BRICS U-17: Indian colts go down to a solitary goal against China

NorthEast United FC won against FC Goa by 2-0 at Guwahati today! This is their second consecutive win in this seasion of ISL- Indian Super League.

NorthEast United FC get their #HeroISL campaign off to the ideal start with a narrow win against Kerala Blasters

NorthEast United FC kick-started their campaign in the 3rd Hero Indian Super League (HISL) on a winning note with a 1-0 victory over Kerala Blasters in Guwahati on Saturday. After a barren first session where NorthEast United dominated for long spells, Katsumi Yusa scored the all-important goal in the 54th minute.

NorthEast United were determined to get a positive result from the opener and fielded an attacking line-up with Nicolas Velez, Holicharan Narzary and Emiliano Alfaro in attacking positions. Kerala, on the other hand, were content in soaking up the pressure which they did well in the first 45 minutes but succumbed to NorthEast’s might in the second session.

NorthEast United started the stronger of the two teams although there were hardly any chances in the opening minutes. The home side got their first look at goal in the 24th minute, thanks to a sloppy pass by Kerala goalkeeper Graham Stack which was almost captialised by Nicolas Velez. The lazy kick fell to Romaric who struck from a distance but had no power to beat and embarrass the rival goalkeeper.

A free-kick midway into the first session saw Velez out-jump his marker and head towards goal but Stack did well this time to stretch wide and keep out the danger. NorthEast were continuously attacking in the opening 45 minutes but had nothing to show as the strikers were found wanting.

The home defence was relaxed for most part of the first half but centre-backs Mailson Alves and Gustavo Lazzaretti were needed to stay alert whenever the three-man strike force of Kerala Blasters worked their way on top. Two successive attempts in the 35th and 36th minutes were the closest they got but Antonio German’s shot from about 30 yards fell into the safe hands of goalkeeper Subrata Paul and Sandesh Jhingan could not direct his header towards goal.

After near misses in the first half, NorthEast United finally tasted success in the 54th minute. It was Velez who made it happen after dancing down the left flank and essaying a cross which the Kerala defence missed and Katsumi was only too happy to speed forward and tap it into the goal.

Kerala Basters tried hard to find the equaliser and came close just after the hour mark. Jhingan’s attempted cross sailed unintentionally towards goal and Subrata Paul dived frenetically to keep the ball away from danger. From the resultant corner kick, Subrata left his charge needlessly, got stranded but German’s strike from close range missed the target by a whisker.

The Asian Football Confederation’s (AFC) new national team competition, the AFC Solidarity Cup officially launched.

Blue Tigers maul Puerto Rico 4-1 in International friendly at ASC, Mumbai

JORDAN TO HOST AFC WOMEN’S ASIAN CUP 2018 FINALS

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women’s Football Committee met on Sunday in Chonburi, Thailand, coinciding with the qualifying round for the AFC U-16 Women’s Championship 2017 taking place in the country.

Key decisions were made relating to the host nations of upcoming AFC women’s competitions: Jordan were chosen to host the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2018 finals; the AFC U-19 Women’s Championship 2017 finals were awarded to China PR (Nanjing) and Thailand (Bangkok) were announced as the hosts of the AFC U-16 Women’s Championship 2017 finals.

The decision to award the hosting of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2018 Finals to Jordan was reached following the study of bidding files and the report of the inspection visit to Amman in April. The inspection team assessed the venues on a number of themes including hosting of previous AFC competitions, current state of facilities, general infrastructure, transport, security and accommodation.

AFC Women’s Football Committee Chairwoman Moya Dodd said: “Jordan have proved they are worthy hosts of the next edition of the AFC Women’s Asia Cup Finals and I would like to congratulate the Jordan Football Association on submitting such a professional and thorough bid. This decision marks a geographical landmark, being the first time a Member Association from the West Zone will have hosted a senior AFC women’s tournament. We look forward to seeing them in the spotlight and wish them well later this month, too, as they host the FIFA Women’s U-17 World Cup.”

Dodd reflected on a busy meeting agenda, adding: “This is an exciting time for women’s football in Asia as the AFC has pledged recently, as part of its Vision and Mission statement, to further invest in the women’s game in the continent and build on recent progress and success. The information shared and discussed today highlights the great steps that are being made in terms of development, coaching, technical ability and competitiveness, as well as administrative expertise at all levels of the women’s game in Asia.”

The Committee also discussed the potential for a pilot Asian club championship for elite teams, as well as possible development tournaments for emerging Member Associations, further mirroring the AFC’s commitment to providing top level competitions to raise the standard of competition in Asia. 

East Bengal beats United SC 4-3 in a seven goal thriller to regain top position on the CFL League table.

East Bengal showed relentless tenacity to win a seven goal thriller to overhaul a 3-1 deficit to win the match by 4-3 margin at the CFL encounter against United SC at Barasat Stadium.East Bengal were looking a shadow of their dominant self that fans are accustomed to in CFL a league that East Bengal have made their own over last 6 editions.United SC without their T.D. Subrata Bhattacharya were expected to be steam rolled in this encounter but what unfolded at the Barasat stadium was no less than dramatic in the folklore of Bengal football history. Manotosh of United SC opened the scoring with a brilliant effort from 20 yards out as the striker rattled the bar and the ball eventually landed at the back of the net to make 1-0.
East Bengal were 1-0 down till half time as drama unfolded right at the start of second half as 3 minutes into second half Dika made it 1-1,United SC looked dangerous on the break as they caught East Bengal defence napping earning a penalty as Amod Mahato was brought down by East Bengal keeper while trying to salvage a disastrous backpass.Bello made it 2-1 from the spot at 53 minutes.
As East Bengal looked to pressed forward in search of an equalizer United SC seized the opportunity with a brilliant counter attack as Budhiram Tudu found space down the flank made a darting run towards the box and his measured pass found VP Suhair who gave United a 3-1 lead at 63 minutes with a neat finish.
East Bengal looked hapless at this point as United looked more and more dangerous at this point and the could have easily increased the margin.Morgan was forced to make some tactical changes bringing in Du Dong and Prahlad Roy as East Bengal pressed harder in search of leveling the deficit and  it paid rewards immediately as Bello fouled Dika inside the box giving East Bengal a crucial penalty and Dong made no mistake to make it 3-2 for the Red and Gold.Suddenly,East Bengal found their rhythm and pace in the game as 6 minutes later Arnab made it 3-3 with a towering header from the corner.
United SC seemed to lost their plot as they abandoned their usual style of play and looked to salvage a point and East Bengal pressed harder with waves of attack eventually the United SC defence failed to cope with pressure as Dika made it 4-3 at 88 minutes to give East Bengal a dramatic 4-3 win and keep their dream of winning the league for record 7 times alive !!