Hero Super Cup 2018 Round of 16 Fixture

Aizawl FC beats Chennaiyin FC 5-3(2-2) on penalties to win opening game of Hero Super Cup.

The opening game of Hero Super Cup was a battle beyond the consequences of the 90-minutes of battle on the pitch in the round of 16 matches as ISL Champions Chennaiyin FC faced I league mid-table boys Aizawl FC.
It was a battle of "haves " against the "have-nots" as cash-rich Chennaiyin FC's star-studded side managed by former England International John Gregory took on Aizawl FC who mostly have a local squad of Mizo lads playing alongside Leonce Dodoz, Masih Saighani, Alfred Jaryan and Andrei Ionescu.

It was Aizawl FC who came out attacking using the wings and a compact defense as midfield combination of Alfred Jaryan and Masih Saighani had a brilliant game to repulse Chennaiyin's build-up play in the central part of the pitch.

The opening goal came in the 22nd minute from a brilliant run of Andrei Ionescu who took the Chennaiyin backline all by himself to evade a couple of blocks to curl it past Karanjit Singh to give Aizawl FC a 1-0 lead in the crucial knock-out game.

Chennayin FC looked dangerous in the second half with the induction of Thoi Singh on the flanks as Chennaiyin FC looked ominous going forward stretching the Aizawl backline as Aizawl FC was contended to put 10 men behind the ball and defend the slender lead.

The equalizer finally came deep into the game in the 89th minute when Mailson Alves slotted from point-blank range after Thoi Singh's header fell to him deflecting from the crossbar.

Locked at 1-1 as match rolled on to extra time, it was Aizawl FC's Andrei Ionescu once again who rattled the net with another curling shot past Karanjit inside the box as Chennai defenders failed to close him down in the first minute of the extra time.Aizawl looked to get Chennaiyin FC on the break, through Leonce Dodoz and Ionescu as Santosh Kashyap reshaped the formation to 4-4-1-1 to put more men behind the ball to protect the lead.

In the second half of extra time, Chennaiyin FC managed to grab an equalizer for the second time in the game in the 115th minute as Dhanachandra's grounded shot rolled into the goal through a crowd of Aizawl defenders as the unsighted goalkeeper had no chance to react.

Locked at 2-2 as the match went into the penalty shoot-out,  Aizawl scored all their shots as Chennaiyin FC's Mohd.Rafi was the guilty man of missing the goal ensuring a 5-3 win for the I-League side in a truly remarkable opening game of Hero Super Cup.

Santosh Trophy Road to final: Kerala,Bengal set up summit clash in the 72nd Santosh Trophy Final

Two traditional footballing powerhouses coming from the backyard of passionate football traditions and ardent fan following, far from the glitterati of Indian Super League and popular I-League, Kerala and Bengal is due to meet on the final encounter of unpretentious Santosh Trophy on Sunday(April 1, 2018).
The group stages of the competition witnessed poor crowd turnouts as matches were scheduled in the sultry afternoons with 3 PM kickoffs due to the apathy of the Federation, resulting in grueling physical strain on players and matches played in near-empty stadiums.

Much to the credit of the players who had to fight the arduous schedule of playing matches every alternate day in the scorching March summer to display some eye-catching football will be hoping for one final stellar show as curtains draw to close on the final encounter of Santosh Trophy between Bengal and Kerala.

Bengal upstaged Karnataka 2-0 in the semi-final with goals from Jiten Murmu in the 57th minute and Tirthankar Sarkar deep into the injury time to storm their way into the final.After an even first half, Bengal settled into the game holding majority of the ball possession constructing attacks using both the flanks in the second half.Sumit Das's brilliant run down the left flank took out two defenders as he played the ball into the six yards box for captain Jiten Murmu to slot it in the net to give Bengal the much-needed lead. Karnataka threw everything forward but the Bengal back-four held their fort and had an incredible game to deny Karnataka any chance to equalize.Deep into the game, Tirthankar Sarkar curled a wonderful freekick to put the game to bed ensuring Bengal's place in the final.

In the other semi-final,Kerala managed to overcome Mizoram with a narrow 1-0 win to seal a place in the Sunday final.A 54th-minute strike from substitute Afdal VK who slotted an opportunistic goal inside the box netting in a deflected loose ball from Rahul KP's shot inside six-yard box to give Kerala the much-needed goal in the game that looked pretty much locked as both teams had limited chances.
Bengal has been the dominant side in the tournament history winning the title 32 times while Kerala has been the champions on five occasions.The Sunday showdown in the Final is expected to be a feisty affair as two strong teams lock horns in the final for the crown.It will be a battle of wits, the battle of two distinct footballing styles and a humdinger of an encounter for footballing fans between the two deserving sides.

The football fans could only hope, that Federations and officials do justice to the final of this historic competition to organize the Final under lights during the soothing evening conditions in Salt Lake stadium to offer a spectacle for the  fans to throng the stadium and fill the galleries, something which Indian football needs beyond the glamour of ISL to witness the best of domestic talents showcasing their talent in a competition like the historic Santosh Trophy.

AFC Asian Cup 2019 Qualifiers: India loses 2-1 to Kyrgyz Republic in the final game of Group A

A chilly evening at Dolon Omurzhakov stadium in Bishkek saw the final encounter of Group A of AFC Asian Cup Qualifier between 
The Kyrgyz Republic and India resulting in a 2-1 win for the home side with goals from Zemlianukhin Anton(2') and Murzalev Mirlan(72') as Jeje managed to pull one back for India late into the game.

The Indian backline was caught napping as they could not hit their strides early into the games under chilling conditions at Bishkek, conceding an early goal in the second minute as  Zemlianukhin Anton rattled the net from a cross down the right from Zhyrgalbek Uulu Kairat’s cross. 

The home side kept the visitors under relentless pressure as Kyrgyz forwards tormented the Indian side-backs Narayan Das and Lalruatthara down both the channels to pile-on the pressure and could have easily enhanced the lead but goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu's heroics under the bar kept the "The White Falcons" at bay.
India's best chance came on 20th-minute when Baimatov Azmhov handled the ball 20 yards out and was awarded a free-kick in a decent striking zone.Rowlin Borges stepped up to the set piece to rattle the post as Balwant Singh hit the net from rebound but was flagged offside.

Back in the second half, Kyrgyz maintained the possession and constructed attack from the deep while India looked to play with long ball strategy to find their target man Jeje and Balwant.Kyrgyz managed to put the game beyond contention in the 72nd minute when Murzalev Mirlan's flick beat Gurpreet inside the 6 yeards box to give the Kyrgyz Republic at 2-0 lead.
Jeje managed to pull a goal back for India with a neatly placed header from Narzary's cross to make it 2-1 in the 88th minute.
As the clock ticked by, the central Asian side managed to hold on to their slender lead and  picked up all three points at Bishkek with a 2-1 win but India managed to finish top of the group table with a better goal difference as both teams finished with 13 points to qualify for the Asian Cup 2019 finals,

10 most beautiful football grounds in India

By Rajarshi Chakrabarty

Football grounds are much like places of worship. Where ardent followers follow their faith (teams), pray for success and live on hopes during rough times. India is blessed with diverse geographical attributes and it adds to football grounds at some strikingly beautiful places to witness the flowing passion of football fans to witness the stories heroic success and failures.

So here is a list of 5 most beautiful grounds to watch football but remember some of them are just grounds and not conventional stadium as they say "Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder"

10.Tilak Maidan, Vasco da Gama(Goa)

The 6000-capacity stadium located in the heart of Vasco da Gama offers excellent views of the Arabian Sea and adjacent fishing villages.

If the football isn't good enough to catch your eyes the view of floating small fishing boats on the turquoise blue water will definitely set you in a relaxed mode. Enjoy the laid back Goan culture, excellent local seafood from the restaurants around and a weekend game featuring local team Churchill Brothers can set the mood for your perfect weekend.

9.Kanchenjungha Stadium, Siliguri

Established in the 1980's the 40,000 capacity stadium located in the town of Siliguri has hosted important matches of I-League, Federation Cup, Santosh Trophy and International friendlies features Indian National team.

The stadium creates an electrifying atmosphere due to the close proximity of the spectators stands to the pitch.This humble looking stadium can surprise you on a clear day as you might be lucky to catch a glimpse of Mt.Kanchenjungha(8586m) the third highest mountain in the world while watching your local team play over weekends...not a bad deal right?

 8.Khuman Lampak Stadium, Imphal

Built during 1999, the 35000 capacity stadium is the home ground of Manipur side NEROCA FC.Known for passionate and raucous fan support the stadium located in Imphal valley which is surrounded by nine-hills offers excellent views of the field and the blue rolling hills around.The stadium garbs an atmosphere of festivity on match days and if you are headed to Imphal do make sure you catch the local side in action in this beguiling stadium with stunning views around.

 7.Lebong Football Ground, Darjeeling

Darjeeling is synonymous with tea, spectacular views of mountains, picturesque villages dotting the slopes of hills and pristine woods of pine and cryptomeria trees.But a bit off the radar lies the Lebong football ground, behold..it's not a conventional stadium with a lush green turf to play.But don't let the dusty surface distract you from the mesmerizing view it offers as you can watch local teams battle it out in competitions.The football ground host matches from Darjeeling Premier League and Darjeeling Gold Cup much to the excitement of the local fanfare.So if you are around Darjeeling grab a cuppa of Darjeeling tea and head to Lebong football ground for an engaging experience.

6.Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Aizawl

The home of Aizawl FC who did a "Leicester City" during the 2016-17 winning the I League in the season following they were saved from relegation offers pristine views and has been witness to several dramatic turns of events of Aizawl FC's campaign.The footballing loving Mizos throng the stadium in their traditional attires on match days with beating drums adds to the atmosphere of the adorable 20,000 capacity stadium located on a hilltop overlooking Aizawl town.

 5.Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium(Polo Ground) , Shillong

The Britishers named Shillong "The Scotland of the East" due to its glaring resemblance with the Scottish Highlands and this beautiful part of north-eastern India is home to one of the most beautiful stadium in India known as the Polo ground.The 27000 seater stadium is the home of Shillong Lajong FC in I League and hosts regular matches of I League and Shillong Premier League.The astroturf under lights engulfed by foggy and misty whimsical weather of Shillong creates a surreal atmosphere to watch football.

4.TRC Polo Ground, Srinagar

Srinagar located in Jammu and Kashmir which is the northernmost state in India often been compared to heaven due to its snowy mountains, lush green grasses, forest and pristine lakes and river.Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir is home to one of the exquisite football grounds in India-the TRC Polo Ground.

The artificial turf stadium is the home of Lonestar Kashmir FC, with the field dimension of an international standard of 115 meters by 70 meters in size.The 15000 capacity stadium built on the backdrop of Zabarwan mountain ranges and surrounded by majestic Chinar trees is a beauty to behold especially during autumn when the trees are turned into flaming red offers excellent views while watching your favorite game...straight outta heaven.

 3.Upper TCV Football Ground, Dharamshala

Upper TCV Football Ground in Dharamshala hosted tournament involving 8 teams from exile Tibetan communities in India, Nepal, North America and Europe in the 21st Gyalyum Chenmo Memorial Gold Cup located at beautiful Dharamshala doesn't fit into the conventional stadium definition.With its dusty playing field and stands made on the slopes of mountains, it offers majestic views of the mighty Dhauladhar range.

Mostly used by the local footballers from exiled Tibetan community, the monks in their bright red robs fills the white stone galleries is a uniquely endearing sight.

 2.Palzor Stadium, Gangtok

Known as the Polo ground, named by the former Monarch of Sikkim (Chogyal)  around 1943 because Britishers and few members of the aristocratic family of Sikkim played Polo at the Polo Ground is now a 30,000 capacity stadium which is the home ground of United Sikkim FC and Gangtok Himalayan FC.The stadium located in the city of Gangtok offers beautiful views of mountains and distant villages in the small Himalayan state.Palzor Stadium offers remarkable footballing spectatorship experience for fans.  But take note, you might be often distracted from the game by the breathtaking views the stadium offers of the mystic Himalayan ranges.

 1.Ladakh Football Ground, Leh

Imagine a football ground located at 11,480 feet where people struggle to breathe under low oxygen levels and a little physical activity causes substantial physical exertion. Battling these adverse conditions the local football clubs from Leh plays football tournaments under these challenging conditions to withstand extreme altitude at this picturesque football ground which offers views of the awe-inspiring views of the Karakoram range and cold desert like geographical conditions.

Indo-Tibetan Border Police(ITBP) organizes High Altitude Football Tournament which is dubbed as one of the world's highest tournament is attended with great excitement by the local football fans. Not a traditional stadium but the sheer panorama this ground offers added to the elevation is a spectacle for football lovers.

Mailson Alves double header hands Chennaiyin FC 2018 ISL title beating Bengaluru FC 3-2.

The odds were stacked against Chennaiyin FC, as they faced a marauding Bengaluru FC in their own fortress at Sree Kanteerava Stadium in the ISL final in a battle worthy of a summit clash for the ISL glory. Chennaiyin FC raided the fortress with brilliant attacking prowess as they handed a crushing 3-2 defeat to the Blues to end their 10 games unbeaten run to be crowned as the 2018 ISL Champions.

Goals from Mailson Alves(17',45') and Raphael Augusto(67') sent Bengaluru FC to an excruciating defeat in front of their raucous home support to hand Chennaiyin FC their second ISL glory on Saturday night with Mailson emerging as the hero for Chennaiyin FC with two thumping headed goals.

For Chennaiyin FC it ended as often it does with the smiling and fist-thumping team photos amidst eruption of confetti as John Greggory's side came from a goal down from Sunil Chhetri's diving header on the 9th minute to vanquish a memorable 3-2 win.

Bengaluru FC looked to stamp their dominance in their game as they came out all guns blazing in their 3-4-3 formation as the fullbacks overlapping from both sides kept Chennaiyin FC holed up in their own half in the first quarter of the game. Talismanic skipper Sunil Chhetri put Bengaluru FC ahead as his diving header from Udanata's cross found the back of the net on 9th minute but the lead was shortlived as Mailson Alves's towering header from Gregory Nelson's corner to restore the parity at 1-1 on the 17th minute.

The Blues were again found-out wanting to defend from the dead ball situation as Mailson scored his second header of the night rising above his marker John Johnson from Nelson's corner to give Chennaiyin FC a crucial 2-1 lead going into the halftime with another thumping header leaving Gurpreet Singh no chance to save it from crashing to the back of the net.

Back in the second half as Bengaluru FC came out attacking but Chennaiyin FC maintained a compact defensive formation and used Bengaluru's high line of attack to score their third goal on 67th minute as Jeje found himself with space in the box and managed to hold off his markers to play it back to Raphael Augusto on the edge of the box.The Brazilian set himself up with a good first touch to unleash a spiffing right-footed curler past Gurpreet Singh to give Chennaiyin FC 3-1 lead in the summit clash in the 67th minute.

With a 3-1 lead, Chennaiyin FC got the breathing space and played with composure as Bengaluru FC desperate for an inroad kept knocking the Chennaiyin FC defense.Sunil Chhetri once again came close to put Bengaluru FC back in the game on the 72nd minute as his header from Perez's corner destined for the goal was saved by Karanjit Singh.
John Johnson came close to scoring with a header from point-blank range as Miku's cross found him right in front of the goal but Inigo Calderon's crucial touch deflected the ball enough to prevent John Johnson from scoring.

The best chance of the second half fell to Sunil Chhetri on the 86th minute as Miku powered himself into the box from the right and his cut-back found Sunil Chhetri with the wide open goal in front of him but Chhetri blazed his shot over the goal to sum-up a disastrous night for the Blues.

Deep into the injury time, Miku managed to pull one back for Bengaluru to make it 3-2 on the 92nd minute from Udanta's cross but it was the proverbial too little too late, as clocked ticked by and Chennaiyin FC was sent into a rapturous  celebration with the referees' final whistle to stamp a 3-2 win to be crowned as the winners of ISL 2018 Champions.

MATCH AWARDS:

Club Award: Chennaiyin FC

Swift Limitless Player: Raphael Augusto

DHL Winning Pass of the Match: Gregory Nelson

Amul Fittest Player: Sunil Chhetri

Emerging Player: Jerry Lalrinzuala

Hero of the Match: Mailson Alves

Indian Coach Stephen Constantine announces 32 man squad for AFC Asian Cup qualifier match against Kyrgyz Republic

India, who have already qualified for the final round of the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019, have now announced their squad for their final qualification  AFC Asian Cup qualifier match against the Kyrgyz Republic scheduled to be played at Dolun Omurzhakov Stadium on 27th March 2018 at Bishkek.

India has already qualified from Group A with 13 points from 5 games recording four wins and a draw.Stephen Constantine's 32 men squad features most predictable regulars who from the core of the team while experienced goalkeeper Subrata Paul's omission is bound to raise some eyebrows.
Stephen Constantine's incongruous  team selection is a shift from the pragmatic approach and Indian football fans finds it baffling as club team irregulars and underperforming players like Sumeet Passi, Hitesh Sharma and Holicharan Narzary gets selected ahead of consistent performers like Michael Soosairaj, Samuel Lalmuanpuia, Subhash Singh gets overlooked coming from the back of stellar performance for their respective teams in the recently concluded Hero I-League.
The surprise team selection from Constantine shirks young Indian players from ISL like Lallianzula Chhangte(Delhi Dynamos), Jerry Mawhimingthanga(Jamshedpur FC) and Mandar Rao Desai(FC Goa).
The match against the Kyrgyz Republic will not be a significant encounter for India in terms of qualification but the young Indian side will be hoping for a strong performance away from home at Bishkek.
The match will kick-off at IST 7.30pm (local time 8pm).

The list of probables is as follows:

GOALKEEPERS: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Vishal Kaith, Amrinder Singh, Rehenesh T.P.

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

MIDFIELDERS: Jackichand Singh, Udanta Singh, Seityasen Singh, Dhanapal Ghanesh, Anirudh Thapa, Germanpreet Singh, Rowllin Borges, Md. Rafique, Cavin Lobo, Bikash Jairu, Halicharan Narzary.

FORWARDS: Hitesh Sharma, Balwant Singh, Jeje Lalpekhlua, Seminlen Doungel, Alen Deory, Manvir Singh, Sumeet Passi.