Mohun Bagan take on Nakhon Ratchasima in crucial encounter in Kings Cup

I-League and Fed Cup Committee Meeting held at Football House

 

AIFF Media Team

NEW DELHI: Mr. AR Khaleel, Chairman, I-League and Federation Cup Committee Chaired the I-League and Federation Cup Committee Meeting which was held at All India Football Federation (AIFF) Headquarters Football House, Dwarka on Monday (November 24).

Besides Mr. Khaleel and representatives from all I-League Clubs, Mr. Kushal Das, General Secretary, All India Football Federation; Mr. Subrata Dutta, Vice-President, AIFF; Mr. Ankur Datta, Deputy Chairman, I-League Committee and Mr. Sunando Dhar also attended the Meeting. Mr. Anupam Dutta, CEO, Indian Super League and Mr. Prasenjit Basu from Ten Sports were also present as were Mr. Souter Vaz and Mr. ZA Thakur (both Members).

The proposed AIFF U-15 Tournament for I-League Clubs was greeted with much applause by the Clubs. The inaugural edition of the Tournament will be held in the next calendar year and will be a 16-Team event where besides the 10 I-League Teams, four other Academies and the two AIFF Academies would be a part of it.

In the first edition, 14 Teams would be divided into two groups (of seven Teams each) and the top three from each Group would be joined by the two AIFF Academies in the final round.

“The intention of the Tournament is to augment the talent for the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup,” Kushal Das stated. The schedule and venue of the Championship keeping in mind the schedule of School examinations, and post discussions with sponsors Cola Cola and AIFF Marketing partners IMG-R, will be intimated to the Clubs.

It was unanimously decided that the registration of Players would be done centrally through the State Associations and all ID cards would be issued by AIFF. No Club would be allowed to register a Player after the completion of the 11^th round of I-League.

It was informed that 75 I-League matches out of the total 110 matches would be telecast live by Ten Sports, the host broadcaster.

“In addition, we would also be streaming the matches,” Prasenjit Basu, representing Ten Sports, informed.

AIFF will be discussing with its Technical Team as to whether a Goalkeeping Coach can be seated on the Bench. “We need to speak with our Technical Team about the Licence required for the Goalkeeping Coach to be seated on the bench.”

Dhar also strongly reiterated that AIFF would “be monitoring practice sessions of every Club.”

“None other than an A-Licence holder would be allowed to conduct practice sessions. As per the I-League regulations any Coach/Technical Director would not be allowed to sit on the bench or even enter the Dressing Room on the match day,” he stated.

The I-League would kick-off on January 17, 2015 in Bengaluru.

As per the release of Players for the AFC U-22 Qualifiers slated to be held from March 23 to March 31, 2015, the Clubs agreed to get back to the AIFF over the same.

Dhar also informed that the 2^nd Division League would take place in two venues which are to be finalised post inspection by AIFF. The eight participating Clubs are Aizawl FC, Chanmari FC, United Sports Club, Mohammedan Sporting, PIFA Sports, Kenkre Sports, Hindustan FC and Lonestar Kashmir FC.

It was decided that the U-19 I-League will kick-off in the second week of December.

The Club Representatives who attended the Meeting are as follows:

Imran Khan (McDowell Mohun Bagan), Nikhil Sharma (Shillong Lajong FC), Prasad Kapre (Kalyani Bharat City FC), Raj Gomes (Salgaocar SC), Mandar Tamhane (Bengaluru FC), Victor Fernandes (Sporting Clube de Goa), Chirag Tanna (Pune FC), Atul Badgamia (Mumbai FC), Wilfred D’Souza (Dempo SC), Nicolas Jywa (Royal Wahingdoh), Rajat Guha (Kingfisher East Bengal).

Mariners need 4 more points to qualify for the semi final

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McDowell's Mohun Bagan will have to win at least one of the remaining games and get 1 point from the other match to qualify for the semi final of the King's Cup that is being played at the Changlimithang Stadium, Thimphu.

After today's Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi, Bangladesh vs Nakhon Ratchasima FC, Thailand match ending in a goalless draw, both the teams are leading the table in Group A with 4 points from 2 games, though Nakhon Ratchasima is at the top because of better goal difference.

McDowell's Mohun Bagan who shared points with local side Druk United FC in the first game (3-3), will have to collect at least 4 points from their remaining 2 games of the league, in order to advance to the semi final stage. The green and maroon brigade will be facing Nakhon Ratchasima FC and Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi on the 25th and 27th November respectively.

Meanwhile, in the 5-team Group B, Pune FC has already sealed a berth in the semi final with 9 points from 3 games, followed by MMC FC (4 points from 3 games), Abahani Limited (4 points from 3 games) and Ugyen Academy (3 points from 2 games).

In spite of a 2-goal cushion (leading 3-1) until the 75th minute, poor defending resulted in Mariners conceding 2 goals towards the end of the game yesterday. The 12 McDowell's Mohun Bagan players loaned out for the Indian Super League consists of 4 key defenders of the squad - Kinshuk Debnath, Dhanachandra Singh, Pritam Kotal and Shouvik Ghosh. Adding to their woes, Sonam Bhutia became unavailable for the tournament after becoming infected with malaria.

This left Subhash Bhowmick with very little options to prepare his defensive lineup, as apart from new recruit Brazilian defender Alex Petroman da Silveira, he was left with just 4 fit Indian defenders in the squad - Satish Singh, Jony Routh, Pratik Chaudhary and Sukhen Dey, all of whom are playing their first season donning the green and maroon jersey. With Alex playing his debut game for the Mariners in the King's Cup, Subhash Bhowmick initially kept Jony and Alex in the central defense, with Pratik and Satish playing as the left and right back respectively.

However, after the scoreline remained 1-1 at half time, looking for full points, Subhash Bhowmick made a positive double change bringing Sony Norde and Sukhen Dey in place of Alex Petroman da Silveira and Ujjal Howladar. With the introduction of left back Sukhen, Pratik moved to central defense.

The change worked in McDowell's Mohun Bagan's favour as Sony Norde, Pierre Boya and Katsumi Yusa started causing panic in Bhutan defense. Pierre Boya and Sony Norde found the back of the net in the 55th and 71st minute respectively, but the inexperienced defenders let in 2 soft goals towards the end, which made Technical Director Subhash Bhowmick furious at the end of the game. The other decision that went against the Mariners was the sending off of Tirthankar Sarkar in the 78th minute, which rules him out of the next game.

After the match, McDowell's Mohun Bagan strongly protested against the referee's decision and also questioned as to why a referee from Bangladesh supervised the match, since the Mariners are pitted with a team from Bangladesh (Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi) in Group A.

Sony Norde deserves a pat in his back as he agreed to play the game in spite of reaching Bhutan on the morning of the match day. With 1 goal and 1 assist, his debut game donning the green and maroon jersey could have been memorable had Mariners bagged full points from the match.

Today, Subhash Bhowmick had an extended meeting with the defenders and later in the evening, he along with Garcia went to see the match between Sheikh Jamal and Nakhon Ratchasima. Mariners will have their training session at 7 p.m. on Monday, since the kick-off time of Tuesday's game is 7 p.m.

Details of the 3 goals scored by McDowell's Mohun Bagan in the first game of the King's Cup:

1st goal - In the injury time of the 1st half, Alex's powerful header from Lalkamal's inch-perfect free kick crashed into the net.

2nd goal - In the 55th minute, Sony Norde paved his way into the Bhutan defense past 3 players before gliding the ball on the path of Boya who slot the ball home to give Mariners the lead.

3rd goal - In the 71st minute, from Katsumi's pass, Sony Norde placed the ball in the net to make the scoreline 3-1 in favour of McDowell's Mohun Bagan

McDowell's Mohun Bagan announce 18-member squad for King's Cup

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McDowell's Mohun Bagan Technical Director Subhash Bhowmick announced the 18-member squad for the upcoming King's Cup. Mariners will be leaving tomorrow for Bhutan by morning flight (Druk Air) which will depart at 9 a.m. from Kolkata Airport and will reach Paro, Bhutan at 10:40 a.m. Team will reach hotel at Thimpu at around 12 p.m. and might train at a local ground in the evening.

Mr. Sony Norde will leave for Bhutan on November 22 as he is expected to reach Kolkata on November 21 after fulfilling his National Team Duty in the Caribbean Cup.

The 18 players for the King's Cup are as follows: Randeep Singh, Sehnaj Singh, Pierre Boya, Sony Norde, Katsumi Yusa, Alex Petroman Da Silveira, Adarsh Lama Tamang, Prokash Roy, Satish Singh, Debjit Majumder, Monotosh Ghosh, Jony Routh, Lalkamal 
Bhowmick, Sukhen Dey, Ujjal Howladar, Pankaj Moula, Pratik Chaudhari and Tirthankar Sarkar.

The 5 officials traveling with the team are: Subhash Bhowmick (Technical Director), Djair de Miranda Garcia (Physical Trainer), Sanjoy Ghosh (Team Manager), Abhinandan Chatterjee (Physiotherapist), and Bijoy Nayak (Kit Boy).

The fixture of McDowell's Mohun Bagan games in the King's Cup are as follows:

November 22, 2014 - McDowell's Mohun Bagan vs Druk United (3 p.m.)
November 25, 2014 - McDowell's Mohun Bagan vs Nakhon Ratchasima FC (7 p.m.)
November 27, 2014 - McDowell's Mohun Bagan vs Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi (5 p.m.)

FC Goa slams four goals to beat Delhi Dynamos 4-1

Delhi Dynamos FC

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4

FULL TIME

FC Goa

DOS SANTOS (P)73'

18'BENGELLOUN

48'BENGELLOUN

53'PIRES (P)

60'OZBEY

Brilliant Mendoza equalizer gives Chennaiyan FC crucial away point as Katsouranis gives FC Pune City early lead

Indian Football News Bites:November

Pune FC send their Youth Academy squad for Gorkha Gold Cup 2014 Posted: 10 Nov 2014 10:47 AM PST Pune FC will be represented by the youth of their academy set up at the XV All India Brigade of Gorkha Gold Cup 2014, at Darjeeling which begins Monday. Pune FC announce the 'A' squad for Gorkha Gold Cup 2014 Darjeeling, Picture Courtesy: Pune FC The team comprises of seventeen players of the Peninsula Pune Football Club Academy (PPFCA) Under-19 squad and two members – Henry Monsang and Subhasish Bose – from the Pune FC Senior team. The 19-member squad that left Pune to participate in the tournament for the first time will figure as Pune FC ‘A’ at Darjeeling. The tournament more popularly known as the Gold Cup is being organized by the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Sports Association (DGHSA) in association with the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration Sports and Youth Affairs department. For Pune FC ‘A’, the tournament is the second all-India tournament of the season. Earlier, the team figured in the 63rd Bordoloi Trophy and exit in the quarterfinal stage losing 1-3 to Oil India Limited Football Club, Duliajan. Coach Naushad Moosa said, “It’s a learning experience for the boys. Seasoned teams are expected to participate in Darjeeling and we hope to put on a better show than the last time. The boys are confident and we are hoping for the best.” Pune FC ‘A’ has been directly seeded into the quarterfinals and begins their campaign against Assam’s Salhbagan FC at the Gorkha Stadium, Lebong on Tuesday, 11th November, 2014 at 12.30pm. The squad: Goalkeeper(s): Sukhadev Patil, Tanmay Bhattacharjee Defender(s): Henry Monsang, Balkar Singh, Manoranjan Singh, Dimple Bhagat, Asheer Akhtar, Subhasish Bose Midfielder(s): Jesmon Soares, Pradeesh Clement, Md. Ashique Kuruniyan, Altamash Sayed,  Sanchayan Sammader, Chesterpaul Lyngdoh, Myron Mendes, Sanik Murmu Striker(s): Arif Shaikh, Farukh Choudhry, Akshay Officials Coach: Naushad Moosa, Asst. Coach: Mohan Dass, Physio: Lino Sequeira

Indian squad announced for SAFF Women's Championship 2014 Posted: 10 Nov 2014 09:45 AM PST 20 Member Indian squad announced for SAFF Women's Championship 2014 Pakistan, Picture Courtesy: www.the-aiff.com 20 Member Indian Women's squad was picked by coach Tarun Roy for the upcoming SAFF Women's Championship 2014 which is to be held at Pakistan. The tournament involves eight teams from SAFF organized by South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation(SAARC) members. Team India are grouped alongside Bangladesh, Maldives and Afghanistan in Group A, while hosts Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka form Group B. Winners of both the editions of the tournament(2010 and 2012), Team India will start their campaign on 13th November 2014. The 20 member squad is as follows: Goalkeepers: Okram Roshni Devi, Anjana Saikia, Elangbam Panthoi Chanu Defenders: Loitongbam Ashalata Devi, Suprava Samal, Gurumayum Radharani Devi, Sumitra Marandi, Thokchom Umapati Devi, Lako Phuti Bhutia Midfielders: Yumnam Kamala Devi, Yumlembam Premi Devi, Supriya Routray, Nameirakpam Montesori Chanu, Oinam Bembem Devi, Moirangathem Mandakni Devi, Manpreet Kaur, Indumathi Kathiresan Forwards: Irom Prameshwori Devi, Ngangom Bala Devi, Jyoti Ann Burrett Head Coach: Tarun Roy AFC U19 Women's Championship: India beat Lebanon to end their campaign Posted: 09 Nov 2014 11:08 AM PST India U-19 Team defeated Lebanon in their final group game of AFC U19 Women's Championship China 2015 Qualifiers, Picture Courtesy: www.the-aiff.com AFC U19 Women's Championship China 2015 Qualifiers 09.11.2014 India 3-1 Lebanon India: Dangmei Grace(33rd), Pyari Xaxa(60th), Sweety Devi(86th) Lebanon: Mariam Chehab(19th) Team India finished their AFC U-19 Women's Championship China 2015 Qualifiers campaign on a high note with a thumping 3-1 victory over Lebanon thus finishing the group with 3 points from 3 games after they lost to Uzbekistan and Jordan in the first two matches. Two spectacular efforts long range efforts from Dangmei Grace and Sweety Devi set the tone for the Indian victory over Labanon who took the lead thanks to a 19th minute strike from Mariam Chehab. INDIA: Panthoi; Lalduhawmi, Rachita, Dalima Chibber (Captain), Sweety Devi; Nikhila Thumbayil, Sangita (Homolata Devi – 39th), Sanju (Ranjana Chanu – 46th), Gangmei Grace, Pyari Xaxa, Menaka Malik (Margaret Devi – 66th)

Kerala, Delhi play out an engrossing goalless draw

Kerala Blasters FC and Delhi Dynamos FC played out an engrossing 0-0 draw at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi today. Both teams attacked with purpose, but the defences held firm as the teams split points.
The match got off to a lively start with both teams getting immediately into attack mode. Delhi settled into their composed passing game, while Kerala drove forward with pace. The hosts were nearly gifted a goal when the visitors gave away possession just outside their own box. Keeper Kristof Van Hout and defender Shouvik Ghosh however saved the day with the goalkeeper getting a hand on Stephen Pearson’s cutback and Ghosh nipping in to clear.
The lanky Belgian custodian rescued his team again, making a save at full stretch after Andrew Barisic’s cross popped up off defender Adil Khan, with Iain Hume’s follow-up header hitting the outside of the post.
Kerala were dominant by this point, and even had the ball in the net through Barisic, but it was ruled out for an offside in the build-up.  Delhi weathered the storm, however, and began to see more of the ball. They soon had a chance of their own, with Mads Junker firing a point-blank header directly at Kerala keeper David James. The game became more end-to-end, but the half ended scoreless.
The second half started with the teams trading possession. Delhi came closest to scoring, with birthday boy Alessandro Del Piero’s flicked header sending Robert Lalthamuana through on goal, but while his chip beat keeper James, it was well wide of the post. Kerala coach Trevor Morgan made his intentions clear when he brought on striker Milagres Gonsalves on to join Barisic and Hume in a three-pronged attack. But there were still no clear chances for either side, although Delhi went close through Bruno Arias.
Kerala and Delhi continued to probe each other in search of an opening goal, and there were promising moments at either end. The visitors nearly snatched the winner when substitute Pavel Eliáš had a free header from a corner, but his shot was wide. It was to be the last action of a closely-fought match.
One point each means both Kerala and Delhi finished the day as they started it, in sixth and seventh place respectively in the league standings. Delhi, having ended a run of two straight losses, will look to get back to winning form when they play FC Goa at home on November 13. Kerala’s next assignment is a home match against Mumbai City FC on November 12. 
Match Awards:
Hero of the Match: Stephen Pearson (Kerala Blasters FC)
Swift Moment of the Match: David James (Kerala Blasters FC)
Amul Fittest Player of the Match: Sandesh Jhingan (Kerala Blasters FC)
ISL Emerging Player of the Match: Shouvik Ghosh (Delhi Dynamos FC)

Del Piero moved by birthday reception in Kochi

Delhi Dynamo FC captain and marquee player Alessandro Del Piero may have not got the perfect birthday present today in a win for his side, but the Juventus legend was happy that his team played well and was able to keep a clean sheet against Kerala Blasters FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi.

“It is a good point for us, being away we didn’t lose today, we created a few chances to score and the goalkeeper made some important saves, so overall, it was good not to lose. Now, we stay focused and concentrate on the next game,” said the celebrated Italian forward who turned 40 today.

When asked at the post match press conference about the referee’s decision to not award them a penalty for a handball in the rival box, Del Piero said that the incident was now history. “What can we say now about the decisions made by the referee during the game, because the game has now ended. The game didn’t go our way and the result of which is the score is nil-nil,” he opined.

He further added that playing in Kerala was a difficult proposition because the home team had come in with the momentum of winning their previous game and playing in front of 50,000 home supporters. “We were coming in from a long away trip, so our main challenge was to stay focused after two losses and play the best we can,” the Italian said.

In reply to a question about what head coach Harm van Veldhoven told them at half-time, Del Piero replied that the coach told them to just maintain their concentration because the team was playing well: “We adapted well after 15 minutes, we also created chances so the only thing the coach told us was to remain together and stay focused.”

Del Piero was moved by the reception that he received on his birthday and the adoration of the fans at the stadium and was very pleased and humbled by the fact that fans are supporting him even in India.

“I saw the banners that some of the supporters were holding up for me and also for my birthday,” the visibly moved striker observed. “This is amazing that I had the opportunity to share this moment with the people during and after the game, it was very emotional for me.”

Chennaiyin held by NorthEast United FC in a thrilling 2-2 draw

Chennaiyin FC and NorthEast United FC were involved in a thrilling 2-2 draw in a Hero Indian Super League match at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai tonight.

The hosts thought that they had the three points wrapped up when Elano Blumer scored his second goal of the evening in the 78th minute after he had put his side in the lead in the 25th minute. But Koke came up with a stunning equaliser in the 85th minute to ensure a division of points. Earlier, Seiminlen Doungel had helped the visitors draw level in the 38th minute with a sweetly timed volley to ensure the two sides crossed over on level terms.

Chennaiyin remain in second spot with 11 points from six games while NorthEast move up to fourth place with nine points from seven games.

It was end to end stuff in this engrossing encounter with the hosts having the greater share of the exchanges and chances. But they were denied on several occasions by timely tackles from the NorthEast defenders and also by Rehenesh TP under the bar who had another great day at the office. Twice, he denied Elano, once in each half, with excellent saves, besides making a few other blocks and interceptions.

The Highlanders also gave a good account of themselves with their commitment and organisation, but their final pass was lacking, thereby blunting the edge in their attacks.

After stitching together a few good moves through both flanks, Chennai went ahead when Elano ran in to meet a Denson Devadas cross from the left and unleashed a powerful header that beat Rehenesh all ends up. The visitors equalised through diminutive striker Doungel who hit the target with a turn and sweetly timed volley after James Keene had flicked it on, following a cross from Airborlang Khongjee.

Elano then got his eighth goal of the league when he dribbled past two defenders at the edge of the box and drilled a low shot to the far post. However, the Highlanders showed their resilience when Koke pounced on a poor headed clearance by Bernard Mendy and blasted a stunning volley past Gennaro Bracigliano. The visitors had a couple of chances more to script a sensational finish but that was not to be.

Chennai travel to Pune for their next fixture on November 11 while NorthEast United return home to take on FC Pune City on November 15.

Match Awards

Hero of the Match: Elano Blumer 

Swift Moment of the Match: Koke 

Amul Fittest Player of the Match: Robin Gurung

ISL Emerging Player of the Match: Seiminlen Doungel 

Chennai equalizes through last gasp penalty to hold Atletico de Kolkata 1-1 in a game marred by controversial penalties and Red Card

Chennaiyin FC earned a point at home against league leaders Atlético de Kolkata with an equaliser deep into stoppage time. It was a tale of two penalties as Luis García’s 35th minute spot kick was cancelled out by Elano Blumer’s 92nd minute leveller.

Kolkata looked to take control early on, with García and Jofre combining well to fashion a chance, but no Kolkata player could manage to get on the end of Jofre’s cross. Chennaiyin grew into the game, doing the bulk of the attacking with John Stiven Mendoza and Jean-Eudes Maurice looking particularly impressive. Against the run of play, however, Atlético de Kolkata took the lead. Chennaiyin goalkeeper Shilton Paul raced off his line to deal with a long ball forward towards Mohammed Rafi, but the onrushing Rafi got to the ball first before Paul clattered into the striker. The keeper received a straight red for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity, and García made no mistake, tucking the penalty into the bottom right corner past substitute keeper Gennaro Bracigliano.

Chennai pushed on in search of an equaliser, despite their numerical disadvantage, not to mention the loss of an attacking player as Maurice was substituted so Bracigliano could come on, but Kolkata preserved their lead going into halftime

The home side’s job became slightly easier in the beginning of the second half, as Kolkata saw a player sent off as well, with Jofre picking up a second yellow. With the game now ten vs ten, Chennai were the dominant force. Bernard Mendy in particular drove forward from the back with a few eye-catching runs. Kolkata were content playing on the counter, and came close to extending their lead when Borja saw Bracigliano off his line and launched a spectacular long-range shot, although Bracigliano retreated in time make the save.

Chennaiyin’s pressure finally paid off in stoppage time, when Mendoza was brought down in the box by Kingshuk Debnath. Elano, the league’s leading scorer, smashed home the subsequent penalty emphatically into the top left corner to level the score. 

Elano was later awarded the ‘Swift Moment of the Match’ for his goal, with Mendy picking up the ‘Amul Fittest Player of the Match’ award and Chennaiyin midfielder Harmanjot Khabra earning the ‘ISL Emerging Player of the Match’ accolade. García was named the ‘Hero of the Match’.

Head coach Marco Materazzi will relish the hard-earned point. He will nonetheless want to get back to winning ways when Chennaiyin take on NorthEast United FC at home on November 8. Kolkata will also want to win their home match against Pune City FC on November 7 to cement their place atop the standings

GOOSSENS HEADER GIVES PUNE FC CRUCIAL HOME WIN AGAINST HIGHLANDERS

It was a must win game for Coach Colomba and his boys and you just need one stat to show the intent with which we approached the game. 21 shots on target in 90 minutes!FC Pune City had the game by the neck from the very first minute. Israil Gurung and Lenny Rodrigues made their way into the team, as did Davide Colomba.  The intent was clear from the very first minute- to attack. North East FC had come here with a good record of away performances but ultimately gave in to the relentless attack by FC Pune City.The first half started with both the teams pressing well and creating chances, but none seeing the back of the net. FC Pune City started with the attacking threat of David Trezeguet and Ivan Bolado upfront and supported by the runs of Kostas. The trio found many chances in the first half, especially a shot from close range by Kostas, which was well blocked by the goal keeper TP Rehenesh. While at the other end, Arindam Bhattacharya is giving Franco Colomba enough to smile about these days, as he sprung forward from his line in a Manuel Neueresque way to stop Durga Boro from running free and scoring. While it was blink and miss action in the first half, both teams returned to the dug out scoreless.With a goal and a home win in sight, Coach Colomba made a few key tactical substitutions in the second half that changed the nature of the game! On came John Goossens and Dudu Omagbemi, and off came- captain David Trezeguet! It was a brave move, but turned out to be a brilliant one in the end! Dudu was a workhorse on the field, making runs and creating chances incessantly! If North East were to concentrate on him, they would lose track of Lenny Rodrigues, John Goossens and Davide Colomba taking shots from distance! It was all happening on the field and when Davide Colomba’s shot was cleared off the goal line, one had a feeling that Pune must strike home!And they did so in style! John Goossens had been slightly unlucky on previous occasions, but when Dudu Omagbemi took a wonderstrike at the 88th minute, it hit the crossbar John Goossens made no mistake in heading it home! The crowd went berserk, the players huddled on top of one another and coach Colomba running down the field with the enthusiasm of a 17 year old boy.And why wouldn’t they! This performance comes as a huge morale boost for the team `who are not only in the top four of the standings right now, but head to Kolkata for the next match on a high momentum!

Anelka bends it for Mumbai FC to give them much needed victory against Kerala Blasters

Late goal from Tolgay hands FC Goa first win in the tournament ,beat Delhi Dynamos by 2-1 margin