The four above named coaches have been invited to come to India to meet the AIFF Technical Committee before the end of the month. The AIFF Technical Committee chose these four coaches from 11 candidates, who had been shortlisted from over 70 received applications.
10th National League - Goa: Salgaocar SC 1-4 Mohammedan Sporting Club - Goals: 0-1 Okonji Onyelo Patrick (13'), 0-2,0-3 Gley Yao Rodrigue (56',82'), 0-4 Satyajit Bose (70') 1-4 Fabio Dos Passos (87').
The 1998/99 NFL champions Salgaocar SC were relegated to the 2.Division National League today. Salgaocar SC suffered a 1-4 defeat at the hands of Mohammedan Sporting Club in a 10th National League match at the Nehru Stadium, Margao. The match had gained special importance as it had become a sort of relegation playoff as Salgaocar SC would have stayed in the NFL with a win, while Mohammedan Sporting only needed a draw to survive relegation. Salgaocar SC finished ninth with 12 points from 17 matches, while Mohammedan Sporting gathered 17 points from 17 matches.
For the Men in Green it meaned their first relegation after having been part of the National League since it's inception and launch in December 1996.
The match started well for Mohammedan Sporting, who took the lead in the 14.minute with a goal from their Nigerian striker Okonji Onyelo Patrick off a pass from Mohammed Mukhtar. Mohammedan Sporting took the one goal lead into the break. Salgaocar had to risk more to win the match and that backfired as Mohammedan Sporting doubled the lead in the 56.minute when striker Gley Yao Rodrigue from Togo doubled the lead. Substitute Satyajit Bose ensured Mohammedan Sporting stay in the NFL with a header off another Mukhtar cross in the 70.minute. Rodrigue scored his second and his teams fourth in the 82.minute to completely humiliate Salgaocar SC. Just three minutes from time Salgaocar were awarded a penalty after Satyajit Bose fouled Aseem Kutty. Salgaocar's Brazilian Fabio Dos Passos scored to only make a cosmetic correction to the score. The damage had already been done.
MAN of the MATCH: Okonji Onyelo Patrick (Mohammedan Sporting).
Detailed information and pictures are available at the >>IndianFootball.Com NFL Special.
15.Dutta Ray Trophy (Under-21) Trophy - Group A: Bihar 3-1 Tamil Nadu - Goals: 1-0 Niranjan Patel (20'), 1-1 Charles Raymond (26'), 2-1 Apurba Nandi (41'), 3-1 Mohammed Faiyaz Alam (83').
Note-1: Former Indian international striker Dharmalingam Kannan, who represented India at numerous international tournaments including the 1960 Rome Olympics, died yesterday morning in Hyderabad. He is survived by his wife, three sons and three daughters.
Kannan had represented Hyderabad (later Andhra Pradesh), Bengal and Indian Railways in the Santosh Trophy besides playing club football for Calcutta giants East Bengal Club.
Kannan, who was a class striker in his day's, had been fighting with finances and his health over the years. He had a meagre pension to live off and had to depend on financial help for his medical treatment.
Sadly Dharmalingam Kannan was one of the many forgotten stars of Indian football.
Note-2: Indian 2005/06 'double' champions Mahindra United have been approached to play a two match home and away friendly series against top Chinese outfit Shenzhen Jianlibao FC (now named Shenzhen Kingway), informed a Mahindra official to IndianFootball.Com, in the coming 2006/07 season. He added that the Mahindra management was giving serious consideration to this prestigious offer.
Note-3: The Japanese FA has announced a 28-member-strong Japan U19 squad for a training camp in Bangalore, India later this month as part of their preparations for the AFC Youth Championship.
The team will play three friendlies in India, including two against the India U-20 national team (May 25, 28) at the Bangalore Football Stadium and another match against a local club on May 26 at the same venue.
Note-4: The U15 boys of the Mohun Bagan-SAIL Football Academy, Durgapur have reached the semifinals of the U15 Manchester United Premier Cup SouthEast Asia-leg. The Bagan colts won Group B with a 4-0 win against a Philippines U15 side and a 2-0 win against a Singapore School U15 side. The Mohun Bagan U15 boys now take on Malaysia tomorrow in the semifinal match in Bangkok, Thailand.
Note-5: The 35th All-India Hot Weather Football Tournament will be played at Mandi, Himachal Pradesh from June 14 to 20.
| May 19 |
RESULTS & NEWS |
The world football governing body FIFA today released the latest FIFA Women's World Rankings. The INDIAN Women gained a place and are now ranked 55th in the world amongst 129 national women teams. In Asia INDIA also gained a spot to move into the Asian Women's Top 10 in 10th position.
15.Dutta Ray Trophy (Under-21) Trophy - Group B: Mizoram 0-6 Kerala - Goals: 0-1 Kannan R (17'), 0-2,0-4 Arun EK (21',42'), 0-3 Sakeer MP (35'), 0-5 Oscar Yesudas (63'), 0-6 Sajan Lin (64').
15.Dutta Ray Trophy (Under-21) Trophy - Group B: West Bengal 4-0 Services - Goals: 1-0,2-0 Tarif Ahmed (35',44'), 3-0 Lalhmangaihzala (50'), 4-0 Ratan Das (75').
Note-1: Contrary to most reports from Calcutta, it seems that it is the giant duo of East Bengal and Mohun Bagan who are inflating the transfer market with respect to player salaries, and not vice versa. Mahindra officials informed IndianFootball.Com the fact that a player like Subhas Chakraborty was being offered 12.5 lakhs per annum by people in the Mohun Bagan camp, to which he had agreed, while the offers put forward to players like Deepak Kumar Mondal and Peter Siddiqui, that have been said to have been accepted by them, were quite much more than the amount in front of Subhas. Interestingly, both Deepak Mondal and Subhas had joined Mahindras from rival Calcutta club East Bengal. Deepak had played for the red-and-gold for five years before he suffered a serious knee injury that resulted in a falling out betwen him and the officials at East Bengal. However, he managed to get himself back to fitness just before the Federation Cup, and that saw him emerge as arguably one of the most dependable and consistent Mahindra player, for his rehabilitation too had been assisted to a large extent by the Mahindra medical team. He proved to be a utility player, filling in at left full-back, defensive midfield, or in his preferred stopper-back role with fellow TFA graduate Mahesh Gawli - thereby ensuring he hardly missed a minute for the Jeepmen in the national season. Subhas Chakraborty, another TFA graduate who spent three years thereafter at East Bengal, too has been an impressive impact player for Mahindras, coming on and turning matches with his dribbling skills. The departrure of these two players would, and probably should, rankle with the Mahindra management to a certain extent, after the faith that had been put in them, and the performances they had displayed for the team on the field. As far as Surajit Bose is concerned, his reasoning seems more personal, to make the switch back to Calcutta.
Peter Siddiqui is one who has always been a great servant of whichever club he has played at. He is one who gives 100%, if not more, in every game. Despite not being used much by Derrick Pereira for most of the season, the moment an opporuntiy arose for him, he grabbed it with both hands, putting in some immense performances. Remarkably, Mahindra United haven't conceded a goal in any NFL game that Peter Siddiqui has started. That was probably the reason he has been grabbed up by East Bengal, with an offer that not even Mahindra United are in a position to counter, however much they would like to.
So it seems that the Calcutta clubs have had their patience worn out by just two years without the NFL title, and are trying hell for leather to shake up the scenario. An interesting season 2006/07 seems on the cards.
Note-2: UNI report: Four children chosen through a nationwide contest will represent India as FIFA Fair Play flag bearers at the 2006 World Cup in Germany next month.
The lucky children will get a chance to walk on the pitch with the Fair Play flag and stand at the centre of the pitch with their heroes and listen to thousands of people sing the national anthems of the teams.
The children will be chosen through a nationwide contest to be held in 1,200 schools - 'Learning Ground' - an initiative of ESPN-STAR Sports in partnership with sports apparel company Adidas, said the TV channel Friday.
"The FIFA Fair Play flag bearers' contest is a unique opportunity for kids in the age group of eight to 13 years passionate about the game of football to witness the World Cup live in Germany," said Sricharan Iyengar, vice president of marketing and sales, ESPN Software India.
The World Cup will be held between June 9 and July 9. "We will be looking for kids who have unrelenting passion, immense knowledge and skills of the game. The contest is purely based on puritan values of the participating kids and is in larger interest of promoting football at the grass-roots level," said Iyengar.
Adidas India managing director Andreas Gellner said that it was a once in a lifetime opportunity for the children.
"The entire contest will judge participants on their creativity, skill and talent - therefore ultimately leaving us with four of the most passionate football fans in the country," he said. Children can take part in the two-round selection procedure through SMS, call-in and online registration by writing a slogan, said ESPN-STAR Sports in a statement.
The shortlisted candidates will be invited for the second round. Four winners would be selected on the basis of a few rounds of skill and talent-based contests.
They will be entitled for an all-expense-paid two nights and three days' return trip to Germany to watch one match of the World Cup.
Note-3: UNI report: Newly elected Indian Football Association president Aditya Kashyap plans to revive 'Super Soccer' and 'Darjeeling Gold Cup' as immediate goals of the state Football body.
Talking to the media for the first time after being elected as President of IFA, Kashyap made it clear that he was not going to be a mere ceremonial head.
" This is an honorary post and I will give it as much time as possible. I plan to revive Super Soccer and Darjeeling Gold Cup as immediate targets. During my days with Tata Steel we had brought Super Soccer and then it frittered away. Now I would revive it as an IFA product, " the former Managing Director of Tata Steel said.
He also laid out the blueprint of holding the event. " We will have two games in this state. Two will be given to South India and one to the nation's capital. I have friends in Sao Paolo and in Europe and we can see some quality participation, " Kashyap said.
The IFA chief said if things worked out than super soccer could be seen early as December and if not then certainly December next year. He also promised a team from Dones in Ukraine for IFA Shield.
Promising to bring in a corporate image to IFA's style and functioning, Kashyap said an exchange programme with Sao Paolo in on the anvil, as also taking up the cause of soccer in the rural Bengal and making heroes out of youths.
" I am aware that soccer needs to be nurtured and that is exactly what we plan to do at IFA, " he said.
He calls for a simple three-prong attack to promote soccer in the state. It would include nurturing the game from the nursery level, creating a hype and PR for soccer in the urban and corporate world and finally marketing the game to raise resources for further investment into the game itself.
"The ultimate aim for me is to give a proper pedestal for soccer, so that the footballers can earn a decent living by playing the game. We cannot dream of giving the players what David Beckham earns, but they should earn a decent living. And that is what we have set out to do, " Kashyap said.
Note-4: The Goa FA will organise the Navhind Times-GFA Awards Nite on May 23 at the Kenilworth Hotel, Utorda from 20.00 IST. The award winners will be named across 15 categories.
People interested to attend the awards nite can do so with tickets for Rs 500, which includes dinner and drinks.
The categories are: Most Valuable Player, best Coach, most promising Coach, Team of the Year, most promising Player, best Goalkeeper, best Defender, best Midfielder, best Striker, best Manager, best Organiser (only GFA tournaments), outstanding Women's Footballer, most promising Women's Footballer, best Venue (other than Fatorda and Duler), most loved Player.
| May 18 |
RESULTS & NEWS |
IndianFootball.Com's Chris Punnakkattu Daniel had an extensive chat with AJX International's Anthony Jai in London.
Anthony, someone with Indian roots and interested in Indian football, has worked across the world of football. He has explored ways to work and help in the development of Indian football, but see's the game in India still in it's infancy facing numerous problems. Still he see's chances where Indian football could develop.
And he has been able to help and facilitate that the Tata Football Academy will visit English club Southampton FC this summer as part of an exposure trip.
Click here to read the complete >>Anthony Jai interview
Friendly - Goa: Cuncolim Sports Club 0-2 Mahindra United
Newly crowned NFL Champions Mahindra United took some time out during their stay in Goa, to play a friendly match against the football team of the picteresque village Cuncolim. The village's pristine football ground had been newly constructed, and Mahindra United took the opportunity of a gap in their schedule before their final NFL game of the season against Dempo SC to accept the Cuncolim Union's request to turn up for a friendly. It was a 30-minute-half match with rolling substitutions. That did not prevent Mahindra United from fielding their stars, as Yusif Yakubu played virtually the full duration from the start. In fact, it was only the injured outfield players in Jose Ramirez Barreto, Subhas Chakraborty, and Surkumar Singh who did not don their boots for a run-out. The biggest cheers were reserved for when Indian captain Shanmugam Venkatesh came on, and as did Goan favourite Mahesh Gawli. Cuncolim featured a few experienced and talented players in their side, for example the Goan Santosh Trophy hero Freddy Mascarenhas. The result, albeit immaterial, was 2-0 to the Indian champions, with Gouramangi Singh and Mahindra junior team product Craig D'Souza scoring on either side of the half-time break. On some personal notes for the Jeepmen, long-time club servants Jinto Jose and Hekmat Singh were given the opportunity to captain the team in either half, to cheers from their mates, while promising youngster Keegan Periera put in an impressive performance while playing with the seniors.
15.Dutta Ray Trophy (Under-21) Trophy - Group A: Tamil Nadu 0-2 Punjab - Goals: 0-1 Sehijpal Singh (20'), 0-2 Kumar Nayyar (82').
Note-1: So far it looked like as if INDIA had good chances of hosting the 2011 Asian Cup with Iran as the only competitor. With the final decision on the host nation of the 2011 event set to be taken next year, it looked as if INDIA had very good chances to host the event due to the current international political scenario and impass in Iran.
Now World Cup bound Australia is considering making a last minute bid to host the 2011 Asian Cup with a view of considering to host the 2018 or 2022 World Cup. If Australia seriously consider to bid for the 2011 Asian Cup then it will surely diminish INDIA's chances to host Asia's Premier football event.
Meanwhile for INDIA the big Asian organisational test will be the 2006 Asian Youth Championships to be held in India later this year. If INDIA successfully host the event that would surely boast INDIA's chances.
Note-2: Zee Sports informed IndianFootball.Com today of changes in the kick-off timings of the two final NFL live games.
The relegation battle between Salgaocar SC - Mohammedan Sporting Club will be broadcast live from 16.00 IST on May 20, while the final NFL live match will be between deposed NFL champions Dempo SC and new NFL champions Mahindra United a day later. The broadcast will kick-off at 15.30 IST on May 21.
The final live match on Zee Sports of the 2005/06 season will be the season ending Super Cup. But the date and venue are not fixed as yet as we had reported yesterday. The match will be held over the weekend May 27/28 with the venue and kickoff time to be finalised.
Zee Sports will have covered 85 matches of the NFL, Federation Cup, Santosh Trophy and the Super Cup live across the season.
Note-3: UNI report: Football fans today strongly opposed the move of the Sports Authority of Goa to convert the Campal football ground in Panaji into an expensive and highly polluting Go-Karting course.
In a letter to Chief Minister Pratapsinh Rane, the fans led by Dr Rufino Monteiro besides Rajya Sabha member Shantaram Naik, urged the CM to retain the ground for rebuilding the football stadium, which was razed in the year 2004 as part of infrastructure development for the first International Film Festival of India held in the city.
Two such courses are already available in Goa and the move be nipped in the bud as go-karting pollutes the clean atmosphere at Campal with cars used in the game.
They, in a signature campaign, had also further urged Rane to rebuild the football stadium as promised earlier even as budgetary allocation had already been made for the purpose.
"It is the home ground of two of the best football teams of India - Dempo SC and Sporting Club de Goa. It was due to this ground that Goa had produced football heroes who made a great mark in Indian football," they said.
| May 17 |
RESULTS & NEWS |
The latest FIFA World Rankings where released today by the world football governing body. INDIA remains 117th in those rankings with 378 points, a point less than last month. In Asia INDIA remain 22nd out of 45 listed nations/territories.
10th National League - Goa: Salgaocar SC 1-1 Sporting Clube de Goa - Goals: 1-0 Fabio dos Passos (69'), 1-1 MacPherlin Dudu Omagbemi (82').
Former champions Salgaocar SC will get to know on Saturday, if they gained a valuable point from the one-all draw against Sporting Clube de Goa at the Nehru Stadium, Margao or rather lost a couple of points in their fight to survive relegation in the 10th National League. Salgaocar SC clash with Mohammedan Sporting Club in their final NFL game to decide which of the two sides will go down to the 2.Division NFL. After today's match Salgaocar remain on the relegation spot with 12 points from 16 matches, while Mohammedan Sporting have two points more. So Salgaocar is forced to play to win on Saturday to stay in the NFL, while Mohammedan Sporting can live with a draw. A big finale for the two sides. Sporting Clube meanwhile have slim chances to finish third in the league as they lie three points behind Mohun Bagan with a match to go for both sides.
In the first half the action was mainly confined to the midfield with Sporting Clube having more of the action, but Salgaocar goalkeeper Sangram Mukherjee was rock solid denying Sporting Clube the lead. Just four minutes in the second half Salgaocar got a golden opportunity to go ahead. Sporting Clube defender David Leonel Suresh handled the ball in the area, but Samson Singh couldn't score a goal of the resultant penalty, while Jerose Oliveira blasted the ball way over the goal of the rebound. But Salgaocar where to get another chance after midfielder Rocus Lamare was fouled in the penalty area. This time Brazilian Fabio dos Passos walked up to the spot to give his side the lead in the 69.minute. But now Salgaocar pulled back a bit to give Sporting Clube the chance to come back into the match. It was eight minutes from time when Sporting Clube captain MacPherlin Dudu Omagbemi scored off a pass from Nigerian compatriot Chidi Edeh to level the score. It remained one-all until the final whistle.
MAN of the MATCH: Luis Xavier Barreto (Sporting Clube).
Detailed information and pictures are available at the >>IndianFootball.Com NFL Special.
15.Dutta Ray Trophy (Under-21) Trophy - Group B: West Bengal 1-0 Kerala - Goal: 1-0 Ayan Chowdhury (17').
15.Dutta Ray Trophy (Under-21) Trophy - Group B: Services 1-2 Mizoram - Goals: 1-0 Diwash Chhetri (52'), 1-1 Lalrimawia (77'), 1-2 Tetea Tlau (90+1').
Note-1: The Super Cup 2006 will be held on Saturday, May 27 between NFL & Federation Cup champions Mahindra United and runners-up East Bengal Club. The end of the season match will be held at the Ambedkar Stadium, New Delhi.
As Mahindra have won both the National League and Federation Cup, the second-placed team of the NFL earns the right to play the one-off Super Cup match.
Note-2: The Kuwait Goans Association, and fancied United Friends Club - boasting of some star players in their ranks were knocked out in the first round of Daswin Memorial Football Tournament in Kuwait. The tournament played on Fridays at the famous Sour Grounds is being held under the auspices of Kuwait Indian Football Federation and officiated by KIFF referees.
Kuwait Goans lost 0-2 to DHL while UFC were hammered 4-0 by Navelim Youth Centre.
The match between Kuwait Goans Association and DHL was full of action, and commotion too. Everyone expected KGA to have a cake-walk, however DHL took a surprise lead mid-way into the match. KGA strikers were bottled-up thereafter with DHL mid-fielders and defense showing immense enthusiasm and stamina to thwart off KGA moves. Late into the second session referee Thomas awarded a penalty in favor of DHL. Agnelo Miranda scored off the spot only to see the goal being disallowed. The referee was just in pointing out that DHL players had rushed into the area well before the kick was taken. The penalty was rightly asked to be re-taken after a bit of stupefaction - perhaps developing from high temperatures of near to 40°C in Kuwait City. Agnelo made no mistake in his second attempt either.
In the other match AVC Overseas Association won by a solitary goal against Veterans XI.
Marshalled by a strong defense led by captain Vincy Pereira, AVC dominated the entire game. Braulio Rodrigues, Molvito Mascarenhas and substitute Jimmy Goveia excelled for the winners. Veterans almost got a late equalizer when Cajetan Godinho's free-kick missed the mark by inches.
United Friends, having match-winning players of the calibre of Rumel Dias, Rui Silveira, Anthony (Pepsi), Agnelo (Ex-Churchill player), striker Jose Rod, Sarto Baptista, and ace Kerala goalkeeper Lenance Joseph - had started the 2005/06 season with great expectations from their supporters. Ambigously, the team chose to fall back and play against Navelim with almost five men in defence. Navelim Youth Centre had the upper hand but missed simple touches near the goal - main culprit being striker Cruzedio Rodrigues - missing atleast two sitters in the first quarter of play. In the second session, NYC were more determined in their approach. Wing halves Duarte Ferrao and Simon made attacking runs time and again creating the moves. Centre-back Alfred Pires took the lead off a free-kick by Gasper Crasto. John Furtado, Ivo D'Costa and Cruzedio scored the other goals.
NYC next meet United Goans (UG Strikers) who scrambled past youngsters Paradiso in an earlier match. United Goans had an early lead and looked well set to score more goals but Paradiso got even with a hard fought goal equalizer.
Paradiso players Altaf Khan, Clinton, Alshley, Fabien, Sidney, Victor, Jeffrey, Kenneth, Mark, Clifford, Majid, etc - mostly in their teens or twen -- played their hearts out; infact the team seems to be playing better game-after-game. This could only be because of their continued interest to practice together and an eagerness to compete with strong teams. However, their inexperience in zonal marking, giving cover to fellow players and lack of anticipation in intercepting needs lateral thinking. UG Strikers took advantage of one such loop-hole in the Paradiso defence to clinch the winner in extra-time.
| May 16 |
RESULTS & NEWS |
AFC Cup 2006 - Group A: Mahindra United 1-0 Brothers Union, BANGLADESH - Goal: 1-0 Shanmugam Venkatesh (90+1').
New Indian champions Mahindra United scored an injury time winner against the Bangladesh champions Brothers Union in an AFC Cup Group A match, but it just wasn't enough to move into the knockout quarterfinal stage. Mahindra's gathered nine points from their six matches, but it wasn't enough as the AFC decided to only count the points of the top three teams in a Group to decide the best second-placed side as Groups B & D only had three teams, while Group C just two.
AFC Cup 2006 - Group B: Dempo SC 6-1 MERV, TURKMENISTAN - Goals: 1-0 Johnny D'Cruz (20'), 2-0 Samir Naik (24'), 3-0,5-0 Clifford Miranda (42',79'), 4-0,6-0 Roberto Mendes Silva (69',87'), 6-1 Arslan Kurban (90').
Last seasons NFL champions Dempo SC hammered Turkmenistan side MERV 6-1 in their final AFC Cup Group B match at the Nehru Stadium, Margao. Dempo earned four points from four matches through their first win tonight to finish second in the group.
10th National League - Calcutta: Mohammedan Sporting Club 0-1 Mohun Bagan AC - Goal: 0-1 Eduardo Chacon Coelho Lacerda (68').
In their fight to starve off relegation Mohammedan Sporting Club suffered a lone goal defeat at the hands of city rivals Mohun Bagan AC in a 10th National League match at the Saltlake Stadium, Calcutta. Mohammedan Sporting remain above the relegation zone in eighth place with 14 points from now 16 matches with Salgaocar SC are in ninth place with 11 points from 15 matches. Mohun Bagan meanwhile brightened their chances of finishing third in the NFL with today's win. The Green-and-Maroon now have 27 points from 16 matches with an away match against JCT Mills to go.
Both sides had something to play for but it just didn't look that way today. It was a disjolted Calcutta derby which looked heading for a goalless draw, but Mohun Bagan's Brazilian Eduardo Chacon Coelho Lacerda had other ideas. The tall defender headed in the winner off a Dharamjit Singh freekick in the 68.minute of the match. Mohammedan Sporting did try to get an equaliser, but it just didn't look as if they could score on the day. Still veteran striker Raman Vijayan did put the ball into the Bagan net, but his goal was disallowed due to a foul on keeper Imran Khan.
MSC: 1-Gopal Das, 23-Kabijit Khotel, 26-Madhusudan Majumdar, 3-Madhab Das, 6-Bijay Baspore, 15-Jiten Rai (69' 2-Palash Karmakar), 11-Nitin Pradhan (25' 9-Raman Vijayan), 24-David Mkandawire (73' 7-Bijen Singh), 18-Mohammed Mukhtar, 10-Yao Gley Rodrigue, 20-Suman Datta.
MOHUN BAGAN: 21-Imran Khan, 15-Dulal Biswas, 20-Sanjeev Kumar Maria, 28-Eduardo Chacon Coelho Lacerda, 16-Subhashish Roy Chowdhury, 18-Dharamjit Singh, 29-Chinmoy Sarkar, 14-Basudeb Mondal (87' 27-Akum Ao), 19-Coffe Edem Agbessi (34' 25-Jerry Zirsanga), 10-Dipendu Biswas (57' 24-Sushil Kumar Singh), 9-Awudu Ibrahim.
MAN of the MATCH: Eduardo Chacon Coelho Lacerda (Mohun Bagan).
REFEREE: Manuel Pereira (Maharashtra).
Detailed information and pictures are available at the >>IndianFootball.Com NFL Special.
15.Dutta Ray Trophy (Under-21) Trophy - Group A: Bihar 2-4 Punjab - Goals: 0-1,1-3 Asim Hassan (10',34'), 0-2 Amandeep Singh (14'), 1-2 Shibrat Gautam (27'), 1-4 Palwinder Singh (51'), 2-4 Akbar Ali (63').
15.Dutta Ray Trophy (Under-21) Trophy - Group A: Tamil Nadu - Maharashtra = match cancelled as Maharashtra pulled out due to non-availabity of railway tickets
| May 15 |
RESULTS & NEWS |
10th National League - Calcutta: East Bengal Club 1-0 JCT Mills - Goal: 1-0 Jayanta Sen (25').
In a match-up of former champions East Bengal Club scored a lone goal victory against JCT Mills in a 10th National League match at the Saltlake Stadium, Calcutta. With a win in their last league match East Bengal ensured that they finish second behind new NFL champions Mahindra United with 31 points from 17 matches. With the second place finish East Bengal ensure that they will face Mahindra United in the season ending Super Cup final. JCT Mills meanwhile remain on 20 points from 16 matches with a home match against Mohun Bagan AC remaining.
East Bengal's Belgian coach Philippe de Ridder will be a happy and relieved man as his team finally did finish second in India's Premier League after having hit a bad patch in recent away matches in Mumbai and Goa.
The Red-and-Gold players knew what they had to do to ensure that second spot and they attacked the JCT goal from the referee's first whistle. Syed Rahim Nabi and Baichung Bhutia did cause problems for the JCT defence but keeper Kalyan Chaubey was there to defuse the danger. But JCT were also dangerous, especially the longer the match lasted. It was JCT midfielder Renedy Singh who first tested East Bengal keeper Rajat Ghosh Dastidar with a freekick. Thereafter came the match winner in the 25.minute for East Bengal when Jayanta Sen tried his luck with a right-footed long-ranger which flew into the goal. Thereafter East Bengal took a rather defensive approach, but wanting to defend the one goal lead. JCT threathened their rival's goal a number of times but where just not able to score on the day.
EAST BENGAL: 24-Rajat Ghosh Dastidar, 12-Anupam Sarkar, 2-Muttath Suresh, 26-Ngassa Ewane Guy Martial, 19-Syed Rahim Nabi, 7-Jayanta Sen, 28-Shylo Malswam Tulunga, 20-Ndem A Guy Kiyeck Herve (86' 8-Sasthi Duley), 9-Alvito D'Cunha (81' 22-Debabrata Roy), 32-Gouranga Datta, 15-Baichung Bhutia.
JCT MILLS: 22-Kalyan Chaubey, 2-Jaspal Singh, 24-Narinder Singh, 3-Julius Irabor Apkele, 12-Daljit Singh, 13-Baldeep Singh (53' 8-Jaswinder Singh), 28-Shivraj Singh, 16-Marcos de Carvalho Pereira, 15-P Renedy Singh, 11-Sunil Chetri, 17-Parveen Kumar (46' 20-Johnson Segun Banner).
MAN of the MATCH: Jayanta Sen (East Bengal).
REFEREE: A Arjunan (Services).
Detailed information and pictures are available at the >>IndianFootball.Com NFL Special.
15.Dutta Ray Trophy (Under-21) Trophy - Group B: West Bengal 3-0 Mizoram - Goals: 1-0,3-0 Tarif Ahmed (25',77'), 2-0 Ayan Chowdhury (60').
15.Dutta Ray Trophy (Under-21) Trophy - Group B: Services 1-2 Kerala - Goals: 1-0 Diwash Chhetri (70'), 1-1,1-2 K Firoz (90+1',90+2').
Note-1: After signing a deal with the Poland FA last month, last week NRI steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal's "Mittal Steel" signed a similar deal with the Ukrainian FA to support their bid to host the UEFA European 2012 Football Championship. For both FA's Mittal Steel is the lead sponsor in their joint bid. Mittal Steel's exclusive sports sponsorship consultants TWI (an IMG Media Company) and World In Motion, brokered the deal.
Note-2: St Anthony FC led by Sandy Fernandes put up a spirited display to hold 4th place Almoe FC to a 1-1 draw in the 10th round of the First UAE Indian Expat football League played at the Dubai Club for Special Sports. In an exciting opening game Edel Fernandes scored a gem of a goal to open the scoring for St Anthony who led 1-0 at the break. Almoe came back in the second half with new ideas and were rewarded when Ashraf Syed latched onto a through ball to tap in for the equalizer. Siolim United got back to their winning ways after a disappointing week to defeat a strong Emirates Flight Catering 2-0. Siolim's top scorer and captain Shriram Vernekar opened the scoring in the 10th minute to give his team a well deserved lead. The Catering lads played well with George Barretto and Joe D'Silva playing a good game. Siolim players however had other ideas and consolidated their lead in the 20th minute when Shriaram scored from close range to chalk up victory. Vaxim Divar turned out in full force with Russel Rodrigues scoring in their solitary goal victory over Phoenix Loutolim led by Renato Fernandes. Christopher Dias and Lucas Fernandes had a good game for Loutolim who are in 11th position while Adler D'Cruz and Russel Rodrigues impressed for Divar who climbed to 6th place. 14th placed Desert Cubs pulled off the shock of the tournament defeating experienced SFX Old Goa 3-1. Amrit Pal Singh opened the scoring for Desert Cubs only to see William Fernandes equalize two minutes later. Desert Cubs maintained pressure on the Old Goa goal and were rewarded when Raul D'Souza scored off a corner. The teams changed ends with the score 2-1 in favour of Desert Cubs Old Goa fought back through Peter Fernandes and William but it was D'Souza who scored the third goal for Desert Cubs to earn a well-deserved victory. Siolim United continued their good fortune when they defeated a strong Dubai Republicans 2-0 and climb to 2nd place in the 16 team league. Shriram Vernekar became the leagues top scorer when he netted both goals for Siolim. Table Toppers Cansaulim had to settle for a 1-1 draw with 5th placed St Marys Boys. Travolta Morais opened the scoring for Cansaulim while St Marys had to thank vice-Captain Keegan D'Costa for the equalizer. Zyco Dubai led by Abubaker scraped a 1-0 victory over a strong Copy Corner Team. The Zyco lads had to fight hard for victory with the Copy Corner players led by Rasheed K and Ganesh Manoj playing a spirited game. Zyco were rewarded for their persistence when Rajath pounced on a rare defensive lapse by Copy Corner defence to score from close range. The goal turned out to be the match winner and lifted Zyco into 7th place. A rejuvenated Zuari FC played their true game to pull of a 1-0 win over Desert Cubs. The Cubs playing their second game of the night could not prevent Julius Noronha scoring a gem of a goal to seal the match. Zuari are in 13th place while Desert Cubs are in 14th position. SFX Old Goa bounced back from their earlier defeat to Desert Cubs to hold Dragon All Stars to a 1-1 draw. Arif Abdul Azeez was the scorer for the Dragon lads while William equalized for SFX Old Goa. SFX Old Goa are at the bottom of the table while Dragon All Stars are one position higher in 15th position. Dubai Republicans pulled off the second upset of the night defeating strong contenders Varca FC 2-1. Jansen Machado was in good form and opened the scoring for the Republicans and took his team into a 1-0 lead at the breather. Varca bounced back in the second half and good footwork by Sean Fernandes and Steven Gurung resulted in the former scoring the equalizer for the Varca team. Both teams went in search for the equalizer and it was striker Sunny Gabriel who gave the lead to the Dubai Republicans after dribbling through two Varca defenders and placing the ball beyond the reach of Varca keeper Jose Manuel. The goal turned out to be the match winner and took Republicans into 3rd position while Varca lie in 10th place. A Strong Almoe side got the better of Cansaulim led by Mafario Antao 1-0. Gilbert Buthelo who had a good outing for Almoe scored the only goal of the game to take his team into 4th position. Young St Marys Boys played their hearts out in a 2-0 victory over title aspirants Copy Corner Sporting. Arthur Fernandes scored a gem of a goal with a flying scissor kick after Joshua Dsa sent in a low floater. This propelled the St Marys boys and Roy Dias St Marys main striker was on target after being put through by Brian Alphonso. The victory took St Marys into 5th position and Copy Corner lie in 8th place.
| May 14 |
NEWS |
Note-1: "Player of Indian Origin" Vikash Dhorasoo has been chosen by French national coach Raymond Domenech for his 23-men Equipe Tricolore squad for the upcoming 2006 FIFA World Cup. The 32 year old Paris St Germain FC midfielder has made it for the first time into the France World Cup squad.
Detailed information and pictures are available at the >>IndianFootball.Com 2006 World Cup Special.
| May 13 |
RESULTS & NEWS |
10th National League - Mumbai: Air-India 1-0 Salgaocar SC - Goal: 1-0 Paresh Shivalkar (57').
In a battle to survive the drop from the NFL promoted Air-India ensured that they stay another season in the NFL's Premier Division with a lone goal victory against former champions Salgaocar SC in a 10th National League match at the Cooperage Ground, Mumbai. Air-India remain seventh and now have 18 points from 16 matches, while Salgaocar SC remain on a relegation spot in ninth with only 11 points from 15 matches.
Air-India played an attacking game right throughout the match, making clear their intentions of wanting to win the match to ensure their NFL status.
Air-India had their chances in the first half through Paresh Shivalkar, Suley Musah and Bashiree Mohammed Abbas but either Salgaocar keeper Sangram Mukherjee or someone else was in the way. The important winner was scored for Air-India in the 57.minute when Paresh Shivalkar played a one-two with Narender Meetei before placing the ball past keeper Sangram Mukherjee. Salgaocar did try and come back into the match thereafter, but the Air-India defence was rock solid on the day not allowing Salgaocar any clear shots on goal.
MAN of the MATCH: Paresh Shivalkar (Air-India).
Detailed information and pictures are available at the >>IndianFootball.Com NFL Special.
12th Youth Soccer Championship, Kohima - Final: New Market XI 0-3 Penguin Club - Goals: 0-1 Kobou (56'), 0-2 Sedengulie (60'), 0-3 Beizo (66').
Penguin Club lifted the 12th Youth Soccer Championships, organized by Classic Club, Kohima.
Penguin Club recorded a facile 3-0 win over two times winner New Market XI in the finals today. With the win Penguin pocketed cash Rs.70, 000, a glittering running trophy and certificates.
Secretary to the Government of Nagaland, L. Kire IFS graced the closing function as the chief guest. In his address he congratulated the Classic Club, Kohima for continuously organizing the met for the last 12 years. Later he distributed the prizes.
| May 12 |
RESULTS & NEWS |
10th National League - Mumbai: Mahindra United 1-2 Mohun Bagan AC - Goals: 0-1 Dipendu Biswas (23'), 0-2 Dharamjit Singh (44'), 1-2 Rauf Kher Khan (61').
Newly crowned NFL champions Mahindra United suffered a 1-2 home loss against three-time former champions Mohun Bagan AC in a 10th National League match at the Cooperage Ground, Mumbai. Mahindra United remain on 35 points from 16 matches; while Mohun Bagan moved to 24 points from 15 matches, still with a chance to finish second in the league.
MAN of the MATCH: ???
YELLOW-RED CARD: Surajit Bose (74', Mahindra).
REFEREE: MK Roy (Assam).
Detailed information and pictures are available at the >>IndianFootball.Com NFL Special.
Note-1: The final round of the 15th Dutta Ray Trophy (Under-21 Nationals) will be held from May 15 to 25, 2006 in Jamalpur, Bihar. After the qualifiers where held across the five zones in the last few weeks, now the best eight states will face each other in the finals. Hosts Bihar face last year finalists Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Punjab in Group A; while defending champions West Bengal are in Group B along with Mizoram, Kerala and Services.
Click here for the >>15th Dutta Ray Trophy (Under-21) - Finals fixtures
| May 11 |
RESULTS & NEWS |
10th National League - Goa: Sporting Clube de Goa 2-2 Dempo SC - Goals: 0-1 Ranty Martins Soleye (6'), 1-1,2-2 Chidi Edeh (47',87'), 1-2 Nacimento Silveira (80').
Super Cup winners Sporting Clube de Goa held now former NFL champions Dempo SC to a two-all draw in a Goan derby in the 10th National League at the floodlit Nehru Stadium, Margao. Dempo SC remain in third position with now 24 points from 16 matches, while Sporting Clube are fourth with 23 points but having played a match less.
MAN of the MATCH: Nacimento Silveira (Dempo).
REFEREE: Manuel Pereira (Maharashtra).
Detailed information and pictures are available at the >>IndianFootball.Com NFL Special.
15.Dutta Ray Trophy (Under-21) Trophy - North Zone Qualifiers - Final: Punjab 2-1 Uttar Pradesh - Goals: 1-0 Asim Hassan (22'), 2-0 Amandeep Singh (33'), 2-1 Anil Uraon (79').
Punjab qualify for the 15.Dutta Ray Trophy (Under-21) Trophy finals!
15.Dutta Ray Trophy (Under-21) Trophy - West Zone Qualifiers - Final: Madhya Pradesh 0-1 Maharashtra
Maharashtra qualify for the 15.Dutta Ray Trophy (Under-21) Trophy finals!
15.Dutta Ray Trophy (Under-21) Trophy - East Zone Qualifiers: Jharkhand 5-1 Chattisgarh
15.Dutta Ray Trophy (Under-21) Trophy - East Zone Qualifiers: Orissa 0-2 Services
12th Youth Soccer Championship, Kohima - Semifinal: New Market XI 1-0 United XI [golden Goal] - Goal: 1-0 Tosovi (82').
Note-1: Defending champions West Bengal have announced their state U21 team for the national finals of the 15.Dutta Ray Trophy (Under-21) Trophy to be held in Jamalpur, Bihar from May 21. The team will be coached by Raghu Nandy with Tanumoy Bose as the goalkeeping coach.
WEST BENGAL U21: Swarup Das, Shyam Mondal, Mohan Chakraborty, Achinta Saha, Gautam Thakur (all George Telegraph SC), Skeikh Azim, Prasanta Chakraborty, Ayan Chowdhury, Bhola Prasad (all Tollygunge Agragami), Gouranga Biswas, Buang Puia, Lalhmangaihzuala (all SAIL), Muzaffar Rehman, Ratan Das (both EverReady SA), Naru Gopal Hait, Tarif Ahmed (both Mohammedan AC), Pradip Roy (Wari AC), Akhil Rajbanshi (Peerless SC), Bhaskar Adhikary (Milan Bithee), Abhisek Aich (East Bengal U19).
On Stand-by: Biplab Naskar, Ashim Das (both Railway FC), Arup Debnath (SAIL), Mrinmoy Chakraborty (Eastern Railway SC), Rahul Bhattacharjee (Calcutta Customs), Mohammed Rakim (Milan Bithee).
| May 10 |
RESULTS & NEWS |
12th Youth Soccer Championship, Kohima - Semifinal: Kuki Youth Club 1-3 Penguin Club - Goals: 0-1,1-2 Azo (17',82'), 1-1 Mangkai (62'), 1-3 Kobou (84').
Note-1: The Indian Football Association's Governing Body held elections for key Office Bearer positions of the Association. Aditya Kashyap was elected unopposed as the new IFA president for the period of 2006/07 to 2009/2010. The IFA's new vice-President's are Krishnendu Banerjee, Prafulla Sett and NR Dutta, who have been elected from 2006/07 to 2007/08. KD Pal remains treasurer for a full term until 2010.
The newly elected President Aditya Kashyap mentioned on assuming responsibility, "I look forward to working with all the members of the IFA for the betterment of this beautiful game. I am sure that we will be able to further the cause of this great game to a large extent in my tenure with IFA."
IFA secretary Subrata Dutta said after the results were declared, "Aditya Kashyap has conceptualized Super Soccer in India and he has immense contacts in the corporate arena worldwide. Besides he has also been instrumental in the initialization and grand success of the Tata Football Academy. This can be capitalized for the commercialization of Football in Bengal and I am sure that this will further accelerate the development of the game in the State. I am happy that the newly elected governing body has elected the right persons at the right places."
Note-2: Zyco Dubai scored two fluent wins over SFX Old Goa and Phoenix Loutolim in the first UAE Indian Expat Football League organised by Gulf International Promotions at the Dubai Club for Special Sports.
In the first match Zyco Dubai got the better of SFX Old Goa 2-0. M Ahmed and K Riyaz scored two individual goals to seal the match. Cajeton Fernandes and Peter Fernandes put up some resistance for the Old Goa team but could not avoid defeat. In the second match Zyco had a tougher time defeating Phoenix Loutolim by 2-1. Loutolim led by Marcu played a fast game but lacked finishing. Mejo Jose was in top form for Loutolim and scored the opening goal. Zyco soon fought back with Biju finishing off a good pass from Manoj Athanikal. In the second half Biju rounded off the game with a close tap in. Moses D'Silva and Lucas Fernandes did their best for the equalizer but failed and had to go home empty handed. Zyco are in 10th position while Loutolim are one place below. Copy Corner Sporting had to pull out all stops to get the better of Vaxim Divar 1-0. Divar had the better exchanges with Russel Rodrigues and Colin D'Cruz making inroads but it was Copy Corner who scored through Subair. This goal turned out to be the match winner and take Copy Corner to 4th position. In the match of the day experienced prevailed over youth when Varca FC got the better of young St Marys Boys 3-2. In an exciting game St Marys took the lead through Roy Das only to see agile Shane Thomas score from close range. Vice Captain Keegan D'Costa regained the lead for St Marys but three minutes later fleet footed Steve Gurung latched on to a defence lapse to equalize yet again. Both teams went in search of the equalizer and Varca were rewarded when Steve scored his second of the night to take all three points. St Marys slipped to 5th position while Varca remain in 9th place. New Entrants Almoe held a strong Siolim United to a goalless draw. Almoe are in 3rd place while Siolim fell to 8th position. St Anthony managed by Jerry Fernandes took all three points when they shocked Phoenix Loutolim 1-0. Derryl Carvalho who had a good game scored the all important winner. St Anthony are in 12th position. Emirates Flight Catering led by Inacio Fernandes scored a hard fought 1-0 over a stubborn Zuari FC. Both teams played a fast game with Lynton D'Souza and Ashton D'Souza playing well for the Zuari team while Sebyton Colaco and Avino Fernandes did the job for the catering lads. The only goal of the match was scored by captain Inacio in the 15th minute of the second half. Emirates are in 6th place while Zuari remain in 13th position. Zuari bounced back in the second game to defeat an experienced SFX Old Goa 3-0. The Zuari lads went all out for attack and were 2-0 up at half time through Ashton D'Souza and Avinash Phineiro. SFX Old Goa fought back in the second half and were rewarded when William Fernandes scored a solo goal to reduce the margin. Zuari however had the last word with Avinash Pinheiro scoring off a pass from Adrian Sequeira. To take all three points. Almoe played their second draw of the night when they held Varca FC to a 0-0 scoreline. Both teams failed in front of the goal and had to share the spoils. Emirates Flight Catering had a good day when they held a strong Vaxim Divar to a goalless draw and share the points. Although Divar had the better of exchanges they missed several sitters and could have scored many goals but their forwards appeared to be goal shy. Emirates lads put up a spirited display to go home satisfied. Divar slipped two places to 7th position. Dubai Republicans were awarded three points when Desert Cubs gave them a walkover. The sixteen team league continues on Saturday.
| May 9 |
RESULTS & NEWS |
They have made the wonder complete! The teenagers from the Jamshedpur-based Tata Football Academy have topped the 2nd Division National Football League - Super Six finals in Bangalore to gain promotion to the NFL's Premier Division for the first time along with Goan side Churchill Brothers SC, who only got relegated last season.
With the promotion of TFA for the first time an Academy side will become part of India's Premier League and also Jamshedpur will become an NFL venue next season. A great success for the Academy founded back in 1987, which celebrates its 20th anniversary next year.
If the just released TFA cadets might remain with TFA will have to be seen as most of the boys have already signed contracts with top clubs across India, but TFA will need to strengthen their squad to be a force to reckon with within the NFL or to just play a season at the top level. That is something the Tata Steel management will not want to do.
10th National League - Mumbai: Mahindra United 2-0 Air-India - Goals: 1-0 Surajit Bose (15'), 2-0 Shanmugam Venkatesh (70').
Newly crowned NFL Champions Mahindra United added the icing to their victory-cake by disposing off of their nemesis and arch city-rivals Air-India 2-0, here at the Cooperage ground. This was the fifth encounter of the season between the two Mumbai big-wigs, but the first time that the Jeepmen had come out on top. Despite sealing the championship the previous night as East Bengal lost to Sporting Clube de Goa, the Mahindra team kept in focus their urge to set the record straight against the Airmen, and executed their plan to perfection. Air-India on their part, remain hovering just above the relegation zone (with 15 points in as many games), and are involved in a direct three way tussle with Mohammedans (14 points from 15 games) and Salgaocars (11 points from 14 games), to avoid the drop.
Coach Derrick Pereira continued with the basic line-up that had won the previous four NFL games in a row, highlighting the importance he attached to defeating Air-India at least once this season, despite having sealed the title and having a crucial AFC game to play yet. Steven Dias was named on the bench due to a slight injury that had prevented him from training the previous day. Air-India too came out in their preferred 5-2-3 formation, with Noel Fernandes stepping into the suspended Vijith Shetty's central midfield enforcer role. However the local derby bite and experience of their defenders Nepoleon Singh and Benoy Kuruvilla (both injured), was missing, as Air-India were unable to deploy their characteristic rough and high-energy game to unsettle the champions. The Cooperage field, which was the lushest and smoothest it has been this season, also helped the United players strut their stuff more than on previous occasions against Air-India. So it wasn't a surprise, as Surajit Bose found himself clean through on goal behind a gaping defence as early as 15 minutes, and slotted home for the opener, his first NFL goal of the season. Thereafter there were a few close chances at either end. However the main action came right towards the end of the half, as goalkeeper Subhashish Roy Choudhury was left exposed by the defenders, and had no choice but to handle the ball outside the area to prevent the equaliser. Sandip Nandy was called into action following Subhashish's expulsion, with goalscorer Surajit Bose being sacrificed to make way.
After the switch of ends however, it did not much look like Air-India were a man up. They brought on another striker, trying to go more direct, but the Mahindra defence stood firm, emphatically displaying how they had kept four clean sheets in a row prior to this game. Sandip probably was called upon to soil his jersey even less than Subhashish. The introduction of pacy Steven Dias added a new dimension to the United counter-attack system, and on one such attack, his measured pass to Venkatesh, was again calmly slotted in by the captain for the second of the evening. This was Venky's fourth goal in three successive NFL games, a scoring streak he himself probably hasn't ever got on before. Finally, towards the end crowd favourite Jinto Jose, for whom chants had been ringing for him to be brought on, was indeed brought on in injury time. The Mahindra team got down to their much deserved celebrations immediately upon the final whistle.
However there was an unfortunate twist to the events. MDFA President Commander Kehar Singh threw a momentary dampener, by refusing to allow the Mahindra officials, including Mr. Alan Durante and the remaining Mahindra players in the stands, in addition to most of the mediamen, to enter the field and join in with the celebrations. That led to a heated discussion between him and the manager Henry Menezes, with Kehar Singh gesticulating and shouting his indignance. Wholly unwanted scene those, and to their credit, the Mahindra contingent didn't bother to say anything to him, after the fence gate had been forced open and one and all joined up to celebrate. But it did leave a bad taste in the mouth, for it was seemingly disappointing behaviour from a person of responsibilty such as the Association President, on what was an occasion to celebrate both for Mahindra and their Mumbai fans, of whom they had had many this season in the stands.
MAHINDRA: 1-Subhashish Roy Chowdhury, 27-Irungbam Surkumar Singh, 14-Mahesh Gawli, 18-Peter Siddique, 4-Deepak Kumar Mondal, 7-Sushanth Mathew, 19-David Adjei, 6-Shanmugam Venkatesh (90'+2' 2-Jinto Jose), 29-Rauf Sher Khan (66' 23-Steven Dias), 9-Surajit Bose (45'+3' 24-Sandip Nandy), 10-Yusif Yakubu.
AIR-INDIA: 21-Raju Ekka, 27-Suley Musah, 11-Hringsolal Thomte, 6-Uttam Leishangthem Singh, 28-Abiodun Kolawole Martins, 19-Santosh Koli, 9-Noel Fernandes (77' 10-T. Narender Meetei), 14-Javed Ansari (64' 18-Hamza Zaheer Abbas), 26-Soccor Velho (54' 7-Anthony Fernandes), 30-Bashiree Mohammed Abbas, 20-Paresh Shivalkar.
MAN of the MATCH: Shanmugam Venkatesh (Mahindra).
RED CARD: Subhashish Roy Chowdhury (45'+1', Mahindra United).
YELLOW CARD: Subhashish Roy Chowdhury (43', Mahindra United).
REFEREE: S Suresh (Tamil Nadu).
Detailed information and pictures are available at the >>IndianFootball.Com NFL Special.
2nd Division National Football League - Super Six: Churchill Brothers SC 1-2 Tata Football Academy - Goals: 0-1 Vimal Pariyar (57'), 1-1 Odafe Onyeka Okolie (70'), 1-2 Robert Lalthalma (90').
15.Dutta Ray Trophy (Under-21) Trophy - North Zone Qualifiers - Semifinal: Punjab 2-0 Delhi - Goals: 1-0 Hardeep Singh (35'), 2-0 Rohit (77').
15.Dutta Ray Trophy (Under-21) Trophy - West Zone Qualifiers - Semifinal: Maharashtra 1-0 Goa
15.Dutta Ray Trophy (Under-21) Trophy - East Zone Qualifiers: Orissa 5-3 Jharkhand
15.Dutta Ray Trophy (Under-21) Trophy - East Zone Qualifiers: Services 4-0 Chattisgarh
12th Youth Soccer Championship, Kohima - Quarterfinal: New Market XI 0-0,3-1 Meluri Sporting Club [penalties] - Goals: none.
Note-1: The AIFF is holding an Introductory Football Coaching Course from May 14 2006 for Physical Education Teachers and others dealing with football at school level from schools who are located in and around Dwarka. The interested teachers may contact Gabriel Joseph, AIFF Director Coaching, on his Mobile Number 98734-11465 regarding terms and conditions and participation .The course will be conducted at the AIFF Football House, Sector 19, Dwarka in New Delhi.
| May 8 |
MAHINDRA UNITED win their first-ever National Football League title! |
CONGRATULATIONS from the IndianFootball.Com Editorial Team to MAHINDRA UNITED!
The wait is finally over for the Mumbai giants Mahindra United! The Jeepmen have finally won their first-ever National Football League title in the 10th season of India's Premier Football League.
The hard work of coach Derrick Pereira and his assistants, manager Henry Menezes, club officials under president Alan Durante and most of all - the players paid off. It was a hard and gruelsome season with Mahindra United losing their way somewhat in the middle of the campaign, but they regained their form and confidence at the right time to bring home the title for the first time to Mumbai. And to win the title they didn't even have to play as their closest rivals East Beng