedpur FC, whose fortunes have been on the rise in the last month or so.

However, the Islanders have been dealt with major blows in the winter transfer window, with key players like Greg Stewart, Abdenasser El Khayati, and Rostyn Griffiths leaving the club. Head coach Petr Kratky has been served a challenge straightaway upon his arrival, and how he works his way around them will go a long way in deciding his credentials at the City Football Group (CFG) owned outfit.

What’s at stake?

Mumbai City FC

Regardless of the numerous key departures this season, the Islanders have to fight till the end to not slip away from their pursuit of challenging for the top honours on the domestic front.

At this stage, it appears that the trio of Kerala Blasters FC, Odisha FC, and FC Goa have somehow beaten the Islanders in terms of points as well as performances. However, Mumbai City FC are defending the shield for a reason and they are well aware of the measures that they must take to overtake the aforementioned set of teams to attain their objectives.

They are often a difficult team to beat at home, and are arguably better placed in terms of the quality present in their ranks vis-à-vis Jamshedpur FC. Interestingly, they have never won consecutive matches against the Red Miners in the ISL. However, they have not been defeated at the MFA even once in this ISL campaign, and Kratky will be hoping to extend that record when his men take the field on Sunday evening.

Jamshedpur FC

Jamshedpur FC has been a recharged unit since Jamil’s appointment, with the tactician arguably setting them up in a way that optimises their strength. Whilst Cooper’s philosophy was broadly focused on playing a possession-based brand of football, Jamil stresses on a strengthened backline supported by industrious midfielders and quick wingers. He has a striker in Daniel Chima Chukwu, who can be a threat in the air and equally skilful with his feet inside the box.

Moreover, Jamil is perhaps better placed to optimise the qualities of his domestic contingent, which is reflected in the growing confidence of Imran Khan with which he found the back of the net against the Highlanders. Overall, he has given an impression that he understands what this squad can offer him and is working towards ensuring that they get the expected results regardless of the opposition they are facing.

Key Players

Yoell van Nieff (Mumbai City FC)

The Dutch defensive midfielder will have added responsibility to shoulder the responsibilities of the defensive unit in the absence of Griffiths. Van Nieff has made eight appearances in ISL 2023-24, recording an 82% passing accuracy, making seven interceptions, and earning 14 fouls. He has created a goal-scoring opportunity in every game, which suggests that he is constantly looking for avenues to breach the opposition’s defensive line.

It is possible that he could be pegged in a deeper role to make up for Griffiths, and whether that negatively impacts his forays moving forward remains to be seen. However, with the going away of multiple star international players, the significance of van Nieff increases massively in the Mumbai City FC unit. A terrific second half of ISL 2023-24 will help him individually and result in overall better performances from the team’s end as well.

Imran Khan (Jamshedpur FC)

The Jamshedpur FC midfielder has averaged 76.6 minutes per field across his 10 appearances in the ISL this season. He has created 14 goal-scoring chances, netted and assisted once each, and been quick on his feet whilst winning 13 fouls in total. Imran has made eight interceptions, made an average of 27 passes per game, and been a lively presence whether through the centre or even via the flanks.

He has been booked only once so far, and his strike against the Highlanders means that he will be beaming with confidence coming into this fixture. Jamil has never lost a game against Mumbai City FC in the ISL, and the contributions of Imran will be essential in keeping that record intact come Sunday. Interestingly, he has been very neat in his passing, completing 80% of them in this campaign and by the looks of it; his role and responsibilities are only going to get bigger and better in Jamil’s watch.



Head-to-Head

Played – 12

Mumbai City FC – 4

Jamshedpur FC – 5

Draws – 3

Trivia: Jamshedpur FC have won only once in their seven away fixtures in the ISL 2023-24.

Team Talk

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“There was a lot of opportunities to give to these young boys and I’m very happy and I’m looking forward to work with them more. We missed players due to national team duties, and they need to just keep working hard,” Mumbai City FC head coach Petr Kratky said in the pre-match press conference. 

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“In the second half, everybody tried, but they came hard at us for the equaliser and they got it. But we tried and that’s a good point, but I wanted to get three points, which would’ve been better for us,” Jamshedpur FC head coach Khalid Jamil reflected on their draw against NorthEast United FC in the last game.

ISL Fantasy

Rahul Bheke (4.1cr)

Proactive approach in moving the ball higher up the field

Lalengmawia Ralte (4.9cr)

Guaranteed contributions on both attacking and defensive fronts from the middle

Daniel Chima Chukwu (5.5cr)

Constant goal-scoring threat from the JFC ranks


Where to Watch

Fans across the country can catch the action in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Malayalam. Fans can watch the action on linear channels like Sports18 Khel (Hindi), Sports18 1 HD (English), Sports18 3 SD (English, Hindi, Malayalam and Bengali), VH1 SD & HD (English), Surya Movies (Malayalam), News 18 Kerala (Malayalam – select matches) & DD Bangla (Bengali). Fans can also catch the action streaming Live for free on JioCinema, the home of Indian football. In addition to this, as part of FSDL’s partnership with OneFootball, ISL live streams and highlights of all matches of the upcoming 2023-24 season will be delivered across more than 190 countries.

Point Table

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by Abhishek Shukla

Bengaluru sign India international Nikhil Poojary 

Bengaluru: Bengaluru FC, on Wednesday, announced the signing of defender Nikhil Poojary on a deal that keeps the India international with the Blues till the end of the 2027-28 season. The announcement comes a day after the club signed Chinglensana Singh on a long-term deal, underlining intent in what’s been a busy January transfer window for the Blues.

Poojary started twice and came on as a substitute once in India’s group stage games at the AFC Asian Cup in Qatar earlier this month, and has been a mainstay on the national team for some time now. 

Speaking on his signing with Bengaluru, Poojary said, “I am delighted at joining a club that has set the benchmark in Indian football on so many fronts, in just ten years of its existence. I did have a few offers to choose from, but the BCF project and the way they want to go about things is what made the decision easier for me. I had extensive chats with the management and the coach, and I feel this club is where I can help create an impact, and build on my potential”

“I have come up against BFC on many occasions in the past, and have always admired the atmosphere the fans bring to the Kanteerava. It’s going to be nice to play for, and in front of them.”

Born in Karnataka, Poojari spent most of his youth career at clubs in Mumbai, before signing for East Bengal in what would be his first senior move. He then spent a season with Pune City FC and followed it with a move to Hyderabad FC, with whom he became ISL champion in the 2021-22 season. 

The Blues haven’t had the best of starts to the season, and coach Gerard Zaragoza believes that Poojary’s experience and versatility will help bolster Bengaluru’s push. 

“In signing Nikhil, we are signing experience and quality. Our focus this January window was to add quality Indian defenders to the squad and I believe we have managed to do that well. Nikhil is an offensive right-back who will help us a lot in attack, and his experience will be crucial in all the defensive demands that we have from our players.” 

Director of Football, Darren Caldeira said he was delighted to have Poojary on board for a project that the club is undertaking with a persistent resolve. 

“I’d like to welcome Nikhil Poojary to Bengaluru Football Club. This is a player we have wanted for a while now, and when the opportunity arrived, we were determined on taking it. The fact that he had multiple offers, and chose to sign with Bengaluru reiterates the strength of the project we are building at the club. It’s also great to have a player with roots in Karnataka, and we believe he will play a pivotal role in our push to success.”

by Abhishek Shukla

Mumbai City FC complete signing of Spanish attacker Iker Guarrotxena

Mumbai, 31 January 2023: Mumbai City FC are delighted to announce the signing of Iker Guarrotxena. The Spanish attacker joins the Islanders on a short-term contract that will see him don the sky blue until the end of the 2023-24 season.

Hailing from the famous footballing city of Bilbao, Guarrotxena joined Athletic Bilbao at the age of 9 and played close to a 100 games for Bilbao Athletic – the club’s ‘B’ side. Guarrotxena comes from a footballing family and is the nephew of Endika Guarrotxena, an Athletic Bilbao icon.

Following his time at Bilbao Athletic, Guarrotxena turned out for the likes of CD Mirandés, in the Spanish second tier, and UD Logrones in the Spanish third-tier where he was the fourth-highest goal-scorer in the league with 14 goals which helped Logrones secure a place in the promotion play-offs.

The well-traveled Spaniard has enjoyed a career that has seen him play close to 350 games at the highest levels in club football, including representing clubs in Poland (Pogoń Szczecin), Greece (Volos) and Australia (Western United) before moving to India in 2022 to join FC Goa. The Spaniard scored 11 goals in 20 appearances in the 2022-23 Indian Super League before he moved back home to join Real Murcia, making 10 appearances in the Primera Federación, Spain’s third-tier football league.

Guarrotxena joins Mumbai City on deadline day and will wear the number 34 shirt for the Islanders.

Iker Guarrotxena said:

“I am delighted to be back in India and in the Indian Super League. Mumbai City FC have always been one of the best teams in the competition and it is an honour to join a club who set very high standards on and off the pitch. Mumbai City have a history of success, and I hope to be able to contribute to that in my own way in my time here. I can’t wait to get to Mumbai and link up with my new teammates and our fans.”

Petr Kratky, Head Coach, Mumbai City FC, said:

“We’re happy to have Iker join us at Mumbai City. He’s a fantastic player with the right mindset, physical abilities, and skills that complement our playing squad. Iker has already had a taste of the Indian Super League, which influenced our decision positively. I’m looking forward to having him in our squad for the second part of the season.”

by Abhishek Shukla

Jamshedpur FC seek new beginnings against upbeat NEUFC as Indian Super League action returns

Jamshedpur, 30 January, 2024: The Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 action returns with Jamshedpur FC hosting NorthEast United FC at the JRD Tata Sports Complex on January 31, 2024. Both the clubs endured middling runs in the first half of the campaign, winning twice each in their 12 matches so far. However, the Highlanders and their outings have garnered significantly more applause because they were coming into this season on the back of a disappointing performance back in 2022-23.

 

Under new head coach Juan Pedro Benali, the club has turned a new chapter, often delivering inspiring outings and managing to draw half of their games (6) in the league. The club rewarded Benali with a contract extension till 2024-25, with an option to lengthen it to another campaign. This allows the Spaniard more cushion and time to work on his squad, bring in players suiting his profile and put together a unit that can defeat the best of outfits on their day.

 

They had a fairly decent run in the recently concluded Kalinga Super Cup until a 2-1 loss in the opening matchday to Jamshedpur FC, their opponents for this game, hampered their progression into the knockouts. For the Red Miners, it’s an excellent opportunity to build on the nice little momentum that they have developed since Khalid Jamil replaced Scott Cooper as the head coach.

 

Placed 10th in the ISL points table, Jamil ensured that they finished atop their standings in the Kalinga Super Cup before bowing out eventual champions East Bengal FC by 2-0 in the semi-final.

What’s at stake?

 

Jamshedpur FC

 

Jamil is a proven winner in the Indian footballing circuit, having propelled the underdogs Aizawl FC to title success in the 2016-17 I-League season. He has had brief stints with the Highlanders between 2020-22 as well, but overall factors didn’t fall in place for them to scale such heights with him. With teams such as Mumbai FC, East Bengal FC, Bengaluru United FC in his managerial CV, Jamil is someone who knows the inside out of Indian football and is hence well-placed to maximise the strengths of the domestic contingent of Jamshedpur FC.

 

Jamil might embrace a slightly different approach, strengthening the backline, bringing sharp, piercing wingers into play and demanding ruthless efficiency from the strikers. Thankfully, he has a forward of Daniel Chima Chukwu’s caliber in his ranks, who can carry out those duties well. The Red Miners are undoubtedly in for an entertaining ride in the second half of the 2023-24 season.

 

NorthEast United FC

 

There will be added responsibility on Benali’s shoulders to build upon the laudable performances they have delivered so far. Victories have been far and few in between but gritty outcomes have ensured that they are amongst the playoffs spots midway into the campaign. Granted, they have played two games more than the fifth-placed Mohun Bagan Super Giant, but to be able to find a realistic shot at making into the advanced stages of the league with a new head coach is a good feat in itself.

 

They finished second in the Group B of the Kalinga Super Cup, winning 4-1 against ISL table toppers Kerala Blasters FC in their last encounter. However, the ISL is set to present different challenges altogether, and they need to hit the ground running straightaway as a few slip-ups will mean that they will keep falling down in the points table. Benali has devised an impressive way to extract points from matches even if his team is unable to cross the finishing line and bag the elusive victory. Now is the time to add up on that and ensure they notch timely wins to further strength their spot in the standings.

 

Key Players

 

Pratik Chaudhari (Jamshedpur FC)

The central defender has become a mainstay in the Jamshedpur FC defence, making 11 appearances and helping them keep four clean sheets. Chaudhari has been one of the more consistent centre-backs in the competition, having made 1.1 interceptions, 1.3 tackles, and 2.7 tackles per game.

The 34-year-old will be instrumental to Jamil’s plans for Jamshedpur FC, marshaling the backline and using his aerial prowess whilst both defending and attacking from set-pieces. The NorthEast United FC unit is coming together cohesively, scoring four goals in their last match. In that context, Chaudhari will be all the more important in terms of putting a halt to the onslaught of the Highlanders. A neat defensive performance can lay the foundation and pave the way for Jamshedpur FC to explore the optimum potential of their attacking riches moving forward.

Nestor Albiach (NorthEast United FC)

The skillful Spaniard has the potential of unlocking any defence with his fine footwork, widespread vision, and an eye for a timely strike. He drops deep to build attacks, distributes the ball onto the flanks, cuts through backlines with through balls and is adept at demonstrating good ball control to interlink in close spaces.

 

He has scored twice and assisted once in 10 ISL appearances this season, but it is safe to say that his impact and influence in the final third movements of his team is always felt in a greater capacity. He has created a goal-scoring opportunity in every game on an average, and earns 1.5 fouls per match, which helps the team attack the opposition’s goal through set-pieces. Nestor will be keen to display his creativity and ability to find the back of the net on a more consistent basis and he can start to strive for that from the coming encounter itself.

 

Head-to-Head

Played – 13

Jamshedpur FC – 6

NorthEast United FC – 2

Draws – 5

 

Trivia: NorthEast United FC have played the most draws (6) amongst all teams so far in ISL 2023-24.

Team Talk

“I give all the credits to the boys for the Super Cup. They played very well. The foreigners, seniors and juniors have combined well recently and we have the capability to do well in the ISL too,” Jamshedpur FC head coach Khalid Jamil said in the pre-match press conference.

“We are just trying to keep the momentum that we had in the Super Cup. We are waiting for the ISL, which is the most important thing. Our loss to Jamshedpur FC in the Super Cup is the past and we only think about the future. Tomorrow will be a different game than the previous matches we have had,” NorthEast United FC head coach Juan Pedro Benali said.

 

Where to Watch

Fans across the country can catch the action in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Malayalam. Fans can watch the action on linear channels like Sports18 Khel (Hindi), Sports18 1 HD (English), Sports18 3 SD (English, Hindi, Malayalam and Bengali), VH1 SD & HD (English), Surya Movies (Malayalam), News 18 Kerala (Malayalam – select matches) & DD Bangla (Bengali). In addition to this, as part of FSDL’s partnership with OneFootball, ISL live streams and highlights of all matches of the upcoming 2023-24 season will be delivered across more than 190 countries.’

 

Points Table