INDIAN FOOTBALL

FC Goa sacks Head Coach Sergio Lobera

2020-01-31T23:24:00.000+05:30

FC Goa part ways with Head Coach Sergio Lobera, Picture Courtesy: Indian Super League(ISL)

In a surprising development, Hero ISL side FC Goa have parted ways with their head coach Sergio Lobera. The reasons for the same are not known yet.

The Spaniard has guided the team to the top of the table after 15 matches and the league being in its business end, its a shocking development. As per reports Derrick Pereira, the current coach of FC Goa's reserve squad will take over the interim role.

Rangers FC sign Indian Women's Footballer Bala Devi

2020-01-31T00:50:00.001+05:30

Scottish football giants Rangers FC have signed Indian women's footballer Bala Devi. This is a historical move, subject to International clearance, for an Indian footballer as she becomes the first Indian women's footballer to be signed by a professional club outside India and the first Asian International footballer to be signed by Rangers FC.

Bala Devi had earlier impressed the Rangers FC coaches during her trial in September 2019. deal was announced in Bengaluru FC's home ground, Sree Kanteerava stadium in Bangalore.

The 29 year old Indian ace, Bala Devi hails from Manipur and is widely regarded as one of the best Indian women's footballer having scored 58 times in 52 matches.

Picture Courtesy: Bala Devi, Bengaluru FC, Rangers FC

Summary Report on AIFF Executive Committee Meet on 10th December 2019

2019-12-11T00:21:00.000+05:30

AIFF Executive Committee Meet - 10th December 2019

AIFF Executive committee meet was chaired by the President of the All India Football Federation, Mr. Praful Patel on Tuesday, 10th December 2019.

Along with a list of renowned faces, AIFF Technical Direcor Mr. Isac Doru was present. Mr. Martin Bain, CEO FSDL and Mr. Chirag Tanna were present from FSDL.

Highlights from the meeting are as below:

The 2nd Division League will have 20 teams and is scheduled to start from January 2020. It will tun till May 2020.
Futsal Club Championship to be launched from the 2020.
AIFF Football Masters Course to be laucnched from mid of 2020.
AFC levies for International matches/competitions are no longer payable, and with a substantial reduction in feed to be paid to FIFA (has been reduced to CHF 500 per match), the fees to a State Association hosting an International match has been reduced to Rs. 1,15,000 per International match.

Gurpreet Sandhu steals the show as India stun Asian Champions Qatar for a draw

2019-09-12T02:22:00.001+05:30

2022 FIFA World Cup and 2023 Asia Cup Joint Qualifiers

10.09.2019

Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium

Qatar 0-0 India

They defended for their lives and after the full 90 minutes, all the tiredness flew away and a draw felt more than a victory for a team who was once a powerhouse in Asian circuit. Holding the current Asian champions Qatar for a goalless draw in Qatar is indeed historical in every sense for Igor Stimac's boys. The fight they gave on the pitch right from the whistle spoke for itself.

Sahal Samad dribbling past Qatar, Picture Courtesy: AIFF Media

The mindset was clear for the Blue Tigers and it was to sit back and soak the incoming Qatari thunderstorm, who had out-muscled every other Asian counterpart. A team effort was needed and a team effort it was, spearheaded by the giant Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. Gurpreet was also in stunning form against Oman but a loss in concentration led to the first goal. He could not ill-afford to make any mistake and he hardly put a foot wrong. Every outing, every save and every decision he made gave the picture of the man who has all what it takes to succeed at the very top level, a man who had been a part of a first team setup in European top division side. He was helped by two more identical looking giants - Adil Khan and Sandesh Jhingan in front of him, helping to thwart away every aerial ball. Qatar attacked from right, middle and left but they could not unlock the well oiled Indian defense and credit where its due, Igor Stimac deserves all the applaud for that.

India didn't create too many chances, but the best chance perhaps fell to or rather was created by, the pacy Udanta, whose left footed effort narrowly went over the post. Another man who gave a very good account of himself in the attack was the 22 year old Sahal Abdul Samad.

Sahal's performances keeps on improving every match, and he is a player who seems to be unfazed by the quality of opponent. A calm, cool attack minded midfielder who is a technically gifted player, a rare breed among Indian players. His composure and decision making helped by his quick feets is something to boast of and to look for in the years to come. He created a chance for himself and very nearly went through on goal but he was brought down rather cynically with the referee brandishing a yellow.

The Indian midfield must also be credited for the solidity in the defense. Rowlin Borges in particular was literally everywhere stopping crosses, putting his body on the line and using his physique to a great advantage. Anirudh Thapa, Rahul Bheke and every other member did put a double shift.

The full time whistle came as a relief and joy for Team India as the crowd, who were in huge numbers supporting the Blue Tigers away from home. Joy, emotion, cheers and jeers followed as the crowd and the team joined for the Viking clap.

Definitely, a day to bookmark for Indian football.

In Pictures - Indian Team arrives at Doha ahead of Qatar test

2019-09-08T00:24:00.002+05:30

Indian team reached Doha on Saturday morning ahead of their second group match in the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Qatar. The team looked in all smiles despite their heart-breaking defeat against Oman in their first game.

Here are some pictures of the Blue Tigers safely reaching Doha:

Indian team received a warm welcome in Doha

Blue Tigers looked focused ahead of their crucial tie against Qatar

Indian team were greeted by a passionate crowd at the airport

Sandesh Jhingan applauding the cheerful Indian crowd

Coach Igor Stimac looking impressed with the reception at the Doha airport

Indian hitman Sunil Chhetri in pictures

Sandesh Jhingan, Amrinder and Anas(right to left) posing for a click

All pictures courtesy: AIFF Media Team

India are scheduled to play Qatar on Tuesday, 10th August 2019 at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha.

Late Oman comeback dents India's hope in FIFA World Cup 2022 Qualifiers

2019-09-07T00:18:00.000+05:30

2022 FIFA World Cup and 2023 Asian Cup Joint-QUalifiers

Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati

05.09.2019

India 1 (Sunil Chhetri 24’) - Oman 2 (Al-Mandhar Al Alawi 82’, 90’)

Oman left it really late to dash India's hopes of securing a historic win at home in the 2022 FIFA World Cup and 2023 Asian Cup Joint-Qualifiers tie played at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati, on 5th September 2019.

Captain fantastic Sunil Chhetri opened the scoring for the Blue Tigers in the first half. A classic training ground set piece was given the perfect finishing touch by the golden boy of Indian football.

Oman defeated India in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in Guwahati,
Picture Courtesy: AIFF Media Team

Surprisingly the team was so well set up by the freshly appointed Croatian coach Igor Stimac that it was not the first attempt India had. Udanta Singh had already struck the post by then apart from some other half chances. India dominated the first half in true footballing sense. Against a strong Oman side, Indian team defended and counter-attacked as a well-oiled unit. Oman came close to equalize though in the final few minutes of the first half when a cross was met by Oman captain Ahmed Al Mahaijri, but Gurpreet Singh pulled a save out of thin air much to the delight of the Blue Pilgrims.

India had two options - either to score one more goal to virtually seal the tie or to absorb the Oman attacks throughout the second half. Neither of those options were improbable with the display in the first half. India were in the tie till the majority of the tie but with the clock running down the fatigue was evident in the midfield and defense. Oman opted more direct approach and it was one such move that led to the equalizer. Al-Mandhar Al Alawi got the better of Indian defensive unit this time and for once Gurpreet's positioning was not best. A tiring Indian defense gave the visiting Oman team more confidence and they pushed for the winner.

A stunning effort from Al-Mandhar Aliwi cut back to his right foot leaving Sandesh Jhingan stranded and curled an effort right at the top corner. Silence prevailed as the Indian supporters were in disbelief. A hard lesson for Team India and Igor Stimac but they can hold their heads high with the effort they put against a strong Oman team.

India Starting XI: Gurpreet Singh; Rahul Bheke, Sandesh Jhingan, Adil Khan, Subhasish Bose; Anirudh Thapa, Rowllin Borges, Brandon Fernandes; Ashique Kuruniyan, Sunil Chhetri, Udanta Singh.

India to host FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup 2020

2019-03-16T11:44:00.000+05:30

India to host FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup 2020

FIFA has announced India as new hosts for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in 2020. The decision was taken at the FIFA Council held in Miami on Friday (March 15, 2019).
All India Football Federation President Mr. Praful Patel described it as a “proud moment” for Indian Football.

“I would like to thank FIFA for keeping their trust in us and granting us the rights to host the tournament. I am also grateful to the Government of India and the State Governments for their support and providing us the necessary assurances which made winning this bid a reality,” he added.

“We felt the football evolution which India attained in the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017 needed to continue, and as part of AIFF’s commitment towards development of Women’s Football, we decided to bid for the U-17 Women’s World Cup,” Mr. Patel stated. “The tournament will be massive as this time it will also galvanise the girls of the country, making it more popular,” he added.

“However, winning the bid was a lesser challenge. The bigger challenge of hosting the showpiece actually lies ahead, especially after the standards which we have set for ourselves in the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017,” the AIFF President maintained.

The mega event will be India’s 2nd World Cup in 4 years, both achieved under the tenure of Mr. Patel as the AIFF President.

Mr. Kushal Das, General Secretary, All India Football Federation described it as a “historic moment” for Indian Football.

“I cannot sum it up in words what this means to Indian Football,” he said. “Together with all stakeholders we need to make it a grand success, and at the same time we understand that we need to be competitive,” he opined.

“For the success of the FIFA U -17 Women’s World Cup in 2020, the support of Government of India, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, and the State Governments is extremely vital as we have seen in the past with the U-17 World Cup in 2017. This will ensure success of the tournament, and will take it to greater heights.”

“The support, and enthusiasm by the Government of India, and the State Governments for this tournament will lead to incremental development in women’s football in the country,” he expressed.
“I would like to thank our President Mr. Praful Patel for bringing two back to back the U-17 World Cups to India. Without him we wouldn’t have got the hosting rights.” Mr. Das added.

The FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup was first played in 2008 in New Zealand and is held every two years. Spain stay the current champions when they beat Mexico in the final held in the last edition in Uruguay in 2018.

Chennai City FC are the champions of Hero I-League 2018-19

2019-03-10T16:54:00.001+05:30

Chennai City FC win the Hero I-League 2018-19 title

09.03.2019

Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Coimbatore

Chennai City FC 3-1 Minerva Punjab FC

CCFC:Pedro Manzi(56'), Gourav Bora(69',90+3')

MPFC:Roland Bilala(3')

Chennai City FC made history, defeating Minerva in their final league match of Hero I-League 2018-19 to deservedly win the title for the very first time. Man of the match, Gaurav Bora scored two decisive second half goals to down defending champions Minerva Punjab FC 3-1 in their final game of the 12th Hero I-League at the Nehru stadium in Coimbatore.

Chennai finished with 43 points, one ahead of Quess East Bengal (QEB), who despite winning their final game in Kozhikode against Gokulam Kerala, saw their dreams of the first-ever title triumph fade away in Coimbatore.

Pedro Manzi, their premiere Spanish striker fittingly scored a goal to join Churchill Brother’s Willis Plaza as the joint top scorer of the league with 21 goals apiece, but the day undoubtedly belonged to the young Gaurav Bora, a versatile defender cum midfielder who capped off a brilliant season with a double-strike when it mattered most for his team.

It did not begin perfectly as Minerva took an early lead in the 3rd minute of the game through Ukranian recruit Roland Bilala. It was off a Juan Querro free-kick from the right flank, that he rose to beat his marker and lodge his header into the back of the net. Chennai kept pressing thereafter and with Nestor Gordillo missing through suspension, it was left to his fellow Spaniard Sandro Rodriguez to fuel all attacks. He along with Slovakian Jozef Kaplan and Romario Jesuraj, both of whom were constantly switching flanks, were constantly trying to create forManzi. For Minerva, most of their openings were being created by Querro from the left flank. The diminutive Spaniard finding goal-scorer Roland again in the 40th minute with a wonderful cross, but the Ukranian could not make most of a free-header this time.

Upon commencement of the second half, Chennai continued to get better control of the game. A Sydney Vanspaul effort in the 53rd minute from distance missed the target, but not by much. Two minutes later, Chennai got the opening they were looking for on a platter. Akashdeep Singh in an effort to clear inadvertently handled the ball inside the box and referee Santhosh Bhaskaran had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Manzi displayed outrageous confidence in pointing the goalkeeper to the spot where he would be placing the ball and did exactly what to bring Chennai firmly back into title reckoning.

The young Gaurav Bora then made a name for a lifetime with two stunning strikes to put the issue beyond anyone’s doubt. Both goals came off corners taken by Sandro from the right flank.
The first in the 69th minute was earned by Sandro himself who then delivered perfectly and Bora coming in on the far post unmarked connected with a crisp volley to put Chennai ahead. Then if Quess East Bengal had any hopes remaining of a dying minute Minerva equaliser, Bora put paid them in the 3rd minute of injury time when off another Sandro corner, he came in and rose to head even more crisply to bulge the back of the Minerva net.

It was a fitting attacking and professional end to a brilliant campaign ably steered by Singaporean coach Akbar Nawas and as Bhaskaran blew for full-time there scenes of emotions and joy all around the stadium.

Chennai City FC beat Indian Arrows in Hero I-League 2018-19 opener

2018-10-27T00:36:00.001+05:30

Chennai City FC starts Hero I-League campaign with a thumping victory over Indian Arrows

Hero I-League 2018-19

26.10.2018

Chennai City FC 4-1 Indian Arrows

CCFC: Pedro Manzi 31’, 49’, 64’(P), Romario Jesuraj 76’

Indian Arrows: 2’ Amarjit Kiyam

The opening 12th Hero I-League encounter between Chennai City FC and the Indian Arrows at Coimbatore’s Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium, turned out to be a happy outing for the boisterous home fans. Riding on Uruguaya born Pedro Manzi’s hattrick, Chennai City FC outplayed a young Indian Arrows side 4-1, logging full three points to begin their campaign in style. Romario Jesuraj, who had an outstanding game, scored the fourth. Indian Arrows captain Amarjit Singh Kiyam, however, opened the scorecard with a second-minute strike to give the young side an early lead.

Chennai’s Singaporean coach Akbar Nawas opted to go with Pedro Manzi as the sole striker with wingers Nestor from Spain and Romario Jesuraj assisting him. Another Spaniard, Sandro operated in the middle of the attack. Gaurav Bora was in the defensive midfield role just ahead of a three-man back line.

Floyd Pinto, the Arrows coach, left Rahul KP ahead with Rahim Ali in a roving role and Amarjeet Kiyam and Stalin holding the fort in the centre of midfield with Jeakson Singh behind them. Prabhsukhan Gill, in goal, was supported by a four-man defence.

The Arrows could not have asked for a better start as captain Kiyam struck in the second minute. Rahul KP, who had a fantastic first half with his deft touches and languid runs causing lots of problems to the left side of Chennai’s defence, went on a run down the right flank and his cross across goal saw the Chennai keeper Kabir only manage to parry the ball in the path of an onrushing Kiyam, who slotted home calmly.

The early goal was a definite wake-up call for the hosts, as they sprung into action, in particular, the combination of Nestor Jesus and Pedro Manzi. The first glimpse of things to come was evident in the fourth minute, when a 1-2 between the two, found Manzi in the clear inside the box but he failed to score the equaliser.

Chennai had two clear chances in the rest of the first half which they clearly dominated. First, Nestor missed a sitter in the 18th minute as Jesuraj’s cross from the right found him with a free header and an open goal six yards away. He lobbed the header over the bar. Then in the 46th minute, from Sandro’s lob inside the box, Manzi had to just lob an onrushing Prabhsukan Gill in the Arrows goal, but his effort ricocheted off the bar.

In between, Manzi struck from the first time in the 31stminute to get Chennai back to level terms. Nestor left Narender for dead in the right side of the Arrows defence and cut in to unleash a wonderful through ball inside the box. Manzi turned Gill with his first touch and then slammed home with his second, from a narrow-angle in the end.

The Arrows again had a chance to draw level early in the second half but Rahim Ali muffed a chance from inside the box. In the 49th minute, Maniz put Chennai ahead controlling a lob with his head and then shrugging off both Narender and Ashish Rai with sheer power, before unleashing a right footer from the instep to beat a diving Gill across the mouth of the goal.

The Uruguaya born then completed a deserving hattrick in the 64th minute, when Chennai were awarded a penalty as the ball found a falling Ashish Rai’s trailing hand inside the box, from yet another Nestor initiated move.

Then Jesuraj, whose tireless runs and crosses from the right were a striking feature of the entire game, found the net from close in the 76thminute off a Sandro cross from the left, effectively killing the game.

The match was played in good spirits in general, however, referee Santhosh Bhaskaran did have to flash the yellow card to a couple of players. Jitendra Singh picked up a booking in the 14th minute while Chennai’s Kamaraj went into the books in the 82nd minute of the game.

Super Saturday beckons next as Manipur’s Neroca FC host Quess East Bengal at 2 PM on October 27, 2018. This will be followed by a 5 PM kick-off on the same day for the 12th Hero I-League’s third game at Kozhikode between Gokulam Kerala FC and Mohun Bagan.

FIFA U-17 WC 2017: India's promising campaign comes to a halt

2017-10-12T23:50:00.000+05:30

India end their campaign in the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017 with a heavy defeat against Ghana

It was a positive start from the Indian U-17 team against Ghana in the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017 playing their final group game. India were full of confidence after a gutsy show against Columbia in their last group match. Every move from a strong Ghana side was matched equally by the Indian team. Unlike the game against USA and Columbia, India were more aggressive in their approach as they pushed high up the pitch. The first half looked to be ending on a stalemate before Ghana scored from a lightening fast attack from the right channel. That's precisely when the Indian team lost the confidence and the plot of the match took a wild swing.

Ghana attacked with more venom from the wings stretching the Indian defense with pace and physique. The midfield looked out of sorts for the blues who were constantly losing possession at the middle of the park. Aniket was an isolated figure upfront hardly getting any support to make use of his shielding capability. Most of the time India had ten men behind the ball with Ghana enjoying mammoth possession. The scoreline turned from bad to worse as the game carried on with Ghana eventually winning the match 4-0 and thus India bowed out of the tournament with their biggest defeat. It was a combination of tired legs, tired minds and constant loss of possession in critical areas which made the scoreline look worse.

Despite the scoreline, Indian goalkeeper Dheeraj was once again the most commanding figure for the Young Blues. His shot saving and distribution were eye catching, as has been throughout the tournament. Defender Anwar Ali would also earn a lot of plaudits for his performance - a tall figure at the heart of the defense with good aerial ability as well as great positional sense and awareness.

INDIA: Dheeraj Singh; Boris Singh, Jitendra Singh, Anwar Ali, Sanjeev Stalin; Rahul KP, Amarjit Singh (Captain) (Rahim Ali – 63rd), Suresh Singh, Jeakson Singh, Nongdamba Naorem (Ninthoiganba – 58th), Aniket Jadhav (Lalengmawia – 77th).

India in FIFA U-17 WC: A performance to cherish, a reason to dream ahead

2017-10-10T20:41:00.000+05:30

A performance to cherish, a reason to dream,
India U-17 team along with coach Luis Norton de Matos after their 2-1 loss to Columbia thanking the massive crowd support

Indian football team had a more than just a "normal history" for any Asian side. We were the first Asian team to reach semifinals in football at 1956 Olympics. India also were the first team to win gold medal in football at Asian games. But one thing eluded India even during its prime between 1950-60, a chance to play at the world cup. On 5 December 2013, history was meant to be rewritten as we were awarded a historic opportunity to host the 2017 U-17 World Cup. India will be playing its first ever World Cup before its home crowd. The dream of billions to watch India at a FIFA WC was going to be real, though at an age-group level.

This news gave the football federation with the task of rebuilding two crucial factors for any sport to be successful in a country- Infrastructure and a football league structure at multiple age-levels. The core of potential WC team were selected by rigorous scouting and went through world-class training like never before for any Indian football team. The direct qualification to AFC U-16 championship was a testament that things were moving at a decent pace but the inability to win a match in the main event was bound to question the credential of the squad.

After the tournament, lot of things happened during the span of 12 months with the replacement of coach, major shuffles in the squad. When finally the World Cup time finally came knocking at the door, the fans who were following the team for years were hoping for a positive performance arrived in numbers were able to witness a positive performance from Indian team in first half of what was its first World cup match ever lagging by just one goal conceded by penalty. But, the US team showed their superiority throughout the game winning by a convincing scoreline of 3-0.

Given the quality of team from North America, the result was an expected one for the regular fans. But, our team was expected to perform better against Colombian team which were suppose the weakest of the rest in our group and our vital chance to score a goal and if possible pick a point. And, our team did not disappoint in fulfilling the burden of expectation after Jeakson Singh Thaunaojam scored a sharp header from the corner. This made the whole stadium of more than 48000 fans in the stadium go wild. I(AchamThavirthan) was one of those lucky to witness the historic moment of Indian football in stadium. Unfortunately, I was also one of those 48000 football maniacs who witnessed the noisy JLN stadium go pin-drop silent in very next minute when Colombia got back their lead.

That goal from Colombia shook the hearts of thousands in the stands but gained more than just hearts for the Indian team. The optimism was such that despite conceding the second goal, most of us in the stands were yet to throw the towel and were expecting the equalizer from our boys. People going back home were seriously discussing about the prospect of qualifying to next round by beating Ghana, no matter how improbable it may sound. This performance will hopefully act as a catalyst which we need to believe in ourselves as a footballing nation and start believing in the dream of playing in the FIFA World Cup at the senior level by end of next decade.

While the dream of watching India play in a FIFA World Cup has turned into reality for many including me, next one in the wishlist is our Senior National Team in the FIFA World Cup and that one now looks much closer courtesy of these kind of performances by the young generation.

FIFA U-17 WC 2017: Braveheart India go down against Columbia

2017-10-10T01:10:00.003+05:30

Team India went down fighting against Columbia in their second group stage encounter in the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017

Team India were ever so close to snatch their first ever points in the FIFA U-17 World Cup but it was not to be as Columbia silenced the home crowd with a 2-1 victory in the Group A encounter played at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi on Monday 10th October 2017. India were certainly no pushovers and the display from the young Indian team was far better than their 3-0 loss to USA in their opening game.

Despite having lion's share of possession, it was India who had the first clear cut chance in front of the goal with Abhijit Sarkar being denied by a classy save from Colombian custodian after some crisp interplay by the Indians. The woodwork came to Columbia's rescue when Rahul KP's stupendous effort struck the frame moments before the half time whistle. Indian gaffer Luis Norton de Matos would surely have regretted the scoreline remaining goalless

Columbia took the lead early in the second half from a ferocious thunderbolt by Penaloza. India however did not sit back instead they reacted. More bodies were put to regain possession and it seemed to pay off as Columbia were matched with every move. Attacks were being built from the back and the overall build up play improved. Boris, coming back from suspension, on the right flank was extremely influential with his lung bursting runs while the center backs pairing of Namit Deshpande and Anwar Ali were hardly allowing Columbia any clear cut opportunities. Substitute Nongdamba Naorem was impressive yet again and he very well could have earned the equalizer for the Blues. After some good combination play on the left hand side with Aniket, Nongdamba dribbled past the Colombian defense line before his low effort was saved by the outstretched legs of the opponent goalkeeper.

The historical moment came in the 81st minute when Jeakson Singh became the first ever Indian to score in any FIFA World Cup. His superb header found the back of the net as India equalized and the crowd went berserk.

“You are at your most vulnerable when you have just scored” - the old cliché turned true. It was heartbreak for Team India as they conceded in the next move with the defense caught asleep. For once the center back pairing were not in sync and Peñaloza took full advantage rolling the ball past a hapless Dheeraj, who had very little to do with the goal. Indian team threw more bodies in search of the equalizer which never really came. Meanwhile Indian custodian Dheeraj, who had yet another stupendous game, pulled of a spectacular save to deny Columbia a breather. Much to the disappointment of the home supporters, the scoreline remained 2-1 in favor of the visitors. Though with the defeat the chances of progressing to the knockouts look extremely thin, yet it was proud to see the youngsters giving an extremely tough fight to their South American counterparts.

It was not a defeat rather it was an outright statement of intent from the young Indian team that they can compete at the highest level given that their career path is well set up. The match showed what this Indian team is capable of but one should hope that the infrastructure and the roadmap is in place to take these youngsters to the next level.

Well played team India, Very well played!

FIFA U-17 WC 2017: India go down to USA

2017-10-07T02:09:00.001+05:30

Team India went down fighting against USA in the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017 Group A encounter

FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017

06.10.2017

Group A

Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi

India 0-3 USA

USA: Josh Sargent(Penalty 30th), Chris Durkin(51st), Andrew Carleton(84th)

INDIA: Dheeraj Singh (GK); Sanjeev Stalin, Jitendra Singh, Anwar Ali; Suresh Singh, Amarjit Singh (C) , Rahul K.P, Abhijit Sarkar (70’ - Rahim Ali), Komal Thatal, Ninthoinganba Meetei (70’ - Nongdamba Naorem), Aniket Jadhav.

History was created at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi when the Indian U-17 team took the field against USA U-17 in the Group A encounter of the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017, thus becoming the first ever Indian team to participate in an official FIFA tournament.

Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi graced the huge crowd with his presence and congratulated the young boys for their campaign. AFC President Sheikh Salman bin-Ibrahim Al-Khalifa, Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore and the President of AIFF Mr. Praful Patel were also present.

Indian Coach Luis Norton de Matos opted for a more cautious approach as the hosts played the more defensive of two teams. Playing in front of around 40,000 capacity crowd for the first time coupled with an opponent of the stature of USA was never an easy task. The defense soaked the pressure well despite except for some guilt edged chances falling for the visitors. Dheeraj Singh was called into action in the 5th minute when he produced a fine save to deny USA U-17 skipper Josh Sargent in a one-on-one situation. However, it was Sargent who was the first one to register himself on the scoreboard as he converted from the spot, after Jitendra Singh fouled him just inside the box as the with referee pointing to the spot. India ended the half in a positive note making some good moves.

Switching over, Indian team showed more desire to win possession as they pressed USA. It was Josh Sargent who once again came close to scoring his second only to be denied by Indian custodian Dheeraj again. USA doubled their lead shortly after Durkin's snapshot found the net after being fed from a corner.

India's best chance of the match fell to Komal Thatal, after a long ball from Suresh was misjudged by the USA defense but Komal's attempted lob blazed pass the goal with the goalkeeper already beaten. Substitution by Matos seemed to have brought a new life to the Indian team as they seemed to take over the control from the visitors. Komal's corner in the 82nd minute found defender Anwar Ali unmarked but his shot struck the woodwork as USA launched a threatening counter attack with numbers behind the ball. A through ball over the top found Carleton all alone, as he rounded the impressive Dheeraj before slotting it to an empty net.

The match ended 3-0 in favor of USA U-17.

For India, they could surely take few positives from the game with individual performances from Dheeraj and Komal Thatal being the highlights. Also, Matos can take many positives from the performances considering that USA U-17 team are far more superior than Indian U-17 team in terms of quality and the Indian team were never really outclassed. The Indian team were more cautious in their approach and probably its the adrenaline rush got the better of them in the early stages of the first half. USA midfielders were offered too much freedom and time on the ball as the boys in Blue were more content on keeping their shape intact and forming defensive screens than to retain possession.

India take on Columbia in their next game on 9th October 2017. Kick off at 8 PM IST.

Football Fever takes over as FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017 kicks off tomorrow

2017-10-05T21:59:00.003+05:30

FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017
kicks off tomorrow

India takes the center stage as the once termed "sleeping giants of world football", takes a giant leap by hosting the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017 - a platform for the future football stars to announce themselves to the world.

24 nations battle it out in six cities - Goa, Guwahati, Kochi, Kolkata, Navi Mumbai, New Delhi for the prestigious glory.

FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017 Groups:

FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017 Groups, Picture Courtesy: Firstpost

Which channel will show the live telecast of FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017?

The live telecast of FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017 will be shown across Sony Pictures Network and Free to Air DD Sports.

Sony Ten 2, Sony Ten 2 HD, Sony ESNP, Sony ESPN HD - English Commentary
Sony Ten 3 and Sony Ten 3 HD - Hindi and Bengali Commentary

Where can you watch the live stream of FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017?

You can watch the live streaming of the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017 on SonyLiv App. You can download the app from Google Play Store - Click Here.

FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017 India Complete Fixtures List: Click Here

Day 1 Fixture List

Day 1 of FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017 will see hosts India take on USA at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi.

FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017 Fixtures - Day 1 - 6th October 2017, Picture Courtesy: FIFA.com

Some top names to watch out for in the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017:

Josh Sargent (USA)
Jadon Sancho (England)
Eric Ayiah (Ghana)
Lincoln Corrêa dos Santos (Brazil)
Angel Gomes (England)
Phil Phoden (England)
Abel Ruiz (Spain)
Jann-Fiete Arp (Germany)
Amine Gouiri (France)
Berke Özer (Turkey)
Diego Lainez (Mexico)
Komal Thatal (India)

For once, cricket will take the back seat as football fever takes over the nation. Game on!

Sree Gokulam Group inducted into the Hero I-League

2017-09-21T02:31:00.002+05:30

Sree Gokulam Group wins bid to enter I-League 2017-18

AIFF Bid Evaluation Committee met at the AIFF Headquarters in New Delhi today (September 20, 2017) to evaluate the bids submitted after the tendering process was initiated on August 18, 2017.

From the bids submitted, the Bid Evaluation Committee decided to award Sree Gokulam Group the right to field their team in the Hero I-League 2017-18 season onward.

“It gives me great pleasure to welcome a new Kerala team from Sree Gokulam Group to the Hero I-League from the 2017-18 season”, AIFF General Secretary, Mr. Kushal Das stated to www.the-aiff.com.

The team will be playing their home matches out of Calicut, Kerala.

Mr. Das added, “I hope the club would be able to ignite the passion of Kerala football in Calicut where they will be playing from.”

Hero I-League CEO, Mr. Sunando Dhar also sounded ‘happy’ with the inclusion. “We would like to congratulate Sree Gokulam Group on winning the bid. It has been our endeavor to have corporate teams come into the Hero I-League and the team from Kerala will open a new market for the league.”

“It will be beneficial to both the Hero I-League as well as Indian football. And I’m sure the passionate football fans of Kerala will be delighted to have a team of their own.” Mr. Dhar added.

Probables announced for Team India's AFC Asian Cup Qualifier against Macau

2017-09-21T01:36:00.001+05:30

Probables announced for AFC Asian Cup Qualifier against Macau, Picture Courtesy: AIFF

Stephen Constantine has announced list of 28 probables for the Team India's AFC Asian Cup Qualifier against Macau which is to be held in Bengaluru on 11th October 2017. While the probables list has 11 players from the Indian squad that featured in the AFC U-23 Qualifiers in Doha, Vineeth CK has been included in the team replacing Robin Singh.

Here is the complete list of probables:

Goalkeepers: Subrata Paul, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Amrinder Singh, Vishal Kaith.

Defenders: Pritam Kotal, Lalruatthara, Nishu Kumar, Sandesh Jhingan, Anas Edathodika, Salam Ranjan Singh, Sarthak Golui, Jerry Lalrinzuala, Narayan Das.

Midfielders: Jackichand Singh, Udanta Singh, Nikhil Poojary, Eugeneson Lyngdoh, Rowllin Borges, Md. Rafique, Anirudh Thapa, Germanpreet Singh, Halicharan Narzary.

Forwards: Balwant Singh, Alen Deory, Jeje Lalpekhlua, Sunil Chhetri, Hitesh Sharma, CK Vineeth.

India blank Palestine 3-0 in the AFC U-16 Championship Qualifiers opener

2017-09-21T01:27:00.001+05:30

India U-16 beat Palestine U-16 in the AFC U-16 Championship opener, Picture Courtesy: AIFF Media

India U-16 boys defeated Palestine by three goals to nil int he AFC U-16 Championship 2018 Qualifiers opener at the Halchowk Stadium, Kathmandu earlier today, 20th September 2017.

Goals from Givson(51st minute), Bekey(72nd minute) and Vikram(79th minute) ensured an easy outing for the young guns.

India will face off against Nepal in their next match on Friday, 22nd September 2017.

Bangladesh script a dramatic comeback victory against India in SAFF U-18 opener

2017-09-18T23:59:00.002+05:30

India U-18 were handed defeat by Bangladesh in their opening game of SAFF U-18 Championship,
Picture Courtesy: AIFF Media

SAFF U-18 Championship

18.09.2017

Bangladesh U-18 4-3 India U-18

Bangladesh made a dramatic comeback to beat India 4-3 in the SAFF U-18 Championship opener played at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimpu, Bhutan. Courtesy of goals from Lalawmpuia, Edmund and Princeton, the young Indian side were up 3-0 at one stage but complacency got the better of them as Bangladesh grew into the game with confidence. Goals at 55th, 59th, 74th and 91st minute from Bangladesh resulted in Indian team losing the massive lead and the game.

Highlights:

India U-18 will face Bhutan U-18 next up on 22nd September 2017.

Shillong Lajong announces signing of six foreigners for the I-League

2017-08-28T23:16:00.002+05:30

Shillong Lajong FC Complete all six foreigner signings for Hero I-League 2017-18

Shillong Lajong Football Club is pleased to announce the signings of six foreign players ahead of the I-League 2017-18 Season. The addition of the new signings will definitely help strengthen the young Lajong squad as they bring with them many years of experience playing in top professional leagues.

The Reds are determined to put their best foot forward for the forthcoming season by assembling a fine squad with a great selection of foreigners coupled with the best youngsters graduating from the Academy.

For the new I-league season, the number of foreign players allowed to be fielded by each team in the starting eleven has been increased to five and teams can register up to 6 foreigners. After acquiring the signatures of these foreign players, Lajong has completed their International signings formalities for the upcoming season.

The first foreign signing is Centre forward, Abdoulaye Koffi from Ivory Coast. He has made impressive stints at Grand Hotel FC in 2008-11 season (Egypt II Division), El Sharqia Dokhan in 2012-14 season (Egypt II Division), Saham SC in 2014-15 season (Oman Professional League), Al-Suwaiq in 2015-16 season (Oman Professional League) and Al-Khaleej in 2016-17 season (Saudi Professional League).

The 25 year old was the top scorer of the Egyptian Second Division for Grand Hotel FC scoring 26 goals from 44 appearances during the 2010-11 season. Koffi was the second top goal scorer in the Oman Professional League for Al-Suwaiq in the 2015-16 season striking 23 goals from 32 game appearances.

Centre Back, Laurence Doe from Liberia is Lajong’s second foreign recruit. The 30 year old defender is a former Equatorial Guinea International having played 21 games in total and scored 2 goals. He has played for clubs like Platinas in 2012-13 season (Greece Super League), Apollon Smyrnis in 2013 (Football League Greece), Enppi in 2014-15 season (Egyptian Premier League), Deportivo Mengomo in 2015 (Equatorial Guinea) and Quintar del Rey in 2016-17 (Tercera Division). The right footed defender has won major titles in Mali, Equatorial Guinea & Oman.

The third foreign player to join the Shillong Lajong ranks is midfielder, Daniel Odafin from Nigeria. The 28 year old defensive midfielder was involved with Clubs like Al-Hala in 2007-08 season (Bahraini Premier League), Tishreen in 2008-09 season (Syrian Premier League), Al-Jazeera in 2009-10 season (Syrian Premier League), Hutteen in 2010-11 season (Syrian Premier League), Shabab Al-Sahel in 2011-14 season (Lebanese Premier League), Al Zawraa in 2014 (Iraqi Premier League), Al Nahda in 2015 (Oman Professional League & played AFC Cup), Shabab Al Sahel in 2015-16 season (Lebanese Premier League) and Al-Nabi Sheat in 2016-17 season (Lebanese Premier League).

Daniel Odafin has also won the best midfielder award in the 2013-14 season for Shabab Al-Sahel (Lebanese Premier League) and also were runners up in the FA Cup and Super Cup during the same season.

The Reds have also secured the signature of Saihou CH Jagne, Striker, who is a dual citizen of Sweden and Gambia. The 30 year old striker last played for Fateh Hyderabad and scored 4 goals in the last 5 games that Fateh played in I-League second division. He has gone to have stints in Väsby United in 2007, AIK in 2008-10 season and also won the Swedish League in 2009 with AIK including the Swedish Cup & Swedish Super Cup. Between 2010 to 2015, he has been associated with various clubs in Sweden, Finland and Norway. His last club before moving to India was HamKam FC in Norway during the 2016-17 Season.

Saihou Jagne has represented the Sweden U-17 team and Gambia Senior Team (World Cup Qualifiers, last game 2016).

The fifth foreign signing is attacking midfielder from Yemen, Aiman Salah Al-Hagri. Aiman is a versatile and skilful player who can play up top or attack from the wings. The 24 year old moved away from Yemen in 2011 to Bahrain, and then plied his trade in Oman and Saudi Arabia between 2013 to 2016. He is also a very important member of the Yemen National Football Team having made 19 appearances for his country so far.

The sixth foreign contingent added to Lajong’s youthful squad is Central Defender, Oh Juho from the Republic of Korea. The 25 year old has played in Korean leagues since 2008 and has also played for National Police Commissary FC, a top level of Cambodian League in 2016. At 6 feet 2 inches tall, Oh Juho has also represented the U-18 and U-23 National Teams.

Shillong Lajong FC Managing Director, Mr. Larsing Ming Sawyan said, “We are happy to have completed the formalities of signing our 6 foreigners for the upcoming I-League. Unlike previous years, this year we have decided to exhaust our entire quota of foreign players that a club can register to compliment a young and dynamic squad that is loaded with immense potential.”

“We look forward to an exciting brand of football this season and hope to put up a strong challenge for the I-League. Our Fans are going to witness the unveiling of the next generation of Lajong players which in my personal opinion will be the best that we have produced so far.”

India beat Mauritius 2-1 in Tri-nation International Football Series opener

2017-08-20T23:31:00.000+05:30

India beat Mauritius 2-1 in Tri Nation International Football Series opener, Picture Courtesy: AIFF Media

Hero Tri-nation International Football series

Mumbai Football Arena

India 2-1 Mauritius

India: Robin Singh(37th), Balwant Singh(60th)

Mauritius: Jocelyn(15th)

India: Subrata Paul (Amrinder Singh 46'), Sandesh Jhingan (C), Anas Edathodika, Pritam Kotal, Narayan Das, Eugeneson Lyngdoh (Md. Rafique 74'), Halicharan Narzary (Jerry Lalrinzuala 85'), Jackichand Singh (Nikhil Poojary 46'), Rowllin Borges, Jeje Lalpekhlua, Robin Singh 37' (Balwant Singh 46' 62')

India came back from behind to register their eighth official win in International Football when they made short work of Mauritius 2-1 in the opening match of the Hero Tri-nation International Football series at the Mumbai Football Arena tonight (August 19, 2017).

The victory set a record in Indian Football as this is the first time ever that an Indian National Team have won eight official matches on the trot.

Meanwhile, it was India's 14th win in their last 16 matches in the International Arena when local lad Nikhil Poojary, Amrinder Singh and Manvir Singh were handed their international debuts for the Senior National Team marking a red-letter day in their football career.

The visitors stunned the Indian defenders in the 15th minute when Jocelyn volleyed it from the inside of the box to breach the Indian defence line.

Indians, in an effort to make a comeback, restored parity in the 37th minute when Robin Singh converted a terrific defence-scathing pass from Rowllin Borges. Robin collected the ball inside the box and calmly slotted in to cancel the visitors' early lead, as both teams went into the changing room with level pegging.

National Coach Stephen Constantine made three changes at the half-time, two of which were debuts -- Nikhil Poojary and Amrinder Singh coming in to replace Jackichand Singh and Subrata Paul respectively. Balwant Singh also came in for goalscorer Robin Singh and felt best to take his name into the score sheet.

The Almighty had written a different script for the Punjab-born striker who went onto score his first goal in the National Colour just after the hour-mark in his second outing for the Senior National Team.

Eugeneson Lyngdoh lofted a juicy delivery to Jeje Lalpekhula who flicked it wisely to Balwant who took all his time to tap it home to snatch a late lead in the 62nd minute.

Rafique, who replaced Eugenson Lyngdoh who created another gullible opportunity for scoring but Halicharan Narzary blasted it onto the perimeter boards.

Another debut was handed by the gaffer as U-23 striker Manvir Singh replaced AIFF Player of the Year Jeje Lalpekhlua three minutes to the end of the regulation time.

On his first touch itself, the lanky youngster could have found the target but his looping delivery landed over the net to leave the crowd aghast. But it didn’t matter much.

Mauritius are scheduled to lock their horns with St. Kitts & Nevis at the same venue on August 22, 2017 while India will clash against St. Kitts & Nevis two days later.

34 Players called up for Chennai Camp ahead of Macau challenge

2017-07-31T23:31:00.000+05:30

34 players called up for National Team camp in Chennai ahead of Macau tie in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers

34 players will be taking part in the Indian Senior National Football Team camp in Chennai, which starts from 11th August 2017. The camp is for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 Qualifiers against Macau scheduled to take place on 5th September 2017. The list includes as many as 10 players who took part in the AFC U23 Championship Qualifiers in Doha.

The probable list is as follows:

GOALKEEPERS: Subrata Paul, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Albino Gomes, Vishal Kaith, TP Rehenesh

DEFENDERS: Pritam Kotal, Sandesh Jhingan, Arnab Mondal, Anas Edathodika, Narayan Das, Jerry Lalrinzuala, Lalruatthara, Salam Ranjan Singh, Sarthak Golui, Davinder Singh

MIDFIELDERS: Dhanapal Ganesh, Jackichand Singh, Seityasen Singh, Nikhil Poojary, Bikash Jairu, Milan Singh, Udanta Singh, Eugeneson Lyngdoh, Md. Rafique, Rowllin Borges, Halicharan Narzary, Germanpreet Singh, Anirudh Thapa

FORWARDS: Jeje Lalpekhlua, Sumeet Passi, Sunil Chhetri, Robin Singh, Balwant Singh, Manvir Singh

Comfortable win for Indian Women's Team against Malaysia

2017-07-31T23:12:00.002+05:30

Dominant victory for Indian Women's Team against Malaysia

Women's International Friendly

31.07.2017

MP Selayang Stadium, Kuala Lampur

Malaysia 0-2 India

India: Pyari Xaxa(79th, 86th)

Indian Women's National Team defeated Malaysia by two goals in the International Friendly played at MP Selayang Stadium, Kuala Lampur on Monday, 31st July 2017. Both the goals were scored by second half substite Pyari Xaxa.

INDIA: Panthoi; Dalima Chhibber, Ashalata Devi, Manisa Panna, Umapati Devi; Prameshwori Devi (Mandakini Devi 88'), Bala Devi (Captain), Premi Devi, Sanju (Anju Tamang 28'), (Pyari Xaxa 51') Dangmei Grace, Kamala Devi.

AFC U23 Qualifiers: India beat Turkmenistan to end campaign on a high

2017-07-23T23:44:00.000+05:30

India beat Turkmenistan to end their AFC U23 Championship Qualifiers campaign

AFC U23 Championship Qualifiers

23.07.2017

India 3-1 Turkmenistan

India: Manvir Singh(42nd), Alen Deory(72nd), Jerry Lalrinzuala(76th)

Turkmenistan: Hojovov Hoshgeldi(13th)

Indian team finished their AFC U23 Championship Qualifiers campaign on a high defeating a strong Turkmenistan side 3-1 in Doha at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Sunday, 23rd July 2017. Goals from Manvir Singh, Alen Deroy and Jerry Lalrinzuala gave the young Indian team a fine victory having lost their first two matches, 0-2 against Syria and 0-1 against hosts Qatar.

AFC U23 Qualifiers: India go down to Syria

2017-07-20T02:09:00.000+05:30

India go down to Syria in AFC U23 Championship Qualifiers opener

AFC U23 Championship Qualifiers

19.07.2017

Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, Doha

Syria 2-0 India

Syria: Rabie Srour(64th), Fares Arnaout(88th)

Indian team received an early setback in the AFC U23 Championship China 2018 Qualifiers as they lost the opener to Syria 2-0 in the game played at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, Doha on Wednesday, 19th July 2017.

The Indian side will face hosts Qatar in their next fixture on Friday, 21st July 2017.

INDIA: Vishal Kaith, Nishu Kumar, Jerry Lalrinzuala, Lalruatthara (C) (Sartha Golui 81'), Salam Ranjan Singh, Germanpreet Singh, Nikhil Poojary, Nandha Kumar, Anirudh Thapa (Robinson Singh 81'), Daniel Lalhlimpuia (Hitesh Sharma 72'), Manvir Singh.

Mission XI Million reaches Jammu and Kashmir

2017-07-19T01:06:00.000+05:30

Mission XI Million conducted in Jammu and Kashmir

Mission XI Million reached Jammu and Kashmir and successfully conducted its largest seminar till date earlier today. With a record participation of more than 1300 schools from all over the state, football again lived up to its reputation of being the most popular sport in the valley. The thunderous response to the seminar held in Sher-e-Kashmir Indoor Stadium reaffirmed the fact that beautiful game can unite the people of the Jammu and Kashmir.

Speaking about the response at the Srinagar seminar, Tournament Director of the Local Organising Committee for FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017, Javier Ceppi said, “This is a very important milestone, as we have reached Jammu and Kashmir and we had more than 1300 schools in the seminar. This means a great number of kids will be playing football on a regular basis in this area. The state government has been very supportive and has promised to take MXIM all around the state, which will be something fantastic for football and India”.

Hon’ble Minister of State for Department of Youth Services & Sports, Mr. Sunil Kumar Sharma; Director of Department of Youth Services & Sports, Mr. Shiekh Fayaz Ahmed; Secretary, Government of Jammu and Kashmir, Mr. Hilal Ahmad Parray and Deputy Commissioner of Srinagar, Dr. Farooq Ahmad Lone were also present at the event.

The popularity of football has seen a surge in recent times with the rise in prominence of LoneStar Kashmir Football Club, which has given the people of Kashmir another reason to come together.

Having already touched the southern tip of the country, Kanyakumari, where more than 150 schools participated, the Government of India and All India Football Federation programme spread its wings to the north with this seminar.