TRIPURA SPORTS

Pailan, Salgaocar SC play goalless draw

2012-02-03T15:38:00.001+05:30

Pailan Arrows 0

d/w

Salgaocar SC

KOLKATA: Pailan Arrows managed to pull off a 0-0 draw at home to Salagaocar SC, who have been in a good runoff late in the 18^thround I-League encounter played at the Yuba Bharati Krinangan , Kolkata on Thursday.

The draw leaves Salgaocar with 30 points from 18 encounters while Pailan stays at 8 points from 16 outings.

Salgaocar SC started upfront heavily relying on Edeh Chidi and Ryuji Sueoka to create inroads in the Pailan defense, but this was hardly the case.

The match started with a few scruffy passes and Pailan Arrows pressing Salgaocar in their own half and the first chance of the match was only in the 17th mintue when Francis Fernandes and Ryuji Seuoka combined well and Ryuji pulled the ball back for Ishfaq Ahmed but goalkeeper Ravi Kumar did well to save it.

In the 39th minute CS Sabeeth of Pailan did well to find himself in space but attempting to chip it over Salgaocar SC keeper Karanjit Singh he ended up putting the ball out.

The second half started like the first and there wasn't much tempo. A half chance fell to Salgoacar in the 78th minute of play when Edeh Chidi couldnt capitalise.

Pailan Arrows could have won the match in injury time when Ajay Singh was almost thorough on goal but Karanjit Singh came out very alert and managed to keep the scores level.

The Man of the Match was awarded to Ryuji Sueoka.

Churchill Brothers SC 1 (Roberto Silva – 30^th)

Beat

Air India 0

Churchill scrape past Air India

PUNE: Churchill Brothers secured full points from their 18^thround encounter played against Air India and placed themselves in a perfect position to threaten fellow Goan rivals, Dempo SC, in the race to the top as they have a game in hand in the I-League football championship.

Captain Roberto ‘Beto’ Silva scored on second rebound following a free-kick in the 30^th minute and that was enough for Churchill to hang on and win 1-0 at the Balewadi Sports Complex ground on Thursday.

Churchill are now have 33 points, one point behind East Bengal and seven off leaders Dempo, but they have a game in hand that could prove decider towards the end of the league. While Air India stays at 24 points from 18 matches.

Both teams missed the services of their first choice strikers—Henry Antchouet and ND Opara for Churchill and Henry Ezeh and Takayuki Omi for Air India—but still the Goans showed they had good reserves.

Air India, nonetheless, found some cracks in Churchill defence and sneaked in, but the home team’s finishing was not up to the mark. Sandeep Sangha’s sent at least four wayward shots from the top of the box after he was handed a golden chance as early as in the ninth minute.

Churchill’s goal was set up when Balan took freekick that landed behind the wall and on second rebound, Beto pounced on the chance and let the ball stroll into the post.

Air India replied through Lamine Tamba making a move with Manandeep Singh and Sandesh Gadkari taking the ball forward. But then, Sangha fired the ball way over the crossbar in the 36^thminute.

On resumption, Air India showed some urgency to find and equalizer. But then without Takayuki and Henry, they really struggled. But Manandeep was a revelation as he created at least three chances in the second half but failed to get support upfront.

Man-of-the-match was awarded to Churchill’s Roberto Silva.

Another invasion into the male bastion

2012-02-03T15:37:00.003+05:30

KALYANIl: Trends -- they are meant to be broken. The chauvinistic male has always dreamt of wearing black. They still can, but the monopoly no more stays.

Chimchim Serto, presently on duty in the AIFF U-14 Football Fest in Kalyani, stays one among the 23 Women Referees in India at the moment. And as per Chimchim, “the gang is increasing.”

Col. (Retd). Gautam Kar, Head of Referees Department, AIFF, smiles. “They are most welcome. If they pass the Fitness Test, they are even entitled to supervise Men’s matches,” Kar, who stayed the Match Commissioner for Asia’s biggest Club-match in 2011, the AFC Champions League, maintains.

“When you have a Women’s Referee, it’s bound to draw more attention. But to me, the gender stays immaterial.”

“I dream of becoming a FIFA Referee soon,” 23-year old Chimchim, who hails from Manipur, quips. At present, Maria Rebello stays the sole Women’s FIFA Referee in India.

“I have represented Manipur as a striker in Women’s Nationals and have played at the University Level,” Chimchim, in her squeaky voice, informs.

On the field, nevertheless, the squeak is almost a roar. The supervision impresses her colleagues, Tamnay Dhar, Subroto Burman and Kunal Sarkar. “She is as good as any male referee,” stays the compliment. Chimchim blushes.

“As referees, we ought to have confidence in our colleagues all the time. And with Chimchim, we stay assured,” they say unanimously.

We turn to Chimchim. Do you have trouble with the players? “No.”

Do they try to look down on you being a Woman Referee? “Never.”

Do they listen to you? “No.”

Do they stay happy with your decisions? “Always.”

Referees and players being the best of pals – unheard off, but only till now.

“The Sporting Culture in Manipur helps one to groom as a sportsperson,” Chimchim, who recently got a job with Manipur Police, maintains. “My fitness regime begins early morning. There are various levels of sprinting. At first, I am supposed to sprint 150metres in 35 seconds. And it goes on.”

“Concentration is also an quintessential part of a referee’s lifespan. The discipline in life is always reflected on the field,” a philosophical Chimchim, playing with the ball in her hand, reflects. “A referee has to be a born leader,” she goes on. “I have some special exercises to improve concentration. You can call it a part of meditation.”

Her whistle blows and the match kicks-off -- you watch from a distance. Footballs being a body-contact sport, even at the U-14 level, tempers do run high. Chimchim rushes to the spot and her ‘roar’ takes over the rein.

The whistle blows again and the ball moves to the other part of the field. Chimchim sprints, and sprints fast. I check my earlier scribbles – ‘150 metres in 35 seconds.’

You overhear someone from the crowd speaking in the local dialect. “Mohila referee ta kintu bhalo khelachhen.” (The Women Referee is supervising in the right manner.

Bigger Tests await me: Karanjit

2012-02-03T15:36:00.004+05:30

Name : Karanjit Singh

DOB : 08/01/1986

Birth place : Hoshiarpur, Punjab, India

Nick name : Karan

Playing Position : Goalkeeper

Teams played for : JCT & Salgaocar SC(Present)

Karanjit Singh, who has hogged the limelight in recent past has become the first preference of National Coach Savio Medeira to guard the post. Known for his quick reflexes and agility, the young custodian from Punjab has stood up to the everyone’s expectations, especially with 'Spiderman' Subrata Pal staying out of action.

Hailing from rural village of Punjab, Hoshiarpur, Karanjit started playing when he was 15. This young prodigy was spotted by former National Coach Sukhwinder Singh, in one of the local tournaments.

And immediately he was called for JCT by Sukhwinder in 2004 and since then has never looked back. After a stint of 6 long years with JCT, Karanjit ventured out -- moving to Goan giants Salgaocar SC where the die-hard Petr Cech fan helped Salgaocar land the I-League and Federation Cup.

His break with the National Side came on 23^rd July, 2011 against United Arab Emirates in the World Cup Qualifiers. Subrata Pal was red-carded and Karanjit grabbed his chance.

“Representing the Nation stays everyone’s dream. The opportunity came a bit unexpectedly and I had to perform,” Karanjit exults.

“A goalkeeper is all about concentration. You need to act fast and on impulse.”

Part of the SAFF Championship winning squad, Karanjit’s next big challenge comes in the AFC Challenge Cup scheduled to kick-off in Kathmandu form March 8. 2012. “I have just started may career. Bigger tests await me. Life is challenging. I’m loving it.”

Kids, Kids every where, all of them to pick

2012-02-03T14:46:00.001+05:30

KALYANI: Kids, kids every where, all of them to pick!

The size of the kids in the AIFF U-14 Football Fest, more-o-less stays the same. After all, they all are U-14 kids -- kids from 27 States all over the Country, 590 in all. And mind you, all of them share a common dream – the dream of representing the Nation someday in the future.

Head Coach, Youth Development Programme, Colm Joseph Toal stays an instant hit with all of them. The moment they see the white-haired gentleman, they come running, a desperate chase -- as if they are chasing the ball.

Most don’t carry mobiles at this age. Hence, the moment they reach, they look around to see if anyone can click them with Colm. Never mind if they don’t get a hard copy of the photograph; they will carry the memories lifelong.

The positive mindset that has been so synonymous with Colm stays evident. Colm shakes hands, asks them their name and which state they represent. Even as Colm signs autographs on their arms, the others who have spotted the conversation a bit late, are also running in.

“They are kids,” Colm exclaims. “Good kids,” he smiles.

Not all, but most know Colm by his name. “I know him. His name is Colm Toal. He is our India’s Head Coach for the Juniors,” Mizoram defender Michael Lalruattluanga is admired by the rest.

The others join in. “Which country does he belong to? And it goes on, till the time their Manager reminds them they are supposed to play next. The boys run again, this time to kick-off.

“Some of the kids have really impressed me,” Scott O’Donell, Technical Manager, Regional and Elite Academies, gets down to business. “We are here to spot talent. India is a vast country and the more boys we see, the better.”

By the way, O’Donell also stays an instant hit with the kids.

“Generally, from such a Fest, we select boys for the AFC U-14 Fests. But this time, we are looking to spot kids for the Regional Academies,” Colm adds.

The Kalyani Stadium, overlooking the vast lake, projects the most breathtaking view in Indian Football. The ground stays soft and lush green, something which AIFF Technical Director Rob Baan feels, “you can play European club-level football on.”

“We have over 30 full-size football playing fields within a radius of 7kms,” informs Dr. Pradip Sur, the Chairman of the Kalyani Municipality.

The enthusiasm at Food Court, where more than 350 kids can have their meals at one time, stays infectious. That stays the place where the kids mingle among themselves on the table -- different languages with different cultures and habits having the same meal together. And they just finish it off at one-go. You wonder – ‘Aren’t they supposed to have different food habits too?’

Outside the Food Court, you’d always spot some boys shaking a leg to ‘Waka, Waka…” They however, stand still the moment you spot them.

On the field, nevertheless, the spotting goes on. Besides, Scott and Colm, there’s National Coach Savio Medeira, Goalkeeping Coach Marcus Pacheco, former India Internationals Aqeel Ansari, Gautam Ghosh, Tarun Roy and Francisco Bruto da Costa and Hilal Rasool Parray – nine in all.

The day for the spotters, begin early. By 7.45am, they are all in their seats (matches go on in three different venues and kick-off at 8am) and once the day action ends around 4.30pm, they get down to a brain storming session which usually lasts around 90 minutes and often go down to extra-time.

Everyone tries to have a glance at the folders they carry. There are Jersey Numbers written on them with the names – some ticked, some crossed.

Kids, kids everywhere, all of them to pick. Early evening, there’s a chill in the Kalyani air. By the time they leave, the sprinkers at the Kalyani Stadium stay in full flow – watering the roots of the grass.

U-14 Fest: Groupings for Format 2 finalised

2012-02-03T14:43:00.004+05:30

KALYANI: The Format 1 is over and it’s time for Format 2 at the AIFF U-14 Football Fest in Kalyani. Under it, the 27 Participating Teams in the AIFF U-14 Football Fest in Kalyani have been divided into five groups. Format 2 kicks-off on Thursday (February 2).

Group A and B which consists of five teams each have been comprised of stronger teams based on sustained performance in the first couple of days.

All matches in this Format would be of one-hour duration which would have two halves of 30-minutes each. The teams would be fielding two different Playing XI in both the halves.

The Groups are as follows:

Group A: Meghalaya, Mizoram, Manipur, Assam, West Bengal.

Group B: Maharashtra, Uttarakhand, Karnataka, Chandigarh, Goa.

Group C: Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry, Bihar, J&K,Tripura.

Group D: Punjab, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Orissa.

Group E: Delhi, Chattisgarh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh.

I didn’t drop Climax, I rested him: Savio Medeira

2012-02-03T14:43:00.001+05:30

KALYANI: National Coach Savio Medeira cannot live life without football. Keen to dismiss the myth that National Coaches are all about the Senior Team, Savio who’s acting as a spotter at the AIFF U-14 Football Fest in Kalyani, spoke at length to www.the-aiff.com about the new challenge, the forthcoming AFC Challenge Cup and other burning issues. EXCERPTS:

Football connoisseurs are quite amazed by your presence at an U-14 Football Fest. What’s your role?

I’m acting as a spotter in the ongoing U-14 Football Fest. The All India Football Federation stays keen in stitching it right at their Youth Development Programme. The intent appealed a lot to me and when I got the call, I took less than a minute to decide that I should be here. It’s nice to see good talent who would be flag bearers of Indian Football in the future.

The Preparatory Camp for the AFC Challenge would be kicking-off in Dubai. Are you happy with Dubai as a venue?

Absolutely! The facilities in Dubai facilitate good football. We have been getting good exposure in recent years and prior to such a vital Tournament, such a Tour would help us immensely. We would be playing one International Friendly against Oman and possibly another against some other country.

How much does Jeje Lalpeklua’s injury affect the balance of the team?

It has upset our plans no doubt. Jeje is a player who can hold onto the ball and shield it allowing the midfielders to rush in. You cannot have a readymade replacement for him. He is someone who can make that difference in a crunch match. But at the same time, it stays a chance for others to grab the opportunity.

What went into your mind when you dropped Climax Lawrence?

I didn’t drop him; rather I rested him. In such a Tournament such as the AFC Challenge Cup, you ought to play every alternate day. The recovery time stays minimal. He has been playing regularly in the I-League and for the last decade, his body has taken a toll. Hence, he didn’t figure in my plans for the AFC Challenge Cup. I did speak to him prior to my decision.

I’ve heard Climax has announced his retirement. But to me retirement is just a word. There have been so many players who have come out of retirement to play again. He would be playing Club Football in any case. If he stays physically and mentally tough, he can always play for the Nation.

India are the Defending Champions of the AFC Challenge Cup. What can the fans expect in Kathmandu this time?

Such Tournaments are very tricky. A good start can always work wonders. We need to stay in the right frame of mind and stay free of injuries. This is a tough bunch. I keep my fingers crossed.

I have spotted some exceptional boys: O’Donell

2012-02-03T14:41:00.006+05:30

KALYANI (WB): Even as 590 kids from all over the Country play football in ‘the

best ground of the country’ in the AIFF U-14 Football Fest, the AIFF
spotters keep a close eye on all of them. Scott O’Donell, Technical
Manager, Regional and Elite Academies spoke at length to

www.the-aiff.comon the significance of the Fest, the plans ahead and
other related issues.
*EXCERPTS:*

*What is the significance of the AIFF U-14 Football Fest?*

The Fest forms an integral part of the selection for the future National
Team. At the moment, we would be recruiting boys for the Regional Academies
from the Fest. There are State Teams who are making a significant progress
on the field as we are progressing. The momentum is picking up.

*Are you impressed with the quality of the boys?*

This is just the second day of the Fest. As we progress, we would be having
stronger teams playing against each other. That would be fun. But yeah, the
quality of some boys from Mizoram and Meghalaya, have been exceptional.

*Do such Fests form the bedrock of developed Footballing Nations?*

Not always. For example, in Australia, the National Championships form the
platform for the future. In an ideal situation, the best talent was
supposed to be at such a tournament. But I understand that doesn’t always
happen here. Hence, we are looking for more options.

Savio names 30-member list for Dubai Camp

2012-02-03T14:40:00.002+05:30

New Delhi : The list of 30 Probables named by National Coach Savio
Medeira for the Training Camp for the forthcoming AFC Challenge Cup which
kicks-off in Kathmandu on March 8, 2012.

The Camp for the Indian Team will kick-off in Dubai from February 15. The
squad will assemble in New Delhi on February 134 and leave for Dubai the
next day. The final list of 23-Players for the AFC Challenge Cup would be
named later.

The list of probables:

*Goalkeepers:* Karanjit Singh (Salgaocar), Subhasish Roychowdhury (Dempo

SC), Arindam Bhattacharya (Churchill Brothers), Gurpreet Singh Sandhu
(Kingfisher East Bengal).

*Defenders:* Nirmal Chhetri, Raju Gaikwad (both Kingfisher East Bengal),

Sameer Naik (Dempo SC), Gourmangi Singh (Churchill Brothers), Anwar Ali,
Kinsukh Debnath, Syed Rahim Nabi (all McDowell Mohun Bagan), Arnab Mondal
(Prayag United), Gurjinder Singh (Pune FC).

*Midfielders:* Adil Khan (Sporting Clube de Goa), Anthony Pereira, Clifford

Miranda (both Dempo), Reisangmi Vashum (Kingfisher East Bengal), Baldeep
Singh, Lester Fernandes (both Pune FC), Rocus Lamare, Francis Fernandes
(both Salgaocar SC), Jewel Raja, Manish Mathani (McDowell Mohun Bagan),
Lenny Rodrigues, Lalrindika Ralte (both Churchill Brothers).

*Forwards:* Sunil Chhetri (McDowell Mohun Bagan), Sushil Singh (Shillong

Lajong FC – on loan), CS Sabeeth (Pailan Arrows), Manandeep Singh (Air
India), Joaquim Abranches (Dempo SC).

Mohun Bagan thrash Chirag United 3-1

2012-02-03T14:38:00.000+05:30

McDowells Mohun Bagan 3 (Odafa Okolie – 35^th & 84^th and Jose Barreto – 86^th)

Beat

Chirag United Kerala 1 (Anil Kumar – 47^th)

KOCHI: Odafa Okolie scored a brace to help McDowells Mohun Bagan beat Chirag United Kerala 3-1 in the 18^th round I League encounter played at the

Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium, Kochi on Tuesday.

Odafa scored twice off penalty in 35^th and 84^th minute while Jose Barreto scored apiece in 86^th minute. Anil Kumar scored the solitary goal for Chirag United in 47^th minute.

Bagan were playing without Sunil Chhetri and Syed Rahim Nabi. But the duo of Odafa Okolie and Jose Barreto proved to be enough to rattle the low on confidence home side.

The home side started on a positive note with Anil Kumar and David Sunday who are playing upfront in the absence of Ajayan, looked to have been working well for Chirag. But their dominance lasted only for the 30 minutes as their opponents were at their attacking best.

The first goal was scored off penalty by Odafa who made no mistake to give the lead to the maroon brigade in the 35^th minute. The scoreline remained unchanged till the halftime.

Changing over, Chirag United equalised when Anil Kumar slotted in off Asif's lofted pass just a two minutes into the second half.

Chirag upped their game after scoring the goal and managed to create couple of chances upfront. But fortunes were overturn in the 84^th minute as Odafa again scored from spot, when Jimshad U handled the ball on the goalline, prompting referee Rowan to show the second red card and award a penalty.

There was still time left for one more goal as Jose Barreto found the back of the net to score the third goal for Bagan in the 86^th minute.

Odafa Okolie was adjudged man of the match.

Mohun Bagan now have 33 points from 18 matches just one point behind East Bengal and four behind leaders Dempo SC. While Chirag stay on 11points from 17 outings.

Prayag United stuns East Bengal 1-0

2012-02-03T14:36:00.004+05:30

KOLKATA: Kayne Vincent struck injury time goal to help Prayag United beat Kingfisher East Bengal 1-0 at the Yuba Bharati Krinangan on Tuesday. The win takes Prayag United to 32 points from 18 matches just two points behind red and gold who are on 34 points from the 18 outings.

East Bengal started with lone striker Tolgay Ozbey upfront while Prayag had Kayne Vincent playing just behind their Brasilian centre forward Joshimar.

The match did not have many open chances as East Bengal had only four shots on target in the entire match while Prayag United managed just five.

In the first half the best chance fell to East Bengal when Tolgay tried to find the back of the net on a header, but his header was brilliantly saved by Abhijjeet Mondal the Prayag’s goalkeeper.

In the second half a long ranger from James Singh of Prayag United in the 62nd minute was well saved by Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, who had to dive to his right to save the shot.

Edmilson Marques the new centre forward who replaced Alan Gow in the East Bengal team came in for Penn Orji in the 72nd minute but did not have any clear chances to score.

In an disastrous move in the 92nd minute, East Bengal was awarded a corner to which Gurpreet Singh Sandhu went up to the Prayag’s box to help in what could have been the last chance of the match.

However, the corner was cleared and ball fell to Kayne Vincent who picked the it up and ran towards an empty East Bengal half and then tapped in the ball past Saumik Dey, who tried to keep the ball out with his hands.

The loss has now puts a dent on East Bengals title credentials while Prayag United are now back in fray to contest for top slot.

Kayne Vincent of Prayag was adjudged man of the match.

Resurgent Sporting Clube face Pune FC

2012-02-03T14:36:00.000+05:30

GOA: Sporting Clube de Goa have been forced to reshuffle most of their side as they come face to face against the rejuvenated Pune FC in the 18^th round I League encounter at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on Wednesday.

Sporting Clube saw two of their players -- Jovel Martins and Adil Khan -- sent off in the last match against Prayag United. And as if that was not enough, influential defender Keita Boubacar will also miss the next tie due to a double booking.

“We are facing huge problems at the back. Keita is suspended, Jovel got sent off in the last match and Boboi Singh was injured against Mohun Bagan when Odafe elbowed him. It will be a tough ask to come up with a strong defence,” said Sporting technical director Alex Alvares.

Sporting Clube are now unbeaten in their last five matches, winning three and drawing the other two. The team has generally looked good and Alvares is hoping they carry the momentum against the visitors.

“Despite the setbacks, our advantage is that we are playing at home. The players are motivated and I am sure they will grab full points,” said Alvares.

With Keita suspended, it remains to be seen whether Alvares will start with South African striker Park Jae-Hyun or decides to field the strong Dawson Fernandes to partner South Sudan striker James Moga.

“We have not as yet finalized the starting eleven. Since there will be plenty of changes to the side, we intend to finalize the squad only on the morning of the match. I need to monitor the fitness of a couple of players,” said the Sporting technical director.

Pune FC are now unbeaten for nine matches and have looked good enough to give any side a run for their money. With Abhra Mondal guarding in goal and Keita Mandjou striking with ease, Derrick Pereira’s side have only grown in stature.

Sporting Clube stays at 24 points from 17 matches while Pune FC have 28 points from 17 outings.

Mumbai FC up against Dempo SC

Pune: Fighting to stay out of relegation zone, Mumbai FC face an uphill task, when they meet league leaders Dempo SC in the 18^thround I League encounter at the Balewadi Sports Complex ground, on Wednesday.

If Mumbai FC gets back on its winnings ways after five losses on the trot—its last win came at home on Balewadi Sports Complex ground against Prayag United SC.

Mumbai job gets tougher with two back-to-back matches against title contenders and leaders Dempo SC on Wednesday and second against Churchill Brothers over the weekend.

“Morale of the team is low after losing to Air India in Mumbai last week. And with Dempo as next opponent, it doesn’t help, but our boys would put in more than 100 percent tomorrow and see whether we can win at least a point against Goan giants,” said Mumbai FC manager Henry Picardo.

Dempo is best in the business and after little slump in December, they are back to where they deserve. With 37 points from 17 matches

“The way Dempo has played so far is very impressive. They are best in India no doubt, but our job is to give them a tough fight,” added Picardo.

The match has been rescheduled by one hour to be played at 4 pm after both the teams agreed to the timings.

“We had a meeting today and even Dempo wanted to play at 4 pm because now light is there beyond 6 pm,” informed Picardo.

Dempo are at 37 points from 17 matches while Mumbai stays at 14 points from 17 outings.

HAL face Shillong Lajong

BANGALORE: Bottom-placed HAL Bangalore who registered their first win of the season against Chirag United are all set take on Shillong Lajong FC in the 18^th round I League encounter at the Bangalore Football stadium, on Wednesday.

Post the win, the Aircraftmen looked far more relaxed, which also reflected in their practice session at the match venue. HAL manager M Muralidharan did not reveal much about the game. However, he’ll be missing R C Prakash, out due to double booking. Also, quite apparent that he is going with the same plan that fetched him three-points.

Shillong Lajong FC coach Pradhyum Reddy who expects his team to secure all the points against the lowly placed HAL will be missing heavily on midfielder Rennedy Singh, out injured, another player signed on the January transfer window.

“We have to stay alert of HAL, they are a capable side and had registered their first win. They will be out to score another win,” Reddy quipped with cautious approach.

Shillong Lajong stays at 18 points from 17 matches while HAL is languishing at the bottom of the table with 6 points from 17 outings.

Match is slated for 3 pm on Wednesday 01/02/2012.

U-14 Football Fest kicks-off in Kalyani

2012-02-03T14:34:00.003+05:30

KALYANI: The U-14 Football Fest conducted by the All India Football Federation kicked-off at the picturesque Kalyani Stadium Ground in Nadia on Tuesday (January 31) morning. The Fest, aimed in spotting players for the various AIFF-FIFA Regional Academies and the National Age-Group Teams was inaugurated by Minister for Food Processing and Horticulture, West Bengal, Mr. Ujjwal Biswas.

Mr. Biswas marked the opening with the traditional lighting of the lamp in presence of Dr. Pradip Kumar Sur, Chairman, Kalyani Municipality, who is also the President of the Organising Committee.

Scot O’Donnell -- Technical Manager, Regional Academies; Colm Toal – Head Coach, Youth Development Programme and Shubhankar Mukherjee, Director, National Teams, AIFF were also present on the occasion. Mr. Gobinda Chandra Naskar, Member of Parliament, Bongaon, was also part of the proceedings.

The 27 teams represented by 594 kids participating in the Fest which concludes on February 4, 2012 were also treated to a Cultural Programme. Besides, Guinness Book record-holder Uttam Das demonstrated his juggling skills on a motorbike, much to the appreciation of the boys.

The teams have been divided into 7 groups of four-teams each. Each team would be playing three matches of 30-minute duration after which they would again be classified in separate groups – for stronger teams and weaker teams.

AIFF’s spotters for the Fest: Scott O’Donnell, Savio Medeira, Colm Toal, Marcus Pacheco, Aqeel Ansari, Francisco Bruto da Costa, Gautam Ghosh, Tarun Roy & Hilal Rasool Parray.

THE GROUPS:

Group 1: Meghalaya, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Delhi.

Group 2: Haryana, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat.

Group 3: Uttarakhand, Manipur, Pondicherry, Goa.

Group 4: Maharashtra, Kerala, Chattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh.

Group 5: Rajasthan, Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, West Bengal.

Group 6: Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Tripura, Sikkim (Did not turn up).

Group 7: Orissa, Mizoram, Bihar, Chandigarh.

IPL 2012 Player Auction

2012-02-03T14:33:00.003+05:30

Mumbai : The IPL 2012 Player Auction will be held on Saturday, 4 February 2012, at the ITC Royal Gardenia, Bengaluru.

The shortlist of the 144 players who will go under the hammer during the auction, is attached.

“The shortlist comprises some outstanding cricket talent. Given that it was prepared on the basis of the feedback of the Franchises themselves, the stage is set for an exciting and eventful Player Auction, this Saturday. The Franchises purchased the bulk of their respective squads in 2011. Their aim at the upcoming Auction will be to bring in some players who can make a difference to their prospects in the tournament. The Auction will mark the formal opening of IPL 2012,” Rajeev Shukla, Chairman, IPL, commented.

Prayag United look to stop East Bengal surge

2012-02-03T14:32:00.001+05:30

KOLKATA: Kingfisher East Bengal have a golden opportunity to get level on points with Dempo at the top of the I-League table, when they play Prayag United in the 18^th round encounter at the Yuba Bharati Krinangan in Kolkata on Tuesday.

Red and Gold would be without the services of Sushant Matthew, who is out due to suspension while Robin Singh, Robert Lalthalma, Naoba Singh and Nirmal Chettri are still nursing injuries.

East Bengal coach Trevor Morgan said “Prayag United are a quality side and this could be seen from their position in the league as well as their victory against Mohun Bagan last week.”

When asked about the consistency of his team in the current campaign Trevor Morgan said “If you look at the table almost every team can spring a surprise. So it’s not about inconsistency but a very competitive league. Pune FC who are on a good run and have not lost a match since last few rounds. The other day HAL scored a two goal victory over Chirag Kerala and Sporting Clube have put together a good string of results,” he reiterated.

For Prayag United they will be heavily dependent on local players for this match as most of their foreigners look doubtful. Yusif Yakubu is yet to return back while Brasilian striker Joshimar da Silva Martins who is nursing an ankle injury looks doubtful. Bello Razaq and Kayne Vincent are also unlikely to start as they did not practice at the last practice session.

Sanjoy Sen when asked about his thoughts for the upcoming clash said “East Bengal are a good team and even on a bad day can get the result they require.”

East Bengal stays at 34 points from 17 matches while Prayag United are not far behind with 29 points from 17 matches.

Head to Head in I League

Total Matches - 7

East Bengal Won - 3

Prayag United Won - 1

Drawn - 3

East Bengal Goals - 8

Prayag United Goals - 5

Meeting in the First Leg

Prayag United – 1 (Yusif Yakubu) d/w East Bengal - 1 (Baljit Singh Sahni)

From the History Book

East Bengal - 330th Match in I League/NFL and have so far scored 476 goals.

Prayag United - 92nd Match in I League and have so far scored 111 goals.

B.Bekhokei (East Bengal) and Yusif Yakubu (Prayag United)have scored the maximum of 2 goals in matches between the two teams.

East Bengal is unbeaten in the last four matches against Prayag and have won both their fixtures against them this season, in the Federation Cup (2-1) and Kolkata Premier League (3-0)

Tolgay Ozbey (12 goals) for East Bengal and Yusif Yakubu (8 goals) Prayag United are leading scorers of the respective clubs in this year's I League.

Chirag United to face Mohun Bagan

KOCHI: The time is running out for Chirag United Kerala to turn their season to their favor; their latest fail came on Saturday as they gifted HAL Bangalore their first win of the season. They now are up against title aspirants McDowell Mohun Bagan in the 18^thround I-League

encounter at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi on Tuesday.

The Mariners are also on a dry run of their own, losing three of their last five matches that might have slimed their chances of winning the league this season. Though they returned to the winning ways in the last round against Pailan Arrows, Prasanta Banarjee would call for a confidence boosting performance from his team against Chirag prior to the all-important Kolkata derby coming on the weekend.

Chirag Kerala who are on a three match losing streak, would like to turn the tide and won’t be complaining even if they could garner a single point against the star studded Bagan line up.

The Maroon Brigade would be fielding Odafa Onyeka Okolie and Sunil Chhetri upfront along with Jose Ramirez Barreto. NP Pradeep and defender Dhanarajan R would be there in the starting lineup for Chirag United.

“Mohun Bagan is a very tough team to beat as they have quality players, but we have a home advantage and we will be out to win the match and secure all the points on avail,” said Chirag's Sri Lankan coach Packir Ali.

Chirag have 11 points from 16 matches while their opponents have 30 points from 17 matches, seven points adrift league leaders Dempo SC.

The kick off is slated for 06:30 PM on 31/01/2012.

Barasat Sold Out for Rupees 25.15 Crores in the Premier League Soccer

2012-02-03T14:28:00.003+05:30

Kolkata : The Indian Football Association, West Bengal (IFA) – the governing body of Football in Bengal and Celebrity Management Group (CMG) – one of the leading sports management organizations in India announced today through a Press release the official bidding of the franchise tender for the upcoming Premier League Soccer for a period of 10 years. Barasat with a base price of Rs. 80 Lakhs was sold out for Rs. 25.15 Crores. Kolkata and Siliguri with the base price of Rs. 1 Crore were sold out for Rs. 11.5 Crores and Rs.18 Crores respectively. Teams like Howrah and Durgapur were sold out for Rs. 9 Crores and 7.6 Crores respectively. Haldia stuck on to their base price is yet to be confirmed by the owner to be bought.

There will also be an expense cap for the franchisee in each season and the same to be communicated to the Franchisees well before the Players Auction date. For the Season I, the Expense cap is US$2.5 Millions (maximum) & US$ 2.0 Millions (minimum). At the end of 10 years a re negotiation may take place between the existing franchisees & CMG regarding the terms & conditions & if the re negotiation is not satisfactory enough fresh bidders will be welcomed & new bidding will take place.

The organizers have also named six players among Nakata, Sorin, Maniche, Jay Jay Okocha, Concecao, Robert Pires & Cannavaro, who will be participating as ICON players in the PLS Season I which kicks off during mid February, 2012. Each of the six franchise of PLS will be headed by a world class coaches like Peter Reid, John Barnes, Samson Siasia, Marco Etcheverry, Tony Adams and Teitur Thodarson.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. N.R. Dutta, CMD, Camelia Group and Owner of Kolkata Team, said,” PLS will be the future of Indian Football. I thank CMG and IFA for coming with an unique concept and I am also looking forward to the foreign players and coaches auction.”

The exclusivity for PLS is that each team will have one Icon Player. The icon player will be an overseas player with great repute, preferably someone who has represented his country in international matches.

Beside Icon Players, a host of quality international players who have also been signed are: Joaquin Botero (Bolivia), Limberg Gutierrez (Bolivia), Christian Lara (Ecuador), Maniche (Portugal), Diego Toro (Colombia), David Cordoba (Colombia), Brian Vega (Costa Rica), Diego Madrigal (Costa Rica), Jose Carlos Castillo (Guatemala), Christopher Omoseibi (Nigeria), Robert Egbeta (Nigeria), Daniel Varela (Costa Rica), Erick Sanchez (Costa Rica), Leider Preciado (Colombia), Edwin Tenorio (Ecuador), Walter Moreno (Venezuela), Alonso Solis (Costa Rica), Fabio Firmani (Italy), Nicolas Marin (France), Moncef Zerka (France), Sammy Traore (France), Igor Hrabac (Slovakia), Matjaz Kek (Slovenia) and Diego Cabrera (Bolivia).

Salgaocar hold Dempo 0-0

2012-02-03T14:27:00.001+05:30

Dempo SC 0

d/w

Salgaocar SC 0

GOA: Dempo Sports Club and Salgaocar SC did everything except score in goalless but entertaining Goa derby in the 17^th round I League encounter at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on Sunday.

In a match where both teams were looking to grab a win and bolster their respective positions, there was plenty of excitement, end to end action but the final touch at either end was woefully missing.

The goalless draw did neither teams any harm, though. While Dempo now enjoy a three point lead over second-placed East Bengal at the top of the table, Salgaocar continued their progression and are now unbeaten in eight matches, six of which they have won.

Salgaocar started aggressively and played to a plan. They kept the ball for long spells and frustrated their rivals, forcing them to make mistakes. Salgaocar striker Ryuji Sueoka was the recipient of two of the best chances at the start but the Japanese striker could not make that count.

Dempo were creating their own chances to. Nigerian striker Ranty Martins in particular was off colour as he failed to give finishing touches to a couple of gilt-edge chances. The first was in the first session where Trinidad and Tobago midfielder picked him with a through ball but Ranty shockingly shot wide with only the goalkeeper begging for mercy.

The best chance for Ranty though came at the fag end of the match when Koko Sakibo did well to shield the ball from a couple of Salgaocar defenders and then sent a diagonal ball to Ranty. The Nigerian, however, mistimed his run and made a mess of the easiest of opportunities.

Salgaocar were not as good in the second session as the first but they could have still wrapped up full points had Dempo goalkeeper Subhashish Roy Chowdhury not got his hand, and body, to a fierce long ranger from Chidi.

Dempo now have 37 points from 17matches while Salgaocar have 29 points from 17 outings.

Subhashish Roy Chowdhury (Dempo) was adjudged Man of the match.

There’s something in that Blue Jersey: Adil Khan

2012-01-29T22:16:00.003+05:30

Name: Adil Ahmed Khan Date of Birth: 07/07/1988
Place of Birth: Verna, Goa
Teams Played For: Vasco SC, SESA FA, Sporting Clube de Goa
Position: Midfielder
Adil Ahmed Khan has been recently touted as one of the best young midfielders -- someone who has matured fast. This Goan prodigy started playing the sport at the age of 14 in his locality. Adil's parents were quick to note his talent and didn’t waste time in enrolling him with Vasco Sports Club.
Life moved fast for Adil. He started his professional career two years later – at the age of 16 -- with SESA FA where he had his first brush with the first division league. He stayed in SESA for seven years, turned a professional and then moved to Sporting Clube de Goa.
For past four years he has been backbone for Sporting Clube making his mark in the I-League in the process. His efforts bore him fruit when the hard work earned him a call to the Indian National Team for the exhibition match against Bayern Munich.
“It was a dream come true when I got the call. But this is just the start. I need to work harder to be a regular member,” he maintains.
“There’s something in that Blue jersey,” he confesses. “If I get a chance to play in the forthcoming AFC Challenge Cup, I will be trying to make the most of it. It’s a very important tournament.”
“If I get a chance, I’ll stick to the basics and follow the instructions. Needless to say, I’ll give my hundred percent,” he adds.
“My younger brother looks upto me and so do the kids in my village. But I’m not a star. I’ve just started. I want to play.” he goes on.
The hardworking midfielder picks up Mahesh Gawli as his favourite Indian player “Mahesh-bhai has been so composed as a player. His dedication should be a lesson for all,” Adil quips. “Off the field, he has always been a strict disciplinarian. I always look upto him.”

We are not intimidated by Bagan: Sukhwinder

2012-01-29T22:15:00.002+05:30

KOLKATA: Pailan Arrows take on McDowell Mohun Bagan in a crucial match of the I-League to be played at the Salt Lake Stadium on Friday (January 27). Pailan are currently placed just above HAL at 7 points from 14 matches while Bagan stay on 27 points from 16 outings. Pailan Arrows who are still searching for that elusive win which might “turn their fortune,” would go all out against Mohun Bagan, against whom they had lost their first round encounter 1-3.
Arrows’ Technical Director Sukhwinder Singh stays confident. “No one can deny that Bagan are a big team. We did lose to East Bengal in our last match. But I think we are definitely improving,” he stressed.
“We have scored thrice in our last two matches. In the first-leg, we were not able to convert the chances that came our way. I feel the strikers are prepared for the challenge.”
“We are yet to secure a win and we stay desperate for it. Hopefully, we will get it against Bagan. But they are a very strong opponent,” he added.
“But in the I-League, there’s very minimal difference between the teams. We won’t be intimidated by our rivals in any way,” he maintained.
On the other hand, McDowell Mohun Bagan’s sailing hasn’t been that smooth as they lost their last two matches against Sporting Clube and Prayag United. At the moment, the big-spending Club can’t afford any more slip-ups if they intend to finish in the top-five.
The kick-off is at 2pm.

FROM THE RECORD BOOKS:

· This will be Mohun Bagan’s 315th match in NFL/I League and they have scored 415 goals so far.
· The match will be Pailan Arrows’ 41st match in I-League and they have scored 39 goals so far.

HEAD-TO-HEAD:

· Total Matches: 3
· Mohun Bagan won: 2
· Pailan Arrows won: 1
· Goals scored by Mohun Bagan: 9
· Goals scored by Pailan Arrows: 6

· In matches between the two sides so far, Chidi Edeh, Muritala Ali, Odafa Okolie (all Mohun Bagan) and Jeje Lalpeklua (Arrows) have scored three goals each.

· Result in first-leg:

Mohun Bagan 3 (Odafa Okolie – hat-trick)
beat
Pailan Arrows (Lalrozama Fenai).

Depleted Churchill take on East Bengal

MARGAON: Churchill Brothers Sports Club and Kingfisher East Bengal both have defensive concerns ahead of the team’s important I-League clash at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda on Friday (January 27).
Churchill Brothers have lost two of their last three matches and coach Manuel Gomes is keen to break the trend. But the Portuguese coach will find it extremely difficult to contain the marauding rival strikers as he struggles to put up a decent defence.
Defenders Gouramangi Singh and Denzil Franco are both suspended with double bookings and the coach may have to bring in new faces to fill the void. One such player that the coach is banking on is Saran Singh who has not had much to do in League so far. Naveen Kumar Sudhakaran is expected to play at the centre of defence.
The coach will also be concerned by the continued absence of Lalrindika Ralte due to injury. Jerry Zirsanga is almost certain to be handed a place in the starting line-up.
The clash against East Bengal will be crucial to Churchill’s title chances and there is a general belief that another defeat could spell doom for the former champions.
East Bengal on the other hand, have given a good account of themselves but at times Trevor Morgan’s side has appeared sluggish. Inconsistency, too, has been a big bane.
“Yes, our performance has been inconsistent. We lost some of the matches which we should have won. But having said that, I think we are in a good position. Ideally, we would have loved to be at the top of the table by now. We need to stay focused,” Morgan told the-aiff.com in a previous interview.
The coach also has defensive concerns, something he intends to correct with the return of Nirmal Chettri. “Defensive organisation is an aspect we need to improve upon,” said the coach.
The kick-off is at 3.30pm.

FROM THE RECORD BOOKS:

· This will be Churchill Brothers’ 311th match in the NFL/I LEAGUE and they have scored 521 goals (Highest by any Club).

· This will be East Bengal’s 329th match in NFL/I League and they have scored 475 goals so far.

HEAD-TO-HEAD:

Total Matches: 29
Churchill Brothers Won: 12
East Bengal Won: 10
Drawn: 7
Goals scored by Churchill Brothers: 38
Goals scored by East Bengal: 38

Result in first-leg:

Churchill Brothers 1 (ND Opara)
beat
Kingfisher East Bengal 0.

· Odafa Okolie has scored the maximum number of goals for Churchill Brothers (10) while for East Bengal, Alvito D’Cunha stay the highest goalscorer with 5 goals.

· Yusif Yakubu is the only player to have scored for both sides against each other. He scored 3 for East Bengal and 1 for Churchill Brothers.

A loss at this stage will have a huge impact: Morgan

2012-01-29T22:12:00.000+05:30

New Delhi : Kingfisher East Bengal stay the only Kolkata team in the top-four at the moment (as on January 25, 2012). With three points separating the Red-and-Gold from current League-leaders Dempo SC, www.the-aiff.com caught up with East Bengal Coach Trevor Morgan on the challenge ahead. EXCERPTS:
Despite East Bengal being placed second at the moment, they haven’t been consistent. How do you describe that?

Yes, our performance has been inconsistent. We lost some of the matches which we should have won. But having said that, I think we are in a good position. Ideally, we would have loved to be at the top of the table by now. We need to stay focused.
You play Churchill Brothers in a crucial next round encounter. How do you look forward to the contest?
Churchill Brothers are a very capable side and are very tough to beat at home. They stay at the third place at the moment as four points separate us. But you need to remember, they have played a match less. It’s understandable they would come all guns blazing at us. We need to be cautious but we will play to win.

The combination of Tolgay Ozbey and Penn Orji have worked wonders for East Bengal. What keeps them going?

Both Tolgay and Penn are quality players with lots of potential. Their combination has always helped us. Both complement each other on the field and the team is reaping the benefits in return. I’ve no complaints.

Sanju Pradhan has been outstanding in this edition. What’s your take on him?

Sanju is an exceptional talent who is a match-winner. He has matured a lot and understands his responsibilities and executes them on the field. That defines him. He will go a long way. I rate him very highly. In fact, this team boasts of many match-winners.

Which are the areas you feel your team needs to improve?

Defensive organisation is an aspect we need to improve upon. When we lost to Salgaocar in Goa, our defence wasn’t upto the mark. Hopefully, Nirmal Chhetri would be back with the team and we will have to reorganise our defence against Churchill who have some very good forwards.

Where do you see East Bengal at the end of the season?

The League has reached a stage where a win or a loss can have a huge impact on any team. And mind you, the top 4-5 teams don’t stay far way from each other. We need to stick to the basics. Predicting anything at the moment won’t be right.

Jeje doubtful for AFC Challenge Cup

2012-01-29T22:10:00.002+05:30

NEW DELHI: National Team striker Jeje Lalpekhlua has been advised eight-weeks rest and stays doubtful for India’s campaign in the forthcoming AFC Challenge Cup to be held in Nepal.
Jeje suffered an injury on his left knee during his club Pune FC’s I-League campaign. His MRI report reveals bone contusion and grade 2/3 injury to MCL of left knee. The striker is being treated by Dr. Anant Joshi and has been advised non weight bearing with crutches for 3 weeks. It will be followed by a minimum rehab for 3 weeks under Dr. Joshi’s supervision.
Goalkeeper Subrata Paul had earlier been ruled out of the AFC Challenge Cup.
India begin their campaign in the AFC Challenge Cup against Tajikistan on March 9, 2012.

Mumbai will play Maharashtra in the final of the Cooch Behar Trophy

2012-01-29T22:09:00.002+05:30

Mumbai : Mumbai will play Maharashtra in the final of the Cooch Behar Trophy, the country’s premier inter-state domestic competition for the under-19s, at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, from 28 January 2012 to 31 January 2012. The Cooch Behar Trophy was instituted in 1945-46. It started off as a tournament between ten associations; the under-19 equivalent of the Ranji Trophy. It was played in an inter-zonal format from 1952-53 to 1989-90, before reverting to the ‘inter-state’ format in 1990-91. Mumbai have won the title six times. The first instance was in 1949-50. The side also triumphed in 1993-94, 1996-97, 2001-02, 2006-07 and 2008-09. Maharashtra won the title in 2005-06.

Sporting Clube beat Mumbai FC 5-0

2012-01-29T22:07:00.002+05:30

Sporting Clube de Goa 5 (Anthony dSouza – 48th, James Moga – 57th, Mackroy Peixote – 70th & 72, Ogba Kalu – 90+3 )

Beat
Mumbai FC 0

GOA: Sporting Clube de Goa completed a hat-trick of wins to log their best run in the I-League. A 5-0 win over Mumbai FC in the 16th round at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda meant Sporting Clube calmed their nerves as they moved to the 8th spot with 23 points in their kitty.
After a barren first session, Anthony D’Souza opened the account in the 48th minute before James Moga headed home Sporting’s second goal in the 57th minute. Midfielder Macroy Peixoto then scored two quick goals in as many minutes as a tight match in the first session turned into a rout in the second when Ogba Kalu converted a penalty in the third minute of added time.
Sporting Clube had plenty of ball possession in the first session but lacked the final touch that would translate a good move into a goal.
The home side took the lead three minutes into the first session when substitute Ogba Kalu won a ball from just outside the box, dribbled past two defenders and laid the ball into the path of Anthony who finished with elan.
Sporting made it 2-0 almost immediately as James Moga, typically, rose high above the defence to meet Freiman Peixoto’s cross close to the goal mouth.
Sporting clube were coasting at this stage as Mumbai FC were unable to stitch any good moves.
After being 2-0 down, Mumbai FC expectedly gave up and left plenty of spaces for their rivals to operate. It was a disaster waiting to happen and midfielder Macroy Peixoto made the visitors pay with two goals in as many minutes.
The first goal was fortuitous as his acrobatic shot – after Kalu’s attempt had bounced off the crossbar – sailed behind a badly positioned Mumbai FC goalkeeper Ishan Debnath.
Two minutes later, Macroy scored his second and the team’s fourth goal as he made a superb run to meet Freiman Peixoto’s through ball and place the ball at the far end.
There was still time for one last goal and that came in the third minute of added time when Kalu scored from the spot. The penalty was awarded after Dhanachandra Singh had brought down Dawson Fernandes.
Man of the match was awarded to Anthony D'Souza of Sporting Clube.

Prayag stamp supremacy over Bagan

2012-01-29T22:05:00.001+05:30

Prayag United SC 2 (Kayne Vincent – 16th & Deepak Mondal – 64th)

Beat
McDowells Mohun Bagan 1 (Anwar Ali – 19th,)

KOLKATA: A spectacular pile-driver from former international Deepak Mondal gave Prayag United the necessary lead to help it upset the Kolkata giant Mohun Bagan 2-1, in a 16th round I-League match, played at the Salt Lake Stadium on Sunday.
The clash of two city clubs at the Salt Lake Stadium saw Prayag United discover dominant form to convincingly beat Mohun Bagan and move up the League standings.
Prayag began confidently and found the lead as early as 16th minute off its New Zealand striker Kayne Vincent. The doughty forward nodded home a nicely-set corner of James Singh.
Prayag’s lead did not last long as Mohun Bagan got back the equaliser in the 19th minute, when Mohun Bagan stopper-back Anwar Ali doubled up as an attacker and found the target off a Dhanarajan centre.
Both sides shared a few more scoring opportunities but failed to utilize them effectively.
Mohun Bagan failed to regroup after the break, while Prayag doubled its initiative and searched the goal route with more purpose.
Deepak Mondal, the AIFF player of the year in 2002, proved his merit yet again as he came on the overlap to get the winning goal for the Purple Brigade. Deepak unleashed an angular right-footer that beat the Mohun Bagan custodian Sangram Mukherjee with its power and accuracy.
The win took Prayag United to 28 points from 16 matches while helping it overtake Mohun Bagan – which remained on 27.
Prayag’s Deepak Mondal was adjudged man of the match.

Dempo SC 2 (Ranti Martins – 88th & 90th)
Beat
Shillong Lajong 1 (Seikhohau Tuboi – 81st)

Dempo scrape past Lajong

SHILLONG: Dempo Sports Club came from behind to beat Shillong Lajong 2-1 in the 16th round I League encounter at the packed
Shillong’s JN Sports Complex on Sunday.
It was the host who had majority of the ball possession in both the half but they lacked finishing touches upfront and failed to convert chances that came their way.
In the 16th minute of the game when Seikhohau Tuboi’s throw found the feet of Matthew Osvaldo Mayora in front of the goal mouth, but the later was caught dreaming as he did not made an attempt to place the ball into the goal and let the ball go out of touch line.
Till the breather the scoreline remained 0-0.
Changing over, both the team kept trying without any success. It was only in the 81st minute of the game that Lajong broke the deadlock when Tuboi headed home on former National player Rennedy Singh corner.
Lajong’s joy was short lived when Ranti Martin’s well measured shot from the midfield found the back of the net in the 88th minute of the game.
Two minute later referee S. S. Panda of Orissa awarded spot kick in favor of Goan side after he caught Wailadmi Passah handled the ball. Taking the shot Ranti, who was later declared man of the match, made no mistake to give his side a match winner.
With this win Dempo regained the top position with 36 points from 16 matches while Shillong Lajong stays at 17 points from 16 outings.

Salgaocar SC 3 (Ishfaq Ahmed -- 30th, Edeh Chidi – 34 & Ryuji Sueoka -- 84th)
Beat
Churchill Brothers SC 0

Salgaocar thrash Churchill Brothers 3-0

GOA: Salgaocar Sports Club scored two quick goals midway into the first session as the defending champions silenced Churchill Brothers Sports Club 3-0 in the 16th round I-league clash at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on Sunday.
The Goa derby started fiercely at the start but it was clear that Salgaocar enjoyed the upperhand, as they peppered the rival goal with swift attacks.
Till the first half an hour, it remained goalless but the defending champions had their noses in front in the 30th minute when Ishfaq Ahmed gave them the lead.
Four minutes later, Edeh Chidi scored the team’s second goal as the defending champions had the match well and truly in its pocket. Ryuiji Sueoka converted from spot in 84th minute as Salgaocar completed the rout.
It was Ryuiji Sueoka who set the pace for Salgaocar, as Churchill defence found him too slippery to keep an eye on. The Japanese midfielder tested rival goalkeeper Felix D’Souza’s alertness with a smart flick which Felix somehow managed to parry away.
A minute later, Chidi’s half volley landed straight into the waiting hands of the goalkeeper.
Salgaocar opened the account just after the half hour mark as Francis Fernandes slipped a ball through to Ishfaq who did well to draw out the goalkeeper and then finish in style.
Salgaocar scored the insurance goal soon enough, this time thanks to the brilliance of Chidi. The Nigerian striker took a sudden shot which took everyone, including the Churchill goalkeeper, by surprise.
In the second session, Churchill coach Manuel Gomes worked out different combinations but none of the three strikers he chose could break the Salgaocar’s back. Henri Autchouet, Brazilian midfielder Beto and Mohammad Rafi all went close but Karanjit Singh under the Salgaocar horizontal bar proved a hard nut to crack.
Dominating for most part Salgaocar had chances to inflate their goal margin. The best chance fell at the feet of Ryuji after a rebound from Isfhaq’s attempt had landed straight at his feet but the Japanese could not get the better of the rival goalkeeper.
Sueoka completed the rout in the 84th minute when he converted a penalty which was awarded after Gouramangi Singh brought down Francis Fernandes.
Salgaocar are now at 28 points from 16 matches while Churchill stays at 29 points from 15 outings.
Man of the match was awarded to Tomba Singh.

Air India 2 (Ezeh Henry – 14th & Takayuki Omi – 62nd)
d/w
Pune FC 2 (S Venkatesh -- 76th & Chika Wali -- 90+)

Air India hold Pune 2-2

PUNE: Pune FC had everything on a platter—a home ground to play an away match, a full strength team to choose from and a form that has seen them remain unbeaten for nine matches so far—but on lovely Sunday afternoon they allowed Air India to dictate the terms to a 2-2 draw, in the 16th round I league clash.
Air India striker Ezeh Henry’s rapper of a goal in the 14th minute of the match gave hosts a chance to force Pune FC on the back-foot. For most part of the first half, Pune FC played a catch-up game with its forward-line finding it difficult to get past Air India goalkeeper Pawan Kumar.
Seventeen minutes into the second half and Air India seemingly nailed Pune FC’s confidence, when Sandesh Gadkari set up Takayuki Omi in the box for 2-0 lead.
As both the teams resorted to rough play upfront forcing a few substitutions including that of Jeje Lalpekhlua of Pune FC, raised the tempo of the match with the sparse crowd calling for revival.
Jeje, who himself went in as substitute, returned to the bench, and his replacement Maninder Singh chanced upon the rare opportunity to show his talent and kept threatening the Air India forte with a series of passes.
Subhash Singh and Arata Izumi worked the Air India defence, but the lucky gaps were not coming their way. Finally, it was seasoned Shanmugham Venkatesh who broke through the Air India defence and let the ball into the nettings in the 76th minute.
Seven minutes were added as injury time, which came as a reprieve for Pune FC, which by then was controlling the pace of the game and dominating in all departments.
In the third minute of injury-time, Maninder’s corner kick was cleared over the sidelines bringing in Lester Fernandes for throw in. Lester’s floater landed right in the middle and a tap from Subhash Singh inspired defender Chika Wali to run through the defence and head in the equalizer.
With this draw, Pune FC now have 27 points, while Air India stays with 21 points.

Sporting Clube start favorite against Mumbai FC

2012-01-29T22:02:00.003+05:30

GOA: Sporting Clube de Goa are staying grounded despite scoring a fascinating win over Mohun Bagan in their last clash at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda. The next opponents at home are Mumbai FC, in the 16th round I League match on Monday, but technical director Alex Alvares has called for a cool headed approach.
“Our victory against Mohun Bagan was exceptional team work. Everyone contributed to the team’s cause but we have to look ahead now. The only thing we can take forward from the last victory is the confidence. There is plenty of work ahead,” said Alvares.
Sporting Clube are placed eighth on the table with 20 points but with little to choose between them and the rest battling to save the drop, Alvares knows that picking points, especially from teams who are fighting to save relegation, is absolutely crucial.
“We cannot allow Mumbai FC to return with even a point. We must grab all points on offer,” said the technical director.
Sporting have been erratic in the I-League, grabbing five wins, five losses and as many draws. While they have some fascinating victories against the likes of Salgaocar, Shillong Lajong and Mohun Bagan, losses against Air India and Mumbai FC have pegged them back.
“We need to bring consistency in our game. We have to keep on winning,” insisted Alvares, who is expected to field the same squad which means South Korean striker Jae Hyun Park will start alongside South Sudan’s James Moga.
Mumbai FC won the first phase clash against Sporting Clube by a solitary goal in Pune, but coach Khalid Jamil will be under no illusion of a similar result in Sporting’s backyard. The visitors will need to be at their best to take something out of the game.
Points will be crucial for Mumbai FC as they have only 14 points in their kitty and another slip-up at Fatorda would mean they would have been left to battle with Chirag United Kerala to avoid relegation.

Churchill to face resurgent Salgaocar

2012-01-29T22:01:00.001+05:30

GOA: Salgaocar Sports Club are keen to extend their fine run in six matches -- where they have collected 16 points -- as they gear for a no-holds-barred battle against Churchill Brothers at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on Sunday. Salgaocar had a shaky start but in the last six matches they have collected more points than any other team in the competition and are now feeling confident that they are as good, if not better, than any of the top four teams vying for the title.
“I do not see any reason why we should not be able to extend our fine run. The confidence is high, the morale of the team in training is high and everyone is raring to go. I think we are in a good frame of mind to take on Churchill,” said Salgaocar coach Karim Bencherifa
Salgaocar will be strengthened with the return of star striker Edeh Chidi from injury and midfielder Ishfaq Ahmed from suspension. A couple of other players who were nursing injuries have also regained fitness.
“We have done really well in the last six matches and the credit should go to the players. Churchill is also a strong side, they have done well in the league but as I always say we fear no team,” explained Bencherifa.
Salgaocar will also be looking to collect full points a result that will see them move a step closer to being in the top three. The defending champions have 25 points in their kitty and are placed sixth at the moment
Churchill Brothers were grounded by Mohun Bagan at Fatorda in their previous clash here but the former champions responded well by securing a 2-0 victory against Shillong Lajong FC. Churchill are aware that they cannot afford to drop any more points as the title race gets tighter.
“There is no room for error. We must take full points from this match,” said manager Danzie Ferrao.

Pune FC’s take on Air India

PUNE: In a derby match, Air India will host Pune FC, who would be looking to secure full points in the 16th round I League encounter to be played at the Belawadi Sports Complex on Sunday.
The way Pune FC played against Mumbai FC on Wednesday, it showed that the team has evolved over time after having gone without a loss for nine matches—last reverse came against Dempo SC, Goa in the first week for December.
Last time when the two teams met in the 7th round, Pune FC defeated Air India 2-0 at the same ground and overall the Pune outfit leads 2-1 in I-League with one match drawn.
Pune’s Coach Derrick Pereira would hope that Pune FC’s dream run continues having got out of the difficult home ties against Mohun Bagan and East Bengal—winning one and drawing the other—before they head for their series of away matches starting with Shillong Lajong in Guwahati.
In the last five matches, Pune FC has three wins and two draws—the wins coming against Mohun Bagan, Churchill Brothers and Mumbai FC—if one wants to put the opponent teams in the order of difficulty.
Air India, meanwhile has met its low during last five encounters after having surprised many with their away wins against formidable opponents. Having beating Dempo SC in December, Air India was on a high, but at home on Wednesday, Dempo showed Air India its place with a 3-1 win after having led the match 3-0 till the 89th minute of the match.
Losses against Kolkata sides, Bagan and East Bengal, at the Salt Lake Stadium, actually shattered their form, and it will take more than regular show to be able to penetrate against a solid Pune FC tomorrow.
Pune FC currently are at No 5 position with 26 points from 15 matches, while Air India are lying at No 7 position with 20 points from 15 outings.

East Bengal reign supreme

2012-01-29T22:00:00.001+05:30

Kingfisher East Bengal 2 (Saumik Dey – 65th & Penn Orgi -- 89th)

Beat
HAL Bangalore 0

KOLKATA: Kingfisher East Bengal overcame a spirited challenge from HAL Bangalore to defeat them 2-0 in the 16th Round I-League encounter, played at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, on Saturday.
Both the teams started on aggressive note. But the host find it increasingly difficult to get past the visitors defence in the first half.
It was HAL who stole the show in the first half and came very close take an early lead, in 20th minute when RC Prakash brilliantly took a volley but alert East Bengal goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh punched the ball away to safety.
Though both the team kept attacking each other goalpost but much to the disappointment of the crowd the first half remained goalless.
Changing over, East Bengal seemed to have came out with some resolution. Their persistent effort finally gave them lead, when on a perfect cross from Sanju Pradhan, Saumik Dey scored the first goal in 65th minute for Red and Gold brigade.
Spurred by the first goal red and gold brigade became all more dangerous, and it paid off in the 89th minute when Penn Orgi found the back of the net to score second goal on a unselfish pass from Brazilian, Edmilson Marques who had earlier replaced Tolgay Ozbey upfront in 76th minute.
The scoreline remained unchanged till the end to hand HAL Bangalore their 13th defeat of the League.
With this win East Bengal now have 33 points from 16 matches while HAL stays at 3 points from 16 outings.
Round 7th match between the two teams was won by East Bengal by 8-1.
Sanju Pradhan (East Bengal) was adjudged man of the match.

Dempo challenge for Lajong

SHILLONG: Number nine placed Shillong Lajong FC would host League leader Dempo SC in the 16th round I League match at the Shillong's
JN Sports Complex newly laid artificial grass field on Sunday.
Dempo had thrashed Lajong in the round seven match 5-0 in latter’s away match, while Lajong who are fresh from 0-2 defeat at the hands of Churchill Brothers in their maiden match at their home turf this season, would go all out to earn at least a point.
Dempo will be missing the service of Mahesh Gawli, as he is facing a match suspension for earning a double booking.
Dempo’s Coach Armando Colaco said, “Team should perform well despite weather not favoring our side, we are professional team and we had two days practice and the boy will give good fight.”
Talking about the opponent he said “Lajong are a very competitive side the only problem they are facing is they have not been able to convert the chances.”
On the other hand Lajong have roped in Australian Mathus Osvaldo Mayora for its forward line.
“We failed to live upto the expectation of our fans in our last encounter but we will try to improve our game against Dempo,” said Lajong coach Pradyum Reddy.
Dempo are currently at 33 points from 15 matches while Shillong Lajong are at 15 points from 15 outings.

Bagan up against Prayag United

KOLKATA: Meanwhile, in an another 16th round I League encounter McDowell Mohun Bagan would face another Kolkata outfit Prayag
United SC at the Salt Lake Stadium on Sunday.
Mohun Bagan are placed at fourth position with 27 points from 15 outings while Prayag United are at combined sixth with 25 points from 15 matches.Their 7th round encounter between the two teams was won by Prayag United by 3-2.

Pune Warriors retained Sourav Ganguly

2012-01-29T21:57:00.003+05:30

Mumbai : Pune Warriors have retained Sourav Ganguly, former India captain, who was included in last year’s squad as an injury replacement. Ganguly had signed up with the outfit after the start of the 2011 edition of the tournament. He had been a part of the Kolkata Knight Riders in the first three editions of the tournament, and had led the side in 2008 and 2010. “We are privileged to have a player of Sourav Ganguly’s calibre in our squad. He has been one of India’s greatest and most inspirational cricketers. We have no doubt that his presence in the team will boost the team’s prospects in the IPL, and motivate the boys to excel themselves,” Abhijit Sarkar, Director - Pune Warriors, said. “Sourav Ganguly’s record speaks for itself. Icons like him only enhance the phenomenon that is the IPL. He has always set high standards for himself, and we can expect some outstanding performances from him in the tournament,” Rajeev Shukla, Chairman, IPL, commented. Kings XI Punjab have signed David Miller, the middle-order batsman from South Africa, for the next two seasons.

Injury-hit East Bengal start as favourites

2012-01-29T21:56:00.003+05:30

KOLKATA: Kingfisher East Bengal look to consolidate their position at the top of the table when they take on lowly placed HAL at the Yuva Bharati Krinangan on Saturday (January 21). East Bengal stay on 30 points from 15 matches while HAL languish at the bottom of the table with just 3 points from same number of matches.
The last time the two teams met, East Bengal won 8-1.

When asked whether it would be a relatively easy match, East Begnal Coach Trevor Morgan begged to differ. “No team in the I-League is an easy opponent and we would be missing several players due to injury,” he lamented.

The injury list looks long with Nirmal Chettri, Robin Singh, Naoba Singh, Robert Lalthwama, Gurvinder Singh and Ravinder Singh ruled out for the match.

Morgan is set to hand Sunil Kumar his I-League debut alongside Uga Okpara. It looks like East Bengal will play Tolgay Ozbey as the lone striker upfront with comeback man Edmilson Marques to start from the bench.

Morgan added: “At present, there are 7 teams vying for the title and hence every match is important for us.”

Meanwhile, HAL had a light practice session ahead of the crucial clash. On the surface, they have an uphill task. But as Morgan insisted, it’s not right to “make any prediction.”

The kick-off is at 2pm.

Jeje-Keita-Subhash triangle working wonders for us: Derrick

2012-01-29T21:53:00.001+05:30

Pune : Comfortably placed in the top-half in the I-League at the moment, Pune FC are on a dream run at the moment. Coach Derrick Pereira spoke to www.the-aiff.com on his team’s chances, their strategies and future targets. Excerpts:
The start wasn’t good for your team. But since Round 6, things have changed. What’s the secret?

I attribute it to the hard work and determination. It’s not about just the team but also about all the other people involved with. The target stays the same – to get better with every round.

Being a former player, how much does help to understand the psyche of a player?

When you have the experience of being a player, you ought to understand better as to what goes on in a player’s mind. It helps you to address the needs of players, to plan your strategy according to the condition and the player’s capabilities.

Injuries to some key players did hit you hard. How did you cope up with it?

Injuries to Keita Manjdou and Subrata Paul at the start of the season put us in a bad situation. But then we got Abhra Mondol on loan. Furthermore, Keita’s comeback made us stronger. The combination of Jeje Lalpekhlua and Keita upfront with Subhash Singh backing them up has worked wonders for us.

Has the difference between the teams in the I-League narrowed?

There is not much difference among the teams playing in the League at the moment. Just the other day, Sporting Clube beat Mohun Bagan. Anyone can beat any given team if they stick to their plans and play as a team.

Whom do you consider as your biggest threat?

Every new match we have a new rival. We want to capture the top slot and whoever comes in way stays our threat.

Royal Challengers Bangalore signed Chris Gayle

2012-01-29T21:50:00.003+05:30

Mumbai : Royal Challengers Bangalore have signed Chris Gayle, former West Indies captain, for the next two IPL seasons. Gayle joined RCB for the 2011 IPL as a replacement for Dirk Nannes. He was the recipient of the Orange Cap for being the highest scorer in IPL 2011. He also played for RCB in the CLT20 2011. He was a part of the Kolkata Knight Riders in the first three editions of the IPL. “We are delighted to make Chris Gayle a permanent member of our IPL squad. He is one of the best batsmen in the world. His form helped us qualify for the final of the 2011 edition of the tournament. We are confident that with players like him in our side, we will take the extra step this season, and win our maiden IPL title,” Sidhartha Mallya, Director, Royal Challengers Sports Pvt Ltd, said. “I had a great time representing RCB last year. It is a terrific outfit. The players are brilliant. They are complemented by the support-staff and administrators, all of whom have gone out of their way to make the players comfortable, and give them the freedom to express themselves on the field. To me, Bangalore has been a home away from home. I wanted to continue playing for them, and it turned out that they were keen to retain my services. I look forward to returning to namma Bangalore soon,” Chris Gayle said. “Chris Gayle is one of those cricketers who was born to excel in all formats of the sport. He was at his destructive best in IPL 2011, and one can safely assume that we will see a lot more fireworks emanate from his blade, in the forthcoming IPL seasons,” Rajeev Shukla, Chairman, IPL, commented.

I don’t want to emulate anyone: Sabeeth

2012-01-19T12:08:00.000+05:30

Chirachal Sathyan Sabeeth (CS Sabeeth)

Date of Birth: 12/02/1990

Place of Birth: Ooty, Tamil Nadu.

Nickname: C S

Teams Played For: VIVA Kerala, Pailan Arrows (Present)Position : Striker

He was just 13 years old when he fell in love with the Beautiful Game. There were ample reasons for that. At that time, a plethora of star footballers had made it big from ‘God’s Own Country.’ There was the late VP Sathyan, the mercurial I M Vijayan, the omnipresent Pappchan and the talented Jo Paul Ancheri who had already made it big. Born in Ooty, Sabeeth watched them in front of his eyes and dreamt of staying true to tradition.

“I was studying in 8th standard at Government Secondary School, Ooty, when the sport first appealed to me. I watched my father (C. Sathyan) play. He was a player with Tamil Nadu Police. He was the main source of motivation,” says Sabeeth who is currently a part of the Pailan Arrows participating in the I-League.

Sabeeth, often touted as the next big thing from Kerala first caught the eye when he played for the India U-19 National Team. Ask him about his future and the 21-year old striker will tell you that his dream stays to play in England. But before doing that he wants to cement his place in the Indian Senior team. “I need to score goals. I need to score regularly,” he adds.

The Liverpool fan stays a die-hard fan of French striker Thierry Henry. But Bhaichung Bhutia inspires him more. “Bhaichung has been a role model for the present generation. He was deadly in the box,” he comments.

“But I don’t want to emulate anyone. I like to be myself. I just want to score goals and be remembered as someone who played for the country and played a part in taking Indian football to the next level.”

Churchill beat Shillong Lajong 2-0

2012-01-19T12:06:00.000+05:30

Churchill Brothers SC 2 (Roberto Silva – 34^th & 78^th)

Beat

Shillong Lajong 0

SHILLONG: Roberto Silva scored a brace to help Churchill Brothers beat hosts Shillong Lajong in the 15^th round I-League encounter at the

J N Sports Complex in Shillong, on Wednesday.

Playing before the packed stadium Lajong fans returned disappointed as their favorite team did not give them reason to cheers.

Churchill who played exceptional game throughout netted their first goal in the 34th minute off a spot kick, when Lajong skipper Zenith Mashangva, handled the ball inside the box, to which visitors captain Roberto Silva made no mistake to place the ball inside the net.

In the 44th minute Goan custodian Felix d’ Souza had real test in the entire first half, when he beautifully flicked off the Eugenson Lyngdoh’s shot from the corner.

Changing the side, though Lajong did created few chances to level the score but strikers weren’t upto the mark upfront.

In the 78^th minute Roberto completed his brace to give Churchill 2-0 win over local favourites. He was adjudged man of the match for his

outstanding performance.

The scoreline remained the same till the final whistle.

With this win Churchill now have 29 points from 14 matches while Lajong stays at 17 points from 15 outings.

The 10^th round encounter between the two was won by Churchill by 6-0.

Dempo SC 3 (Ranti Martins – 54^th & 88^th; Koko Sakibo – 77^th)

Beat

Air India 1 (Sandeep Sangha – 90+)

Dempo thrash Air India 3-1

PUNE: Dempo SC regained its top position of the league table after comfortably beating 10-man Air India 3-1 in the 15^th round I-League

encounter at the Balewadi Sports Complex in Pune on Wednesday.

Ranti Martins was in the thick of action and scored two goals in 56^th & 88^th minutes after having missed a penalty early in the match, while fellow striker Koko Sakibo scored a piece in 77^thminute as Dempo showed that the loss at home in December was just an aberration.

For Air India Sandeep Sangha reduced the deficit in injury time bringing in some consolation.

Initially missing a penalty by Dempo, Air India took advantage and attacked them with full force. Henry Ezeh and Sandeep Sangha created two chances upfront but Ezeh wasted the efforts.

After the break, Dempo decided to go for the kill. Goans took the lead through Ranti Martins when he forced the ball in on Cressan Antao’s pass

Dempo then began to control the pace of the match, passing well between the exchanges with Koko and Ranti wreaking havoc upfront.

Trinidad and Tobago’s Denzil Theobald then set up Koko Sakibo who slotted the ball in to the left of overworked Pawan in the 77th minute.

Ranti was again in a thick of a action when he took advantage of a mix-up in the rival defence as Koko and Ranti toyed with the ball before founding the back of the net in 88th minute.

Air India now have 20 points from 15 matches.

Man-of-the-match was awarded to Koko Sakibo (Dempo)

Salgaocar SC 4 (Francis Fernandes – 12^th; Ryuji Sueoka – 54^th; Gilbert Oliveira – 71st; Randeep Singh – 85^th)

Beat

HAL Bangalore 0

Salgaocar blank HAL 4-0

GOA: Salgaocar Sports Club coasted to an expectedly comfortable 4-0 victory over bottom-placed HAL in a 15th round I-League clash at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on Wednesday.

Salgaocar have now accumulated 16 points from their last six matches to take their points tally to 25 while HAL, with just three points in their kitty, will find it increasingly difficult to save themselves from relegation.

Francis Fernandes, Ryuji Sueoka, Gilbert Oliveira and Randeep Singh got the goals for the defending champions, who led 1-0 at the breather.

Salgaocar seemed eager to open their account with a flurry of attacks at the start. The defending champions surged ahead in the 12th minute when HAL goalkeeper P Pramod allowed Francis Fernandes all the time in the world to head home Tomba Singh’s measured cross.

Salgaocar’s second goal was another defensive lapse, this time Nicolau Colaco’s cross was headed into the nets by Ryuji Sueoka.

The third goal from the hosts was a gem in the 71st minute. An overhead ball from Rocus Lamare was controlled by Gilbert Oliveira. The midfielder then drew out the goalkeeper and finished off with a nice placement.

Randeep Singh then scored with his first touch as the midfielders powerful shot from just inside the box – after being fed on the platter by Gilbert – rocked the crossbar and sailed into the nets.

HAL failed to make their presence felt and it was made worse when defender Liliyan Ketteth was sent off for a second bookable offence in the 78th minute.

The Bangalore side did not have even a single attempt on goal.

Man of the match was awarded to Francis Fernandes.

Pune prove too classy for Mumbai FC

2012-01-19T12:04:00.000+05:30

Pune FC 3 (Subhash Singh – 25^th & 67^th; Gurjinder Kumar – 90+)

Beat

Mumbai FC 0

PUNE: Pune FC’s potential in playing class football was on show in the Maha-Derby against Mumbai FC in the Round XV match of the I-League at the Balewadi Sports Complex.

Inspired by the triumvirate of Subhash Singh, Arata Izumi and Jeje Lalpekhlua, Pune FC defeated Mumbai FC 3-0 in an entertainingly fast-paced match that unfortunately turned into a fist-fight when Mumbai FC realised that they were being trampled upon by the home side.

Subhash Singh scored a brace—his goals coming in the 20^th and 67^th minutes, while Gurjinder Kumar netted home the third goal in the 89^th minute of the match. With this win, Pune FC regained its No 5 position with 26 points while Mumbai FC stay on 14 points from 15 matches.

While trying to take control of the ball, Anas Edathodika lost his temper when Keegan provoked him. In the ensuing melee, Anas apparently hit Keegan and the referee was quick to show red card. Keegan, however, kept pestering even as his team members tried to pacify before the referee Francisco Fernandez flashed the red card to Keegan to leave both the teams with 10 men.

That aside, the match was high-quality with Pune FC playing superb game upfront. Crowd favourite Arata’s presence was instrumental as he created chances and kept Subhash Singh on the go. The efforts of strikers were nonetheless backed up by Lester Fernandes and Douhou Peirre -- both sending neat passes that spilt the Mumbai FC defence on several occasions.

The first goal came off Jeje’s move when he was brought down for the second time in the match that earned Pune FC a free-kick 60 yards from the post. Douhou floated in the free-kick on the second post, Gurjinder mistimed it and as the ball went off a defender, it caught Subhash on wrong foot. Without wasting time, Subhash snapshot to the far corner from an acute angle to stun Mumbai FC.

Arata deserved to be among the scorers, but he would be happy to have assisted so many attacks that Pune FC carried leaving Mumbai FC flummoxed. The pace with which Pune FC played was something never seen in the recent past — showing that they have it in them to fire against any kind of opposition.

As Mumbai FC’s Gbeneme Friday failed to get going, it was the Arata-Subhash Singh combine that won the day for Pune FC. But after the fracas, Pune FC slowed down and played to eat up the time.

Mumbai FC tried to sneak past on a couple of occasions, but Friday and Co were not up to the mark. With a minute left for the regulation time to end, Gurjinder cut through the defence and slotted home the winning goal, much to the chagrin of Mumbai FC.

Man-of-the-match: Subhash Singh.

Sporting challenge for confident Bagan

2012-01-19T12:03:00.001+05:30

MARGAO: McDowell Mohun Bagan stay confident that they can repeat their performance in Goa and collect full points against Sporting Clube de Goa in a crucial I-League clash to be played at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda on Thursday (December 19).

“We have to be careful. We cannot afford to take Sporting Clube for granted since they are playing at home and are known to be a competitive team. We cannot lose points for sure but it’s a match where we can pocket a win as well,” said Bagan Technical Director Subrata Bhattacharya.

Mohun Bagan relied overwhelmingly on mercurial striker Odafe Okolie’s hat-trick to clobber Churchill Brothers and the visitors will hope for a similar performance from the Nigerian striker. Brazilian striker Jose Ramirez Barreto also played an influential role in the team’s last win.

Sporting Clube stay aware of Mohun Bagan’s threat but are quietly confident that they can manage an upset of sorts. Sporting have four points from the last two matches -- after a torrid run in seven games -- and are now gaining in confidence.

“It’s our home match so obviously we have an advantage. We know what we intend to do against Bagan,” said Sporting Clube Technical Director Alex Alvares. Alvares is expected to field the same squad that won against Pailan Arrows, and although the scoreline suggests Sporting Clube only managed a 3-2 victory, Alvares was quick to point out that they were the dominant side throughout.

“We missed innumerable chances. The second half was totally dominated by us and Pailan were lucky not to lose by a bigger margin,” said Alvares.

Sporting Clube have 17 points in their kitty from 14 matches while Bagan stay on 27 points from 14 matches. The kick-off is slated for 3.30pm.

Prayag cautious ahead of ‘prestige battle’

KOLKATA: Prayag United SC take on Chirag Kerala in a grudge match at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Thursday (January 19). Prayag who have been the surprise package so far stay on 22 points from 14 matches while Chirag United Kerala sit precariously close to relegation -- with 11 points from 14 matches.

In a way it’s a home coming of the Chirag who stayed the sponsors of their rival team for a number of years before deciding to shift to Kerala.

Sanjoy Sen, Prayag United’s Coach said: “It might not be a derby match but it is a matter of prestige for the club.” So much so, that even Prayag United officials visited the team’s practice session in an effort to boost the morale ahead of the big clash.

For Prayag United, Lalkamal Bhowmick is out due to an injury. He will be missing about four weeks of action due to a shoulder dislocation. Jayanta Sen replaces him.

Sen, however, put up a brace face. “We have a ready replacement for him and have played many crucial matches without Lalkamal. We have a backup plan ready,” he commented. “It’s not right to underestimate any opposition. We beat Dempo in the first phase but had to settle for draws against lower-ranked teams.”

Chirag United Kerala had a short afternoon practice session. Coach Fakir Ali seemed confident ahead of the clash and hoped to take full points from this match. Chirag have come to Kolkata with a full strength team and will hope for a win that can give them a boost in avoiding relegation.

The kick-off is at 2pm.

Pune FC enjoy an edge

2012-01-19T12:01:00.000+05:30

PUNE: There is no other go for Derrick Pereira’s team but to force a win against Mumbai FC when the two teams meet up in the Round XV clash in the I-League at the Balewadi Sports Complex.

Currently on 23 points from 14 matches, this is the perfect opportunity for Pune FC to consolidate their position. They need to remember that defending champions Salgaocar SC and Prayag United SC stay on their heels – just one point behind.

Mumbai FC have been on a losing streak at home after Chirag United and Salgaocar scored victories early this month, and it would be right moment for Pune FC to strike after the two teams played out a goalless draw exactly one month ago at this same ground. Mumbai FC stay on 14 points from 14 matches.

Derrick Pereira’s boys need to find a solution to get their rhythm right after their rivals claimed a goalless draw in their last outing.

“We will need to work harder,” explained Derrick. “We need to create chances and convert them effectively. Last time we played them, we were held to a draw, This time, our plans stay different,” he added.

While Pune FC has fared well at home they still seek that elusive victory over Mumbai FC. Pune will, however, be without their top scorer Mandjou Keita who will have to sit out courtsey a double booking.

“The break will be a much needed rest for him and will help him come back stronger.” Derrick commented. “In Keita’s absence, I’m looking at others to step up and do as well,” he said.

The kick-off is at 6.30pm.

Lajong take on Churchill in Shillong

SHILLONG: Meanwhile, I-League football returns to Shillong as Shillong Lajong Football Club will be taking on Churchill Brothers at the Nehru Stadium in Shillong. The Nehru Stadium sports a new look with the newly laid artificial turf all reday to host the action. This is Lajong’s first match in Shillong as they had played all their earlier home matches in Guwahati.

Lajong stay on 17 points from 14 matches while Churchill Brothers are on 26 points from 13 matches.

East Bengal prove too strong for Pailan Arrows

2012-01-19T11:52:00.003+05:30

Kingfisher East Bengal 4 (Penn Orji -- 27^th; Tolgay Ozbey -- 30th & 76^th; Robert Lalthlamuana -- 57th)

Beat

Pailan Arrows 1 (Prathamesh Maulingkar -- 60th)

KOLKATA: Pailan Arrows proved out to be no match for resurgent Kingfisher East Bengal, as the hosts defeated Arrows by 4-1 in the 15th round I-League clash, played at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, on Monday (January 17). After Pen Orji had opened the scoring for East Bengal in the 27^thminute, Tolgay Ozbey scored a brace in 30th & 76th minute respectively. Robert Lalthlamuana scored East Bengal’s fourth goal in the 57th minute. The consolation goal for Pailan was scored by stopper-back Prathamesh Maulingkar in 60th minute. Australian Tolgay turned out to be the difference between the two teams, as he remained a constant threat upfront along with Penn Orji. East Bengal, who began on an aggressive note put constant pressure on the Pailan defence. And it yielded results soon. Pailan conceded the first goal in 27th minute, when Orji headed in a rebound after rival goalkeeper Naveen Kumar had denied Sanju Pradhan from close. Three minutes later, Penn passed the ball to Tolgay, who blasted in as powerful left- footer to double the score. The scoreline stayed two-nil in favour of the Red-and-gold at the interval. Changing over, East Bengal kept up the pressure. The strategy proved successful again in the 57th minute when Penn cleverly passed the ball to Robert Lalthlamuana, who came in out of nowhere to score the third goal. Tolgay again found the back of the Pailan’s empty net to score a brace in 76th minute. Pailan did pull one back in the 60^th minute when Prathamesh Maulingkar headed in a Prabir Das corner. The 10th round encounter between the two teams had ended in a goalless draw. With this win East Bengal moved to 30 points from 15 matches while Pailan stay on 7 points from 14 matches. Tolgay Ozbey was adjudged the Man of the Match.

Dempo aim for revenge

PUNE: Armando Colaco’s Dempo Sports Club will definitely not take things easy when they meet Air India in the Round XV match of the I-League at the Balewadi Sports Complex on Wednesday (January 18).

After being clear leaders in the early part of the season for seven rounds, Dempo crashed to three defeats in a row and it was Air India’s 2-0 away win in Fatorda that had shown to all the Goan team’s defence was vulnerable.

Since then, Dempo has remained tentative and have lost only one of the next four matches. At present, they stay at the top with 30 points from 14 matches, three points clear of Kolkata teams, East Bengal and Mohun Bagan. Their rivals Air India are on 20 points from 14 matches.

In the last match against Chirag United Kerala, Dempo had plenty of misses but early strikes from Clifford Miranda and Ranti Martins were enough for the league leaders to stay ahead of the chasing pack.

However, Air India would not be such an easy meat at home. On Saturday, Air India’s defence spearheaded by Collin Abranches, Lamine Tamba and Muhammed Shafi frustrated Shillong Lajong no end in a goalless draw.

Dempo will have to go all guns firing as Kali Alaudeen, who captained Air India in the last match, can shift roles effortlessly and is good at either positions, in the midfield or defence. Striker Sandesh Gadkari was off-colour and had to be substituted in the second half, but Sandeep Sangha worked nicely upfront with Alaudeen keeping him busy all the time.

In the last five encounters, Air India has won two, lost two and drawn one — their last win coming just before Christmas against Pailan Arrows. Air India hasn’t done badly given that much wasn’t expected from the Mumbai outfit, who was forced to adopt Pune as home for this season.

The kick-off is slated for 2.30pm.

Salgaocar want to break into top-five

MARGAO: Salgaocar Sports Club stay aware they can jump to the top-five spot for the first time should they manage to get past struggling HAL at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on Wednesday (January 18). Salgaocar are placed seventh at the moment with 22 points and a win against the bottom-placed squad will help them jump two spots and closer to a place they believe they belong; whereas HAL stay at the borrom of the League with 3 goals from 14 matches.

“We have to continue making progress. We have done well in the last five games but three points against HAL are an absolute must now,” said Salgaocar coach Karim Bencherifa.

Salgaocar had struggled to post a solitary goal win against HAL in the first leg at Bangalore and Bencherifa feels they team would have to be at their best to replicate the result at Fatorda.

“The slow start in the beginning taught us some lessons and one lesson which we learnt was that you don’t win if you don’t work really, really, hard. Whether it’s a top team or one at the bottom, there cannot be an exception. We have to really work hard for full points,” said Bencherifa.

The coach, however, was happy that his team has enjoyed a good run of form in the last five matches, that too without some of their key players. “We have managed to achieve some level of consistency and if you see the records, we have missed quite a few players. That’s an encouraging sign,” said the coach.

Unless there is a dramatic change in fortunes in the next couple of matches, HAL’s relegation becomes almost inevitable. The Bangalore side has not won a single game in the competition -- only Pailan Arrows has such a dubious record -- and are sitting at the bottom of the pool with three points in their kitty.

The kick-off is at 3.30pm.

Jeje and Joaquim are exceptional strikers: Ranti

2012-01-19T11:50:00.001+05:30

NEW DELHI: Ranti Martins Soleye has been synonymous with goals from the time he has played in India. The Dempo striker stays at the top of the goalscorer’s list with 15 goals (after 14 rounds) and aims to finish at the top at the end of the season. In a free-wheeling interview with www.the-aiff.com,Ranti spoke at length about his performance, his life in India and his rivalry with his country mate and Mohun Bagan’s talismanic striker Odefe Okolie.

How much satisfying is it to score goals?

It feels great and obviously feels good when you score goals. The support from my family and teammates help me focus on the field. My goals have so far helped my team stay at the top of the I-League. I feel, the situation stays the same till the end.

You have spearheaded Dempo’s attack since 2004. Describe your experience with the Goan giants.

It’s been a learning curve for me. It’s also an honour to play for such a prestigious Club. Dempo have always had a handful of players who regularly play for the Indian National Team, from whom you get to learn a lot. I have no complaints so far.

What is the secret behind Ranti the goal machine?

Hard work and dedication stay the most important. Besides, the support of my management, teammates and family can never be undermined.

Where do you see Indian football heading towards?

The quality of play has certainly improved in the last decade. I feel attention needs to be paid towards building of infrastructure, as well as grooming and support the young talent. There is lot of talent in India -- all one needs to do is to identify them and provide them the right platform.

Foreign Strikers have hogged the limelight in the I-League for some years now. Are Indian strikers not good enough?

There’s not much difference between Indian and foreign strikers. Look at Jeje Lalpekhlua and Joaquim Abranches – they are exceptional -- good as any foreign recruit. The sole difference stays that we (foreigners) start football at very young age -- by 11-12. Besides, the infrastructure foreign recruits practice at that age helps groom them as a player. I’d only say Indian strikers need to be a bit more positive.

What about your rivalry with Odafe Okolie?

Odafa is an exceptional talent. He inspires and challenges me to work harder. Both of us are different kind of players but he is my compatriot and we hail from the same country. Our objectives stay the same – score goals and help our respective teams win. We are good pals – there’s no rivalry.

What’s your take on Dempo’s I-League campaign?

Though the last few rounds have been difficult for us, we are on the right track for sure. We would have some more recruits joining us soon which would make us stronger.

East Bengal want to come back to winning ways

2012-01-19T11:49:00.003+05:30

KOLKATA: Not everything stays perfect for Pailan Arrows at the moment. Currently ranked 2^nd from the bottom of the table, the Arrows take on strong contenders Kingfisher East Bengal at the Salt Lake Stadium on Tuesday (January 17). East Bengal are presently on 27 points from 14 matches while Pailan stay on 7 points from 13 matches.

However, East Bengal are not in the best of form. Having drawn the previous match against Pune FC, the Red-and-Gold desperately need a win against Pailan. The last time the two teams met, the match ended in a goalless draw.

East Bengan’s Coach Trevor Morgan said: “It is tough for any team to break down an opponent who prefers to play defensively. In our previous encounter Pailan looked like they would be satisfied with a point and they achieved it at the end.”

In response, however, Sukhwinder Singh, the Technical Director of Pailan Arrows said: ‘In our previous encounter against East Bengal, we were under pressure and hence, couldn’t attack. We did not go in with a defensive mindset and even on Tuesday, we intend to play attacking football.”

When asked about his team’s inability to get a victory till now in the League, he added: “We are playing well as a team but are looking for that one moment of extraordinary brilliance which will win us our first match.” Luckily for Pailan, they don’t have any injury worries at all.

East Bengal on the other hand will be without Nirmal Chhetri who is injured. Saumik Dey will also sit out due to a suspension. They are likely to be replaced by Harmanjot Khabra and Robert Lalthalamuana respectively.

Morgan wasn’t willing to read much into their last match against Pune FC which ended goalless. “We have created chances but haven’t been able to convert them against Pune FC. I’m not worried at all,” he quipped.

Meanwhile, Edmilson who replaced Alan Gow is unlikely to get a start against Pailan as Morgan intends to give him some time to settle down. The kick-off is slated for 2pm.

Two T20 Internationals and ODI tri-series in Australia

2012-01-19T11:46:00.003+05:30

Mumbai : The All-India Senior Selection Committee met in Chennai earlier today to select the Indian team for the two T20 Internationals and ODI tri-series in Australia.

INDIAN TEAM

1. MS Dhoni (Captain)

2. Virender Sehwag (Vice-Captain)

3. Gautam Gambhir

4. Sachin Tendulkar

5. Virat Kohli

6. Rohit Sharma

7. Suresh Raina

8. Ravindra Jadeja

9. R Ashwin

10. Umesh Yadav

11. Praveen Kumar

12. Vinay Kumar

13. Manoj Tiwary

14. Rahul Sharma

15. Parthiv Patel

16. Zaheer Khan

17. Irfan Pathan

Odafe hat-trick wins it for Bagan

2012-01-19T11:45:00.005+05:30

McDowells Mohun Bagan 3 (Odafe Okolie 19^th, 73^rd, 74^th)

Beat

Churchill Brothers 2 (Lalrindika Ralte 4^th, Henry 81^st)

GOA: Mohun Bagan did well to snatch full points after being down early in the game against Churchill Brothers in 14^th round I-league clash

at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on Sunday.

Lalrindika Ralte had scored in the fifth minute to give Churchill Brothers an early lead in this crucial clash but Odafe Okolie scored a hat-trick – including one penalty -- to ensure the visitors walked away with 3-2 victory.

In what was essentially a must win clash for Churchill, the hosts started earnestly and were lucky to surge ahead as early as the fifth minute of play. Steven Dias, as usual, worked his way down the right flank and found Mohammad Rafi just outside the box. The striker sidestepped Anwar Ali, his marker, and then picked out Lalrindika Ralte just inside the box to turn home with his right foot, even as the entire Bagan defence just stood motionless and watched.

Bagan took that setback in their stride and continued attacking with Odafe being a constant threat. Soon enough, Odafe sent a brilliant long ball from one end to the other where Jewel Raja controlled it well but his resultant half volley hit the crossbar.

Bagan were not to be denied a second time and equalised in the 19th minute when Syed Rahim Nabi’s measured cross was chested by Odafe and then drilled past rival goalkeeper Arindam Bhattacharya.

Odafe was again in the thick of action but was distinctly unlucky as his stunning long ranger hit the crossbar and rebounded back into play.

Odafe then turned the match on its head with two goals in as many minutes. In the 73rd minute, an innocuous shot from him saw the ball wobble past Arindam and a minute later he converted a penalty after Barreto was brought down inside the box by Denzil Franco.

Substitute Henri Autchouet ensured there was life in the match after finding the back of the net in the 81st minute but the Bagan defence did well to thwart the challenges for the remainder of the match.

Odafe Okolie was awarded man of the match for his outstanding performance.

Salgaocar SC 1 (Ryuji Sueoka 79^th)

Beat

Mumbai FC 0

Salgaocar scrape past Mumbai FC

Pune: Ryuji Sueoka cut through the Mumbai FC defence to score the lone and winning goal for Salgaocar SC, in their 14^th round I-League football championship match at the Balewadi Sports Complex on Sunday.

The Goans made a sedate start to the match allowing Mumbai FC to make some inroads, but openings were hard to come by despite concerted efforts by captain Noel Wilson and his fellow midfielders Cavin Lobo and Abhishek Yadav.

This was third match at the Balewadi Complex in two days and it seemed that the encounter was heading towards a draw before the Japanese sensation drew the first blood in the 79^th minute of the match.

A few minutes before Ebi Sukore and Gbemene Friday had given a fright to Salgaocar when Cavin and Keegan Pereira worked the ball from the middle to set up Ebi upfront. He went right into the box with Friday in tow, but the two failed to get the opening as Vinay Singh blocked their view and attempt.

On the counterattack, Sueoka got the ball at half-line and he seemed to looking for a striker up but instead made a sprint cutting through Mumbai FC midfield before the fast approaching four defenders were foxed with one clever tap.

Sueoka turned and raced ahead to collect the ball and fire on the left of the outstretched Ishan Debnath. The goal sent Goans into loud celebrations as the defending champions finally broke into the 20-point barrier.

Salgaocar now have 22 points as does Prayag United SC but are placed No 7 on goal difference. While Mumbai FC have 14 points from 14 matches.

Coaching Workshop concludes in Delhi

2012-01-19T11:44:00.004+05:30

NEW DELHI: A three-day Coaching Workshop cum Clinic conducted by Rob Baan and Scott O’Donell concluded in New Delhi on Sunday (January 15). The Workshop was attended by 16 Coaches from all over the country.

The Workshop which had separate practical and theoretical sessions came in for high praise from all the participants. Former Indian Captain and stopper-back Tarun Dey felt the All India Football Federation (AIFF) is on the right track. “It’s essential to scout youngsters at the right age and the AIFF is doing a laudable job,” he said. “Both Rob and Scott come with a lot of experience. The Workshop was of great help and the value addition has certainly made me a better coach,” he added.

The Practical Sessions were held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium while the theoretical sessions stressed on Talent Scouting and Trends in Modern Football. Baan also highlighted the philosophies of the AIFF Academies.

Godfrey Pereira, who was the last among the coaches to have a practical session, felt the concept of the “AIFF Regional Academies was very much the need of the hour.”

“The Academies need whole-hearted support and there shouldn’t be any interference in the Curriculum from anyone,” he maintained. “I thank the AIFF for taking such an initiative.”

Naushad Moosa said: “The Workshop was an education in itself. Rob and Scott stressed on game related situations. It was a pity it ended in three-days itself. I only wished it continued for some more days,” he quipped.

List of participants: Ananta Ghosh, Tarun Dey, Gautam Ghosh, Sankarlal Chakraborty, Prasanta Chakraborty, Tarun Roy, Godfrey Pereira, Naushad Moosa. Yusuf Ansari, Aqueel Ansari, Francis Ignatius, Sham Saran Shahi, Hillal Parray, Sajid Yousuf Dar, Arshad Hussain, Kundan Chandra, Ravi Babu and John Kenneth Raj.

Pune FC hold East Bengal to goalless draw

2012-01-19T11:37:00.002+05:30

Pune FC 0

d/w

Kingfisher East Bengal 0

Pune: Two strikers, Jeje Lalpekhlua of Pune FC and Ozbey Toglay of Kingfisher East Bengal deserved to be on the scoring list, but as the luck would have it, this Round XIV match ended in a goalless draw at the Balewadi Sports Complex ground here on Saturday.

Both Pune FC and East Bengal created chances galore, but the respective defence worked full time and though some gaps were left, goalkeepers chipped in with their saves.

For Pune FC, Abhra Mondal was the real savior who blocked several chances and took some blows on his body from the East Bengal, the team that loaned him out to Pune FC.

By gaining one point from this tie, Pune FC stayed put on No 5 position, one point ahead of Prayag United SC, which had moved up earlier in the day on goal difference.

East Bengal will move up to No 2 position ahead of Churchill Brothers, who are set to play Mohun Bagan tomorrow.

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu was adjudged man-of-the-match.

Dempo beat Chirag United 2-1

2012-01-19T11:35:00.005+05:30

Dempo SC 2 (Clifford Miranda 5^th, Ranti Martins 15^th)

Beat
Chirag United Kerala 1 (C K Vineeth 29^th)

GOA: Dempo Sports Club extended their lead at the top to four points but were unconvincing in their 2-1 win against Chirag United Kerala at the Nehru Stadium in Fatorda on Saturday.

Goals from Clifford Miranda and Ranty Martins in the first session itself were enough for Dempo to look as if they had found their rhythm. But the ghost of the last defeat against Prayag United came back to haunt in the second session as the team missed plenty of chances.

CK Vineeth scored a wonderful goal for the visitors in the 28th minute but despite having a couple of clear chances after the change of ends, Chirag United Kerala could not snatch what would have been a deserving point.

Dempo started confidently and opened the account earlier than they had probably planned. The breakthrough happened in the 5th minute when Peter Carvalho cut past three players worked his way ahead and picked up Clifford on the left. The Dempo midfielder had no problem in getting past the goalkeeper for Dempo’s opening goal.

Ranty Martins made it 2-0 in the 15^th. This time it was Anthony Pereira who did all that was needed to slice open the Chirag United defence

and put the ball on the platter for Ranty to finish from a narrow angle.

Dempo were jostled in the 29th minute when Vineeth found the back of the net, and that too in style. Vineeth’s reverse kick stunned not just Dempo goalkeeper Subhashish Roy Chowdhury but almost everyone else present at the stadium.

The second session, though, was a saga of missed chances. Peter had the best chance to increase Dempo’s lead but goalkeeper K Sharath proved equal to the challenge.

Chirag could have so easily snatched a draw but Vineeth, when provided with a good opportunity, ended placing the ball straight into the waiting hands of goalkeeper K Sharath.

Prayag United play goalless draw against HAL

2012-01-19T11:34:00.002+05:30

Prayag United SC 0

d/w
HAL Bangalore 0

KOLKATA: Prayag United were held to a goalless draw at home against HAL Bangalore at the Yuba Bharati Krinangan on Saturday. The draw would put a serious dent on their chances of finishing near the top of the table.

In a match that lacked any bite only Josimar Da Silva Martins and Yusif Yakubu came close both once each in the first half, but failed to provide any breakthrough in the second half as both teams had to settle for a 0-0 draw.

Prayag United Coach Sanjoy Sen, will be disappointed that his team could not capitalise on an easier opponent at home while HAL will go home the happier of the two sides.

The draw means Prayag United SC have 22 points from 14 matches.

Meanwhile, HAL picked up only their 3rd draw of the current I-League campaign to take them to 3 points from 14 matches and they remain at the rock bottom on the table.

Denson Devdas of Prayag United was adjudged man of the match.

Air India 0

d/w

Shillong Lajong 0

Air India draw with Lajong

PUNE: A rusty Air India let go a good opportunity and ended up with just one point from their Round XIV match against Shillong Lajong FC in the I-League football championship at the Balewadi Sports Complex ground here on Saturday.

Air India failed to create any real chances in first 80 minutes of the match, but a surge came a tad too late even as Lajong defended their castle meticulously leaving the home team crying for some luck.

With one point from this encounter, Air India stayed put at No 7 position with 20 points, while Lajong was placed at No 10 with 17 points.

The man of the match was awarded to John D Menyongar of Lajong.

Pragyan Ojha move from Deccan to Mumbai

2012-01-14T15:54:00.001+05:30

Mumbai : The IPL today announced the sixth transfer of the 2012 Trading Window. Pragyan Ojha, the left-arm spinner, will move from Deccan Chargers to Mumbai Indians. Ojha has been a part of the Deccan Chargers, since the first IPL season in 2008. He won the Purple Cap for being the highest wicket-taker in the 2010 edition of the tournament.

"With a spinner of Pragyan Ojha's competence, we fortify our bowling department that has won us many matches in the past seasons. Pragyan Ojha is a player of great international repute, and we welcome him with much excitement,” Nita Ambani, owner of the Mumbai Indians, said.

“Pragyan is an outstanding cricketer. He was one of the chief architects of our triumph in 2009. His performances for India, and in the IPL, speak for themselves. We wish him all the best for the future,” E. Venkat Reddy, COO of the Deccan Chargers said.

“Some excellent cricketers have been traded in the previous few days. All eyes will now be on the auction, where more outstanding cricketers will be up for grabs,” Rajeev Shukla, Chairman, IPL, commented.

Twenty probables for India’s tour of the West Indies

2012-01-14T15:52:00.004+05:30

Indore : The National Women’s Selection Committee met at the MPCA, Indore, earlier today, to pick twenty probables for India’s tour of the West Indies, in February-March 2012.

PROBABLES

1. Mithali Raj

2. Amita Sharma

3. Sulakshana Naik

4. Jhulan Goswami

5. Anjum Chopra

6. Veda Krishnamurthy

7. Harmanpreet Kaur

8. Archana Das

9. Diana David

10. Nooshin-Al-Khadeer

11. Sunitha Anand

12. Madhuri Mehta

13. Mandira Mahapatra

14. S. Asha

15. Ekta Bist

16. Gauhar Sultana

17. Rumeli Dhar

18. Poonam Raut

19. Mamta Kanojia

20. Subhlaxmi Sharma

The final squad will be picked later.

Tamil Nadu will host Rajasthan in the final

2012-01-13T19:12:00.005+05:30

Mumbai : Tamil Nadu will host Rajasthan in the final of the 2011-12 edition of the Ranji Trophy. The game will be played at Chennai’s magnificent M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, from 19 January 2012 to 23 January 2012.

This will be Tamil Nadu’s first appearance in a Ranji Trophy final, since 2003-04, when they lost to Mumbai on first-innings at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium. Interestingly, they returned the favour at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai’s home ground, in the semi-final of the ongoing edition.

Tamil Nadu have won the Ranji Trophy twice. The first instance was in 1954-55, when they beat Holkar in the final, played at Indore, by 46 runs. The team was known as ‘Madras’ then. Balu Alaganan was the captain. The second triumph was achieved in 1987-88, under the captaincy of S. Vasudevan. Railways were outplayed in the final, played at Chennai, by an innings and 144 runs.

The team has been runners-up eight times.

Rajasthan will look to repeat their success of the previous season. They created history in 2010-11, going all the way from the Plate Group to the Ranji Trophy final, and winning the title for the first time. It was their first Ranji title, after being runners-up eight times. Hrishikesh Kanitkar, who led Rajasthan to their maiden Ranji title, will pit his brains against Laxmipathy Balaji of Tamil Nadu, in the 2011-12 final.

Rajasthan beat Haryana in the semi-final of the ongoing edition, played at Lahli, by 64 runs.

High on Bagan win, Pune FC hopes for double

2012-01-13T19:11:00.001+05:30

Pune: Jeje Lalpekhlua and Lester Fernandes are carrying lots of expectations on their shoulders after their stupendous show against McDowells Mohun Bagan 10 days ago, but after Pune FC had mid-season rest, it would be back to the business, and again another Kolkata giant is posing a challenge at their doorstep.

The 2-1 win against Bagan raised Pune FC to No 5 position, but from now on, it will be as uphill task to keep the momentum going and stay in the top five with the League yet again going into full swing.

Kingfisher East Bengal, who had an early practice on Friday, was upbeat about the Round XIV I-League football match that will go live from Balewadi Sports Complex ground on Saturday. With 26 points from 13 matches and currently occupying No 3 position, the Kolkata giant, however, should not take the home team lightly given their latest exploits.

“It was a very important win for us. Excellent teamwork and good effort from entire team, which finally helped keep aside the pre-match pressure of doing well against a good team,” is how Pune FC coach Derrick Pereira had explained his feelings after the Bagan match.

But to expect the team to perform at the same level after 10-odd day of rest would be too much to ask. It would entirely depend on the situation at the given time and how well Pune FC strikers led by Jeje and Douhou Pierre responds to the mid-fielder’s game plan.

Jeje had started against Bagan from bench, but Pereira put him in early on and that paid the dividends as the striker scored the equalizer to Odafa Okolie’s early strike.

Pune FC lacked punch without Jeje, who has been one of the busiest striker in India doing duty for his club and the National side with aplomb.

His experience of playing against Bayern Munich FC in the Bhaichung Bhutia Farewell Match this Tuesday must have made Jeje more mature, but then he hasn’t had as much rest as other team members had after the sparkling show against Bagan on January 3.

“It’s an open league so far and you’ll never know. Many teams are really fighting for the title. The first leg showed that the difference between teams is minimal and the team that wants it more on the day will win,” were Pereira’s words.

This season, East Bengal thrashed Pune FC 3-1 at Kolkata, but then that was in front of huge partisan crowd something that Balewadi never ever witnessed.

Another positive for Pune FC is that they haven’t lost in last five meetings, winning three and drawing two, while East Bengal won three, drew two and lost one.

The match is slated for 6:30 pm.

Head to Head:

Total Matches - 5

Pune FC Won - 2

East Bengal Won - 2

Drawn- 1

Pune FC Goals - 5

East Bengal Goals - 6

AI hopes to arrest slide against Shillong Lajong

Pune: Air India is hoping that their slide will be arrested with a full-strength squad without injuries or cards will be at disposal when they take on Shillong Lajong FC in the Round XIV match in the I-League football championship at the Balewadi Sports Complex ground here on Saturday.

Much against the expectations, Air India had picked up pace with three straight wins last month including against league leaders Dempo SC helped them to climb as high as No 5 in the standings, but losses against Mohun Bagan and East Bengal before the mid-season break put brakes on their surge upwards.

“We are in good shape now. The rest has done a lot of good for us and with no injuries and entire team to choose from, I would hope that the team will do its best against Shillong Lajong,” said Air India coach Santosh Kashyap.

Currently placed at No 7 with 19 points from 13 matches, Air India is hoping that finally they would be able to break the jinx against Lajong.

“Lajong is a good side and they are improving by every match. We saw them playing against Salgaocar. They played good football and were unlucky to lose that match,” observed Kashyap.

This season, when Air India travelled to Shillong’s home ground, the two teams played a fantastic encounter and but for acrobatic display under the bar by Pawan Kumar, Air India would have lost that tie, which ended goalless.

“That was something of a match. It could have gone any way, but I must say Lajong played very good football and except for Pawan Kumar’s heroics, we would have lost crucial points there,” Kashyap reminded.

“When we drew against Lajong in November, we realized they are just as young side as us. They have some excellent players so we will have to keep our guard intact and go for the kill,” said Kashyap

Lajong, on the other hand has had a see-saw journey through their last five encounters, winning two, losing two and drawing one.

But when they take the ground at Balewadi, their second match here this season, they would know that they had held mighty Pune FC to a goalless draw in the season opener in October.

The match is slated for 3 pm.

Dempo not to take Chirag United lightly

2012-01-13T19:09:00.004+05:30

GOA: Dempo Sports Club are still trying to come to terms with their last loss in the I-League. The 1-2 loss against Prayag United not just pegged Dempo back but also proved that all champion sides, even if they have been all-conquering, would have an off-day at some stage.

“I still cannot explain how the entire team had an off day. I can understand if a couple of players misfired or a particular department were not up to the mark but against Prayag United nothing clicked for us. The entire team played poorly,” said assistant coach Mauricio Afonso.

Champions, though, do not repeat their lacklustre performances and Afonso is confident that his side will measure up to the challenge against Chirag United Kerala in a 14th round I-League clash at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on Saturday.

“The mood in training is upbeat. For the past week, I have noticed that the players are raring to go and I am sure that they will put their performance in the last match behind them. We have to start winning and prove we are the best team in the country,” said Armando Colaco’s assistant.

Dempo are leading the title race with 27 points at the end of the first phase but will know that challengers Churchill Brothers (26 points) have a match in hand. A win against Chirag United Keralawill give Dempo a four-point cushion and will then hope Churchill drop points in a tough-clash against Mohun Bagan on Sunday.

“It will not be easy against Chirag United Kerala. They are fast improving and they proved in the last match against Mumbai FCthat they cannot be taken for granted. We will have to work hard for the three points,” said Afonso.

Despite the Prayag United fiasco, Dempo are likely to field the same squad, except, probably, for defender Mahesh Gawli who is nursing an injury and has not trained for the last couple of days. If Mahesh is not fit enough, Rowilson Rodrigues will be his straight-forward replacement.

Chirag United Kerala are in the relegation zone with 11 points but coach Pakeer Ali would have been encouraged by some recent performances. The last match in particular -- a 2-0 win overMumbai FC in Pune -- proved that the Kerala side has the wherewithal to start winning.

The kick of is slated for 3:30 pm on January 14.

Prayag United take on HAL Bangalore

KOLKATA: Prayag United coach Sanjoy Sen has listed the 14^thround I-League match against HAL Bangalore as a must win match, if his teams aspires to finish among the top teams. PrayagUnited are currently on 21 points of 13 matches and are placed sixth in the table while HAL are languishing at the bottom with two points from 13 outings.

When asked about the home encounter versus HAL, Sanjoy Sen, seemed confident yet cautious, “Compared to the other teams HAL seems weaker but no one can say what is going to happen in a game of football. The

I-League results in the past few weeks have been surprising. No one would have thought that Dempo would lose 4 matches and we also did not have a good outing against Pailan Arrows.”

HAL on the other hand reached the city with a full squad ahead of Fridays clash and had a morning practice session.

Sanjoy added that “There are no injury worries as of now and we will more or less start with the same squad which won againstDempo SC in the last round”

Kick-off is slated for 2 pm at the Salt Lake Stadium on January 14, 2012.

Sporting Clube scrape past Pailan Arrows

2012-01-13T19:08:00.003+05:30

Sporting Clube de Goa 3 (Victorino Fernandes 14^th, Rollin Borjes 45^th, Ogba Kalu 85^th)

Beat

Pailan Arrows 2 (CS Sabeeth 28^th, Bijendra Rai 35^th)

Kolkata: Sporting Clube De Goa overcame a fighting Pailan Arrows 3-2, in an entertaining encounter of 14^th round match of the I-League at the Yuba Bharati Krinangan on Friday.

The match started off with Pailan Arrows having to defend more in their half while Sporting Clube pressing for the opening goal.

Victorina Fernandes broke down the Pailan Arrows resistance early on and scored in the 14th minute off a neat finish. It seemed like the strong Pailan Arrows defensive game at home would be broken down.

However, much to the crowds surprise Pailan first equalised through promising centre forward CS Sabeth’s goal in the 28th min and then took a lead off a Bijendra Rai’s strike in the 35th minute.

Just before the lemon break Sporting’s Rollin Borjes scored an equaliser in the 45th minute to take both teams on level at half time.

In the second half both teams pushed for the all important winner and resorted to counter attacking one another instead of an open style of play.

However, unlike the first half there weren’t any scorers and the match looked to be headed for a 2-2 draw. Just when it seemed Pailan would grab another home draw seasoned striker Ogba Kalu scored with just 5 minutes of play left to win the match for the Goan’s.

The win takes Sporting Clube towards safety with 17 points of 14 matches while Pailan have to settle with being just above HAL at the bottom of the table.

ICC back Australian Government move on cheating

2012-01-13T16:40:00.001+05:30

Perth : Haroon Lorgat, the ICC Chief Executive, yesterday expressed the ICC’s support for the proposals being made by the Australian Government to establish a national framework of laws to combat cheating in sport.

In Perth to attend the Third Test Match between Australia and India, Mr Lorgat re-iterated cricket’s zero tolerance attitude to cheating and added: ‘ICC is pleased to add its support to that of Australia’s Coalition of Major Professional and Participation Sports (COMPPS) in support of the Australian Government’s initiative to tackle cheating in sport.

‘Like all sports in Australia, the ICC and its Members cherish the reputation and integrity of the game. All sport needs honest competition and while in Australia I will be restating our well known stance to the Government.

‘In the past year we faced the sort of challenge which could threaten any sport and I believe we conclusively proved that we will not tolerate any threat to the integrity of the game.

‘I hope our swift and decisive action to charge, provisionally suspend and eventually prosecute and ban those who dared to sully the good name of cricket as well as the subsequent criminal prosecution will serve as a deterrent in future.

‘ICC had also worked effectively with the UK Crown Prosecution Service and the Metropolitan Police to bring those who committed wrong to justice. Sports governing bodies need state assistance to tackle this worldwide menace and in turn we will support any Government that legislates to protect sport against cheating.

‘In supporting this Australian initiative we urge other governments to consider the same to protect all sports. Needless to say we will continue to use everything within our power to ensure that any threat of corrupt activity within the game of cricket is resolutely dealt with.

‘We have always stated that we will explore every possible avenue to ensure that cricket is free from corrupt activity and this initiative of the Australian Government must be commended. ICC will continue to work with the Australian Government and any other Government to protect the integrity of the sport.’

Pailan Arrows aim to break the jinx

2012-01-12T16:59:00.003+05:30

KOLKATA: It’s time for the kick-off again – the kick-off of the second phase of the I-League. And on the first day of the second phase, Pailan Arrows will take centrestage against Sporting Clube de Goa. The two meet at the Salt Lake Stadium on Friday.

Pailan would be vying for their first elusive victory while Sporting Clube seem determined to put their League campaign back on track while Pailan stay one of the two teams not to have registered a win in the Tournament so far.

Nevertheless, Technical Director Sukhwinder Singh stays hopeful things will change. “We have utilised the break to see the younger players. We hope to come back stronger,” he said. “We intend to break the jinx.”

Goalkeeping Coach Tanumoy Basu feels U-19 National Players “would be able to make the difference.”

“We have signed quite a few National U-19 players. Creative midfielder Prabir Das can make an impact for sure as does striker Holicharan Narzary and midfielder Shenaj Singh,” Basu informed.

“However, Sehnaj is having a slight niggle and may not start against Sporting,” he informed. “Pranoy Halder will be fit soon. We may not be able to play all against Sporting but would surely try out the other players too – Bikramjit Singh, Arijeet Singh, Sonu Beniwal, Sumit Passi amongst others.”

Striker CS Sabeeth who was part of the National squad for India’s Exhibition Match against Bayern Munich feels, “it’s not long before Pailan start winning.”

“We have been distinctly unlucky not to win some matches. We need to convert whatever comes our way and I intend to hit the target more often,” he maintained.

Singh, however, refused to be drawn into commenting on Sporting Clube. “They are a quality side who know to hit hard. They are a fighting lot and we need to stay alert,” he said.

Sporting Clube were off to a wonderful start of the first leg and had remained unbeaten till the sixth round. But they couldn’t sustain the momentum. The first-round match between the two teams in Goa had ended in a goalless draw.

Sporting Clube stay at the 11th position with 14 points from 13 matches while Pailan Arrows are on 7 points from 12 matches. Pailan’s 13th round match against Churchill Brothers will be played later.

Indian team selection

2012-01-12T16:58:00.000+05:30

Mumbai : The All-India Women’s Selection Committee will meet at 12:00 pm on Saturday, 14 January 2012, at the Holkar Stadium, MPCA, Indore, to pick twenty probables for India’s tour of the West Indies in February-March 2012. The tour will comprise three ODIs and five T20 Internationals.

The All-India Senior Selection Committee will meet at 4:00 pm on Sunday, 15 January 2012, at the Sheraton Park Hotel and Towers, Chennai, to pick the Indian team for the two T20 Internationals and tri-series, on the tour of Australia.

Lester wants to break into the National Squad

2012-01-12T16:55:00.002+05:30

New Delhi : He belongs to the new breed of Indian footballers – players who love and dare to dream big. And they love challenges.

For Pune FC midfielder Lester Fernandes, life is more than just about hoodwinking his rival and speeding down the flank and send perfect crosses. Life for him is more about “watching Roger Federer glide on the court or about Zinedine Zidane’s ball control.”

“There’s nothing like watching Roger Federer; so sublime, so classy,” utters Lester.

Lester who grew up watching Carlton Chapman, Noel Wilson among others in

Bangalore’s Austin Town shifted to the Tata Football Academy and like any other Indian teenager dreamt about playing abroad.

“Youngsters who graduate into the mainstream invariably warm the bench in a big club for the first two-three seasons or even more. By the time they become a regular member of a club, their motivation isn’t the same anymore. To establish themselves in India, another couple of seasons are lost. By then, it’s too late,” he says in one breath.

Lester who plays as a left-half for Pune FC started off as a Central Midfielder. “I can play in any position,” he informs. “It depends on the Coach’s plans,” Lester, who had earlier had stints with Dempo and Salgaocar, informs. “The sport’s become much tougher and much faster in the last five-six years. The present generation stay a much fitter lot,” he maintains.

This is Lester’s second season with Pune FC. “Our management stresses a lot on Community Development. Our fan base has already crossed 30000,” he goes on. “It’s a privilege to share the pitch with someone as Subrata Paul. He has such a calming influence. He adds to the confidence of the team.

“Granted a wish, I’d ask for a berth in the National Team. I’m keeping my fingers crossed. I have faith in the Almighty and sincerely believe my prayers would be answered for sure,” he says, even before you had asked him about it. Call it confidence, call it guts, you ought to admire him.

“But there are other challenges on which I need to stay focussed. We need to continue our momentum in the second phase of the I-League. We can’t afford any more slip-ups.”

Kingfisher East Bengal get permission to replace Gow

2012-01-12T16:54:00.001+05:30

New Delhi : The following decisions were taken by the I-League Core Committee which met at the Football House in the Capital. Besides AIFF Vice-Presidents Mr. Subrata Dutta and Mr. Ankur Datta, the meeting was also attended by various club representatives. Mr. Sunando Dhar, CEO, I-League was also present. The meeting was Chaired by Mr. Subrata Dutta.

· It was unanimously decided that there would be some changes to the I-League Fixtures for the forthcoming AFC Challenge Cup.

· The Committee referred the two complaints (Mr. Alemao Churchill’s verbal assault on Goa Football Association on referees and Match Commissioner and Kingfisher’s East Bengal player’s altercation with Goa Stadium Authority personnel) to the disciplinary committee.

· The Committee reached a consensus that monetary fine would be imposed on cases where LAW-4 of Laws of the games have been breached.

· The Committee granted Kingfisher East Bengal the permission to replace Alan Gow with another foreign player.

· The Committee also decided to keep a gap of 5 extra days between the preliminary rounds and final round of I-League 2^nd-division to accommodate the completion of Goa Professional League.

IPL announced the fifth transfer of the 2012 Trading window

2012-01-11T11:58:00.001+05:30

Mumbai : The IPL today announced the fifth transfer of the 2012 Trading window. Andrew McDonald, the fast-medium bowling allrounder from Australia, will move from Delhi Daredevils to Royal Challengers Bangalore, for the 2012 season of the tournament. The all-rounder is leading the Melbourne Renegades in the ongoing Big Bash League in Australia.

“All-rounders are a priceless asset in the T20 format. We are pleased to acquire Andrew. He has excelled with bat and ball for the various sides that he has represented, in different formats. We have no doubt that he will make a big difference to our prospects in the upcoming IPL,” Sidhartha Mallya, Director, Royal Challengers Sports Pvt Ltd, commented.

TA Sekar, Head (Cricket), GMR Sports, the franchise that owns Delhi Daredevils, wished the 30-year-old McDonald who played six matches for Delhi Daredevils, scoring 76 runs and taking five wickets, the very best. "He would fit in well with the Royal Challengers Bangalore,” he said.

“The process of player-transfers during the Trading Window is gaining in momentum, and we are likely to see more action in the days leading up to 20 January 2012, when the first part of the trading window will close,” Rajeev Shukla, Chairman, IPL, said.

McDonald will move to Bangalore where he registered his most memorable performance in a T20 match on Indian soil where he claimed four Royal Challengers Bangalore wickets for 21 runs in a Champions League match for Victoria on October 15^th, 2009.

The following trades have been confirmed earlier:

Dinesh Karthik from KXIP to MI
R Satish from MI to KXIP
Harmeet Singh from DC to KXIP.
Kevin Pietersen from DC to DD

The long walk off the field but not away from it

2012-01-11T11:56:00.003+05:30

NEW DELHI: The match ended, the walk started – the long walk back to the dressing room. The Man paused and turned to the crowd – hands went up in appreciation, all in appreciation for the support over the years. In the stands, hands went together too – clapping in appreciation – a gesture for all the achievements, for all the entertainment.

We found it convenient to have a sneak peek into his heart – and there it was running high -- more than the emotions, the adrenalin. No tears, no regrets.

The steps to the Dressing Room at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium didn’t have ‘Farewell’ written on them. Rather, they kicked-off the kick-off of a new phase. From United Sikkim Football Club to his Academy to all his future endeavours -- Bhaichung Bhutia’s footballing life has just begun.

On the ground, a crowd of around 50000 treated him to his Farewell. During the warming up, every time Bhaichung Bhutia was focused on the giant screen, the crowd went up. Arjen Robben and Philipp Lahm and Bastian Schweinsteiger paused and looked up as to what was happening. They gauged the sentiment and continued.

Bayern Munich’s gesture was touching. Captain Philipp Lahm presented a No. 15 Bayern Munich jersey to Bhaichung. It had ‘Bhaichung’ written all over it. From the stands, AIFF Player-of-the-Year Sunil Chhetri stretched all his vocal chords but it got lost in the roar. The Bayern players clapped.

At the interval, Bhaichung was presented an Audi Q5.

His first touch of the ball in the 2^nd minute had Rafinha closing him down. Realising Bayern were looking threatening with their early possession, Bhaichung even preferred to fall down to his own half to help. You just ought to laud his commitment. He never shied away from sliding tackles and pressed like a debutant.

The colourful crowd did witness four goals, though all from Bayern Munich side. Thomas Muller scored a brace (29^thand 37^th minute) while Mario Gomez (14^thminute) and Bastian Schweinsteiger (42^nd minute) scored one apiece.

The journey ended in the 84^th minute. Bhaichung was substituted! His contribution though will, never be.

The entire team stood up, players came rushing from positions to embrace and wish him; even Bayern footballers -- all Megastars of World Football, too showed the gesture. The standing ovation was inevitable – in midst of all, none noticed India U-23 striker CS Sabeeth who rushed to the ground to substitute him.

It was befitting enough as it was the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium where Bhaichung had first burst onto the scene as a 12-year old kid in the nineties. The Stadium wasn’t this majestic then; the Man was just a kid.

U-23 players Lalrindika Ralte, Jewel Raja, Jeje Lalpeklua, all of whom came in the first half did stretch Bayern a bit in the second half. But it wasn’t a match where the result mattered.

It was a Farewell Match for someone to begin another walk off the field, but not away from it.

Chhetri awarded the AIFF Player-of-the-Year Award

2012-01-11T11:55:00.001+05:30

NEW DELHI: Even as Bhaichung Bhutia, the Indian National Team and the Bayern Munich side hogged the limelight at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, there was a significant presentation which happened during the course of the match.

National Team striker Sunil Chhetri was awarded the AIFF Player-of-the-Year 2001 award during the interval. The Award was handed over to Chhetri by the President of the All India Football Federation, Mr. Praful Patel. Mr. Patel handed Chhetri a silver plaque and a Cheque of Rs. 2 lakh.

In his message Mr. Patel congratulated Chhetri and wished him more success in coming years. “Sunil Chhetri is a deserving recipient of the Award. I hope this will spur him on to bring more laurels for the National Team in the near future. I wish him success in coming years,” Mr. Patel said.

For the first time the Award was decided in a democratic manner where all the coaches of the I-League playing teams voted unanimously on the four short-listed footballers.

An elated Chhetri thanked all his team-mates and coaches and the AIFF without whose support “the Award wouldn’t have been possible at all.”

“This is an inspiration to do better. 2011 has been good for me – I had earlier received the Arjuna Award and now the AIFF Player-of-the-Year Award. It feels nice when your achievements are recognised,” he maintained.

Chhetri who scored 24 goals (13 International goals and 11 goals for Clubs) in 2011 had earlier received the Award in 2007.

My heart stays on the field: Sunil Chhetri

2012-01-11T11:54:00.001+05:30

NEW DELHI: Only a month back during the SAFF Championship, Sunil Chetri stayed the cynosure of all eyes at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. A month later, the AIFF Player-of-the-Year is yet to recover from his ankle injury sustained during India’s 4-0 triumph against Afghanistan in the final. Already ruled out of India’s exhibition match against Bayern Munich which is also Bhaichung Bhutia’s Farewell Match, Chhetri spoke towww.the-aiff.com about Bhaichung’s influence on his career, his telepathy with Bhaichung and much more. Excerpts.

How much of a disappointment is it for you not to be a part of Bhaichung Bhutia’s farewell match?

It’s disappointing. He has always been my idol and the last time we played together in the Asian Cup against South Korea, I always felt we would be playing together again for the National Team. But the situation is different now. For any Indian player it’s a huge honour to be a part of the match. Unfortunately my injury forces me to sit out. My heart will stay on the field but I would be cheering from the stands.

What have you learnt from Bhaichung over the years?

It’s an endless list. But apart from the technical aspects, I have also learnt a lot off the field. The manner he has carried himself has been a lesson for me. The way he looks at and thinks about the game has accelerated my maturity as a player. I owe a lot to him. Apart from Bhaichung, Rennedy Singh has also gone out of the way to help me evolve as a footballer.

What has been your best moment with Bhaichung so far?

There have been loads of moments, the memories of which I will carry forever. In the six and a half years that I have played with him at the National Team, we have won the AFC Challenge Cup and two Nehru Cups. His presence has been an accelerating agent for the entire squad.

What was it about the telepathy between Bhaichung and you? How did it develop?

It was very easy playing with him as he always makes one comfortable. It’s his nature to encourage everybody and I was no exception. And we gelled well off the field too. Our mentalities matched, we loved to hang out together, dine together. For any advice, I just pick up my mobile and dial him. The telepathy just grew up.

That’s what makes him great. This is Jeje’s (Lalpeklua) first match with Bhaichung but never for a moment has Bhaichung thrown his weight around.

Explain more of Bhaichung.

I can tell you he is a big prankster. We all stayed on our toes as to when he would target us. I wish I could explain his pranks; and he always had the variety. Even Jeje hasn’t been spared.

What’s your message to Bhaichung Bhutia.

You are an icon. You stay my idol, my role model. It was a privilege playing alongside you. Thank You for all what you have done for me.

The Anthem will stay with him forever

2012-01-11T11:53:00.003+05:30

NEW DELHI: Late 8pm on Sunday evening with the fog having enveloped the distant Akshardham Mandir, street lights dimmed, Bhaichung Bhutia, for the first time in the day found time out to take a deep breath and sit on his sofa. The practice session had long ended, television interviews finished by then, photo-shoots completed and even fans had been obliged.

Bhaichung looked around, picked up a bottle and gulped the water at one go. The walls watched. You found it the most convenient moment to have a sneak peek into his heart. And there, it was running high; more than the adrenalin, the emotions. No tears; no ecstasy; rather a grievance – the grievance of his body letting him down, forcing him to his Farewell.

‘Farewell?’ Does it mean his reflexes inside the box aren’t deadly anymore? Does it mean he can’t wrong foot defenders with his sudden burst of speed? Does it mean he isn’t good anymore? Till yesterday night, he smelt the goal in his sleep. So what is this Farewell Match all about?

The specially designed jersey for his Farewell Match by Team Kit sponsors Nike lay next. The inscription, ‘Bhaichung – the start of a legacy,’ caught his eye. Bhaichung got up, folded his jersey and as he has always done, hung it in the wardrobe.

Monday morning at the Ambedkar Stadium was, however, different. There have been so many Bhaichung Bhutia jams outside this Stadium. Two Nehru Cup triumphs, the AFC Challenge Cup triumph, so many significant victories in club football had brought alive the Capital, often cursed of not having a football culture.

On the turf, the balls waited for Bhaichung to address them to the net. More than the emotions, the adrenalin ran high. He flung himself for tackles, dived for headers, did the chasing and pressed his teammates to get the ball back. In between, so many taps, headers, flicks, kicks and volleys bulged the net; some even prompted Bhaichung to raise his hand as a gesture of celebration. Who says, this is his Farewell Match?

The willing mind dragged his unwilling body. The temptation always stays for sportspersons to hide their injuries to prolong their career. Bhaichung, in any case has been different. That has been his football, his charisma; that has stayed his gesture. Commitment has always stayed his trademark.

The session ended, the adrenalin subsided. Emotions resurfaced. The walk back from the Tunnel to the Dressing Room to the Team Bus to the Team Hotel passed off fast. Time flies.

Bayern Munich’s Trophy Cabinet back in Munich boasts of 22 Bundesliga and 4 Champions League Titles. But Philipp Lahm, Arjen Robben, Franck Ribery, Bastian Schweinsteiger have known by now, India’s No. 15 is a special player -- it’s Bhaichung Bhutia’s Farewell Match.

Back in his Hotel Room, he opened the cupboard and looked at the special jersey and then the inscription. ‘Bhaichung – the start of a legacy,’ lay written over it. There’s always a start, always a new beginning. He touched the logo – the emblem which has stayed close to his chest. He will clutch onto it during the National Anthem for one more time.

Farewell Match? OK. But the Anthem will stay with him – forever.

The kick-off is slated for 6pm at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Tuesday, January 10, 2012.

IPL announced the third transfer of the 2012 Trading window

2012-01-11T11:52:00.001+05:30

Mumbai : The IPL today announced the third transfer of the 2012 Trading window. Kevin Pietersen, belligerent batsman and former England captain, will move from Deccan Chargers to Delhi Daredevils for the 2012 season of the tournament.
GMR Sports' Head (Cricket) TA Sekar said Pietersen's addition would strengthen the Delhi Daredevils squad this season. "We are pleased to add Kevin to our line-up. He brings rich experience and an explosive quality to our batting and can be a more than handy off-spinner as well. We are sure that Kevin will help us to be very competitive this season and the Delhi Daredevils fans will enjoy this addition."
Pietersen, 31, said he was excited at the prospect of joining a team that includes the likes of skipper Virender Sehwag and David Warner. "I am looking forward to a wonderful time with the Delhi Daredevils. It will be a great experience to be playing in the same squad as Sehwag," he said.
Pietersen was acquired by the Deccan Chargers in the 2011 IPL auction. However, he could not participate in the tournament due to a surgery. He had earlier been a part of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru outfit, in the 2009 and 2010 editions of the annual tournament, and had led RCB in six games in 2009.
“Kevin Pietersen is a quality player, and there is no doubt that he will be one of the players to watch out for, in the coming edition of the IPL. We wish him all the best,” Deccan Chargers CEO Venkat Reddy said.
“The Delhi Daredevils squad will be bolstered by the entry of Kevin Pietersen. It is great to see the Franchises in the process of strategising for the upcoming tournament. We are in for a cracker of a competition in April-May,” Rajeev Shukla, Chairman, IPL, said.

This is a very emotional moment for me: Bhaichung

2012-01-11T11:50:00.003+05:30

NEW DELHI: As India take on Bayern Munich which boasts of the likes of Philipp Lahm, Franck Ribery, Mario Gomez, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Arjen Robben amongst others, all eyes stay focused on Bhaichung Bhutia. Ahead of his Farewell Match, Bhaichung spoke at length to on the significance of the forthcoming match, his illustrious career and much more.Excerpts:

What does this match mean to you?

It’s a worldwide trend for most players to retire after a competitive tournament. Unfortunately, I didn’t get that opportunity. But having a Farewell Match organised -- that too against Bayern Munich is a huge honour for me.

This will be the last match you would be putting on the National Jersey. What’s the feeling?

Frankly speaking I don’t know how to express myself. It’s a very emotional moment for me. I enjoyed my 16 years of career with the National Team. Obviously it feels good to be back for one last time.

Sum up your long and illustrious career.

It’s being a great learning process with lots of ups and downs. I have enjoyed every moment and have no regrets. The good moments added to the confidence while the downs in life taught me lessons to go that extra pace. I have always stayed committed to the National Team and will carry the memories.

Most of the players have grown up idolising you. What do have to say to them?

It’s a great opportunity for them not only to play with me but against Superstars of World Football. I think Bayern Munich will inspire them and help them learn as much as possible.

Do you think matches like these would benefit Indian Football?

Such matches would definitely generate lot of interest among the younger generation. It gives an opportunity for all to watch Great Players, that too at your own courtyard. But it’s high time the clubs became professional and started their own Youth Development Programme.

What’s your message for your fans?

I need to thank all for their support. They have always stood by me and have been patient. The affection which I received over the years has been a cherished one. A big Thank You to all once again.

Indian players lit up Delhi chill

2012-01-11T11:49:00.001+05:30

NEW DELHI: There was a bit of gloom in the morning weather. The overnight rain had left its mark and the fog added to the chill. At the Heritage School Campus in Gurgaon, the Barcelona Camp organised by Conscient Football, it was different

Indian National Team players who landed in the Capital for the Audi Football Summit – the Exhibition Match against Bayern Munich, lit up the proceedings. They had an interactive session with the 180 odd kids and then played with them. The football seemed to be fun yet an unique opportunity for the kids to look upto and learn from their idols from close.

The energy of the five-man army -- Climax Lawrence, Gourmangi Singh, Clifford Miranda, Jeje Lalpekhlua was infectious. Even as the queue for autographs seemed to have no end, they smilingly obliged all.

The duo of Jeje and Sabeeth, both of whom have been together for the U-23 Olympic Qualifiers, just couldn’t wait to get on the field against the Bayern Munich side.

“This is a life-time opportunity for us,” Jeje said. “International Scheduling in Football doesn’t permit one to get on the same field against such renowned clubs. But here we are playing against Bayern Munich,” Jeje who turned 20 on Saturday, expressed.

“All of them are International Stars. The entire footballing fraternity will be keeping a close eye on the match,” he added.

“We speak of Exposure Tours every alternate minute. Can any Tour get bigger than this?” Sabeeth, putting on his boots, quipped. “I’m lucky to be in the squad for this match. It’s for us to learn, the more the better for us,” Sabeeth joined in.

The duo hasn’t yet played together with Bhaichung Bhutia and that it makes all the more significant for them. “Bhaichung has been the most deadly Indian striker I have seen,” Sabeeth quipped. “His commitment and his reflexes are a lesson for any young player.”

Jeje added: “It’s fortunate that I get to play with Bhaichung. It’s unfortunate that I won’t ever get a chance to play with him again. He is such a great player.”

“Bhaichung was such an aggressive striker. He always had the ability to put the rival defence under pressure,” Sabeeth maintained.

Gourmangi Singh, a former AIFF Player-of-the-Year feels it’s an honour for him to be playing in Bhaichung’s farewell match. “I have always looked upto him. To be a part of his Farewell Match is indeed an honour for me,” he opined.

The Indian team will be having their first practice session at the Ambedkar Stadium on Sunday.

The list of 23 players is as follows:

GOALKEEPERS: Karanjit Singh (Salgaocar SC), Subhasish Roychowdhury (Dempo SC), Felix (Churchill Brothers).

DEFENDERS: Jaspal Singh (Salgaocar), Sameer Naik (Dempo SC), Gouramangi Singh (Churchill Brothers), Govin Singh (United Sikkim Football Club), Nirmal Chhetri (Kingfisher East Bengal), Syed Rahim Nabi (McDowell Mohun Bagan), Adil Khan (Sporting Clube de Goa), Gurjinder Singh (Pune FC).

MIDFIELDERS: Reisangmi Vashum (Kingfisher East Bengal), Jewel Raja Shaikh (McDowell Mohun Bagan), Climax Lawrence (Dempo SC), Rakesh Masih (McDowell Mohun Bagan), Baldeep Singh (Pune FC), Clifford Miranda (Dempo SC), Lalrindika Ralte (Churchill Brothers), Rocus Lamare (Salgaocar).

FORWARDS: Jeje Lalpeklua (Pune FC), Bhaichung Bhutia, Sushil Singh (United Sikkim Football Club), CS Sabeeth (Pailan Arrows).

Domestic tournaments

2012-01-07T12:29:00.000+05:30

C.K. NAYUDU TROPHY, 2011-12

Punjab beat Delhi in the final of the under-22 C.K. Nayudu Trophy, played at Delhi.

Brief scores:

PCA: first innings - 424 all out in 125.5 overs

DDCA: first innings - 319 all out in 104.3 overs
PCA: second innings- 151-4 in 34 overs

Match drawn. Punjab won on first-innings lead.

WOMEN’S INTER-STATE T20 COMPETITION (SENIOR)

Railways beat Delhi in the final of the tournament, played at Cuttack.

Brief scores:

Delhi W Sr : 104 All Out in 20 overs

RSPB W Sr : 105-3 in 18.4 overs

Railways won by seven wickets.

RANJI TROPHY, 2011-12

Mumbai and Haryana will host Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan respectively in the semi-finalists in the 2011-12 edition of the Ranji Trophy.

All four teams have impressive records in the tournament.

Mumbai have won the title a staggering 39 times, including fifteen in a row, from 1958-59 to 1972-73. They won the title under the captaincy of Wasim Jaffer, the incumbent, in 2008-09 and 2009-10, and lost to eventual winners Rajasthan in the 2010-11 quarter-finals.

Tamil Nadu, formerly known as Madras, enjoy the distinction of winning the inaugural Ranji Trophy match, way back in 1934-35, when they beat Mysore (as Karnataka was previously known), at their home ground in Chepauk, in a day.

They won the title twice, in 1954-55 and 1987-88, and have been runners-up on eight occasions.

Haryana won the Ranji Trophy for the first time in 1990-91, beating Mumbai in Mumbai by two runs, in what is regarded by many as the best Ranji final ever. Haryana batted first and scored 522. Mumbai replied with 410, and Haryana increased their overall lead to 354 in the second innings. Mumbai went for the target on the final afternoon, and were dismissed for 352.

Haryana’s first foray into a Ranji final was in 1985-86, when they finished runners-up against Delhi.

Rajasthan’s maiden Ranji title in 2010-11 would have gladdened the hearts of its supporters, administrators and veterans, who had battled hard in the decades gone by. From 1960-61 to 1973-74, Rajasthan reached the final as many as eight times, only to finish on the losing end. The 2010-11 season saw the team complete a run that was as dramatic as it was extraordinary. Rajasthan began the season in the Plate Group, and was one of the two Plate sides to qualify for the Elite Group Knockout stage. The team went on to beat Mumbai, Tamil Nadu and Baroda, in the quarter-final, semi-final and final respectively.

First transfer of the IPL 2012 Trading Window

2012-01-07T12:28:00.000+05:30

Mumbai : The IPL today announced the first transfer of the 2012 Trading window. Dinesh Karthik, wicketkeeper-batsman, will join the Mumbai Indians squad for the 2012 season of the tournament. Karthik was acquired by the Kings XI Punjab in the 2011 IPL auction, and he played in all 14 of Kings XI’s matches last season. In the first three seasons of the IPL, he played 42 matches for the Delhi Daredevils.

Nita Ambani, owner of the Mumbai Indians franchise, commented, “We are very pleased to add a player of Dinesh Karthik’s calibre and specific skills to the Mumbai Indians squad as this addition will further strengthen our side.”

The owners of Kings XI Punjab said, “Dinesh played an important role for Kings XI Punjab last season, but with our captain Adam Gilchrist donning the wicketkeeping gloves, we were unable to harness Dinesh’s complete potential. Everybody at Kings XI Punjab wishes him the very best in his future endeavours.”

“It looks like the 2012 Trading Window will be an active one as the franchises look to revise and strengthen their squads in advance of the Player Auction on 4 February 2012,” Rajeev Shukla, Chairman, IPL, said.

I-League stays wide open after first-phase

2012-01-07T12:26:00.003+05:30

New Delhi: After 13 rounds of the I-League 2011/12, the Championship stays wide open. The topsy-turvy manner at the top hints towards no clear favourite.

Only one point separates the top three clubs in the current standings with Dempo SC leading the pack with 27 points. Both Churchill Brothers and Kingfisher East Bengal have 26 points but Churchill stay ahead on a head-to-head ratio. Not to forget, Churchill have played a match less.

Far away from being predictable the first-leg proves that smaller teams are not far behind in terms of competence and quality of play. Big-budgets don’t always win you matches.

Prayag United have been a revelation and Pune FC’s upsurge towards the last stages of the first-leg where they accounted for heavyweight counterparts of the likes of Dempo and Mohun Bagan provides that glimmer of hope that we can have a new club winning the League.

Pune Coach Derrick Pereira credited his boys for his team’s meteoric rise. “We were not off to a dream start but we now stay in contention. I think the understanding among the players and the presence of Jeje Lalpekhlua and Mondjou Keita’s upfront have turned our fortunes,” he told www.the-aiff.com.

Refusing to name any specific player, he added: “Football is a team game and pin pointing any single player would not be right thing to do.”

“We want to take one match at a time and I expect my players to stay focussed in the second phase.”

Prayag United stays the other team to have made an impact with a shoe-string budget. Coach Sanjoy Sen maintained the aim of the team is “To finish in the top 5,” only to add: “We are not away from our aim.”

Their victory against Dempo has thrown open the League. “We were determined to beat Dempo on their home soil and my players responded to the call.”

Big spenders McDowell Mohun Bagan do remain in the fray but the injuries to inspirational Captain Jose Barreto has hit them hard. They stay a bit dependent on maverick striker Odafa Okolie and the defensive woes continue. Don’t rule them out as you can never doubt the quality in their side – the same manner in which you can’t ever rule out defending champions Salgaocar.

The match-schedule of the DLF Indian Premier League 2012

2012-01-07T12:14:00.001+05:30

The match-schedule of the DLF Indian Premier League 2012 has been finalized.

The tournament will feature nine teams, and a total of seventy-six matches will be played from Wednesday, 4^th April 2012, to Sunday, 27^th May 2012, at an expected twelve venues. The new Stadium in Pune, subject to final completion, will make its debut as an IPL venue, by staging all eight ‘home’ games of the Pune Warriors India. Dharamsala, Cuttack and Vizag will host two games each.
The league will commence with Chennai Super Kings, the defending champions, taking on the Mumbai Indians, the Champions League T20 winners, at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

The league stage, which comprises seventy two matches, with each team playing the other eight in a home-and-away format, will go on till Sunday, 20^th May 2012.
The venue of the two finalist teams from 2011 edition will host the Play offs. Bengaluru will host Qualifier 1 (1 vs 2) and the Eliminator (3 vs 4) on 22^nd May and 23^rd May respectively. Qualifier 2 and the Final will be played in Chennai, on 25^th May and 27^th May respectively.

TRIPURA SPORTS

Pailan, Salgaocar SC play goalless draw

Another invasion into the male bastion

Bigger Tests await me: Karanjit

Kids, Kids every where, all of them to pick

U-14 Fest: Groupings for Format 2 finalised

I didn’t drop Climax, I rested him: Savio Medeira

I have spotted some exceptional boys: O’Donell

Savio names 30-member list for Dubai Camp

Mohun Bagan thrash Chirag United 3-1

Prayag United stuns East Bengal 1-0

Resurgent Sporting Clube face Pune FC

U-14 Football Fest kicks-off in Kalyani

IPL 2012 Player Auction

Prayag United look to stop East Bengal surge

Barasat Sold Out for Rupees 25.15 Crores in the Premier League Soccer

Salgaocar hold Dempo 0-0

There’s something in that Blue Jersey: Adil Khan

We are not intimidated by Bagan: Sukhwinder

A loss at this stage will have a huge impact: Morgan

Jeje doubtful for AFC Challenge Cup

Mumbai will play Maharashtra in the final of the Cooch Behar Trophy

Sporting Clube beat Mumbai FC 5-0

Prayag stamp supremacy over Bagan

Sporting Clube start favorite against Mumbai FC

Churchill to face resurgent Salgaocar

East Bengal reign supreme

Pune Warriors retained Sourav Ganguly

Injury-hit East Bengal start as favourites

Jeje-Keita-Subhash triangle working wonders for us: Derrick

Royal Challengers Bangalore signed Chris Gayle

I don’t want to emulate anyone: Sabeeth

Churchill beat Shillong Lajong 2-0

Pune prove too classy for Mumbai FC

Sporting challenge for confident Bagan

Pune FC enjoy an edge

East Bengal prove too strong for Pailan Arrows

Kingfisher East Bengal 4 (Penn Orji -- 27th; Tolgay Ozbey -- 30th & 76th; Robert Lalthlamuana -- 57th)

Beat

Pailan Arrows 1 (Prathamesh Maulingkar -- 60th)

Dempo aim for revenge

Jeje and Joaquim are exceptional strikers: Ranti

East Bengal want to come back to winning ways

Two T20 Internationals and ODI tri-series in Australia

Odafe hat-trick wins it for Bagan

Coaching Workshop concludes in Delhi

Pune FC hold East Bengal to goalless draw

Dempo beat Chirag United 2-1

Prayag United play goalless draw against HAL

Pragyan Ojha move from Deccan to Mumbai

Twenty probables for India’s tour of the West Indies

Tamil Nadu will host Rajasthan in the final

High on Bagan win, Pune FC hopes for double

Dempo not to take Chirag United lightly

Sporting Clube scrape past Pailan Arrows

ICC back Australian Government move on cheating

Pailan Arrows aim to break the jinx

Indian team selection

Lester wants to break into the National Squad

Kingfisher East Bengal get permission to replace Gow

IPL announced the fifth transfer of the 2012 Trading window

The long walk off the field but not away from it

Chhetri awarded the AIFF Player-of-the-Year Award

My heart stays on the field: Sunil Chhetri

The Anthem will stay with him forever

IPL announced the third transfer of the 2012 Trading window

This is a very emotional moment for me: Bhaichung

Indian players lit up Delhi chill

Domestic tournaments

First transfer of the IPL 2012 Trading Window

I-League stays wide open after first-phase

The match-schedule of the DLF Indian Premier League 2012

Kingfisher East Bengal 4 (Penn Orji -- 27^th; Tolgay Ozbey -- 30th & 76^th; Robert Lalthlamuana -- 57th)