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2008 Beijing Olympics Football Tournament - Asian Qualifiers - King Abdullah Stadium, Amman, Jordan: Iraq U23 3-0 INDIA U23
Goals: 1-0 Mustafa Karim Abdullah (51'), 2-0 Ala'a Abdul Zahra Khashen (68'), 3-0 Haeder Aboodi Hantosh (70').
More information & pictures are available at the >>IndianFootball.Com National Team special

Manipur State League: SAI Regional Centre,Imphal 1-2 RACC, Churachandpur - Goals: 1-0 Th Bishworchandra Singh (14'), 1-1,1-2 Vida L Hmar (47',76').
Manipur State League: AMOFA, Moirang 5-4 Phoudel Youth Club, Thoubal - Goals: 1-0,2-0 Th Joychandra Singh (7',12'), 2-1 Mohammed Riyaz Khan (31'), 2-2 Mohammed Zia-ul-Haque (47'), 3-2,4-3,5-3 M Bijen Singh (51',76',82'), 3-3 L Indramani Singh (64'), 3-4 O Naoba Singh (72').
Manipur State League: YWC, Thambalkhong 3-2 Eastern Sporting Union - Goals: 0-1 L Ibothoi Singh (22'), 1-1 L Nabachandra Singh (63'), 1-2 M Somochandra Singh (66'), 2-2 Th Santosh Singh (75'), 3-2 L Sumin (90+').

::: 11th NFL Snippets :::
• Brazilian Douglas da Silva finally was able to sign for Mohun Bagan AC today for the remainder of the NFL. He replaces countrymen Eduardo Chacon Coelho Lacerda, who is out for the season injured.
• HAL have finally been able to sign a foreigner. Nigerian defender Femi Joseph Adeola has signed for the Bangalore side. Adeola had earlier played for Air-India, but couldn't keep his place in the team.
• East Bengal have send a letter to the AIFF informing them about the poor quality of refereeing in their last couple of matches, where according to the club penalties were denied to them and fouls not given.

::: 1st Manipur State League: YWO, Bishnupur out of league :::
The 1st Manipur State League will continue from now on with 11 instead of 12 clubs. The All-Manipur FA executive council yesterday decided to take Youth Welfare Organisation, Bishnupur off the league for the remaining 11 rounds of the return-leg.
Here the 1st Manipur State League page

February 27

RESULTS & NEWS

11th National League - Cooperage Ground, Mumbai: Air-India 0-0 JCT, Phagwara
Goals: none.
Mumbai's Air-India held former champions JCT from Phagwara to a goalless draw in the 11th National League at the Cooperage Ground, Mumbai. Air-India now have 11 points from seven matches, while JCT have been able to get only six points from the same number of matches.
The Airmen had a bad day in office but the Phagwara Millmen for all their dominance could not take advantage of the situation as their biggest weakness in this NFL showed again: converting chances into goals. JCT's Nigerian Adebayo Tokunbo Adewusi had a commanding match in midfield taking charge and creating chances along with deadball specialist Renedy Singh, but striker Chidi Edeh was well marked by Air-India defender Abiodun Kolawole Martins as was Air-India dangerman Bashiree Mohammed Abbas by JCT's Anwar Ali.
JCT's best chances in the first half came of a Renedy freekick which just went over and Chidi Edeh couldn't connect a Renedy freekick. In the second half there was a competition between Air-India's Uttam Leishangthem Singh and JCT's Daljit Singh with their throw-ins. Both are capable of creating problems with their long throw-in's but today it just didn't work. JCT's best chance in the second half came of "Man of the Match" Adebayo whose shot went over.
JCT's India tour continues with a match in Bangalore against Hindustan Aeronautics Limited SC on March 5, while Air-India travel to Goa to face Dempo SC on March 9.
AIR-INDIA: 21-Raju Ekka; 2-Haobijam Napoleon Singh, 4-Benoy Kuruvilla, 28-Abiodun Kolawole Martins, 19-Santosh Koli, 9-Noel Fernandes (90+3' 18-Hamza Zaheer Abbas), 23-Sanju Pradhan (56' 6-Uttam Leishangthem Singh), 11-Hringsolal Thomte, 20-Paresh Shivalkar, 27-Bashiree Mohammed Abbas, 8-Kumar Samson Singh.
JCT: 1-Karanjit Singh, 13-Baldeep Singh Sr, 24-Gurwinder Singh, 3-Anwar Ali, 12-Daljit Singh, 27-Baldeep Singh Jr, 28-Shivraj Singh, 20-Adebayo Tokunbo Adewusi, 15-P Renedy Singh, 10-Chidi Edeh (82' 8-Jaswinder Singh), 17-Parveen Kumar (76' 25-Sakatar Singh).
ONGC MAN of the MATCH: Adebayo Tokunbo Adewusi (JCT).
YELLOW CARDS: none.
REFEREE: Benjamin D'Silva (Goa).
ASSISTANT REFEREES: Dhanapati Roy (West Bengal), Jayendra Nagvenkar (Goa).
FOURTH OFFICIAL: Subrata Sarkar (West Bengal).
For detailed information and pictures go to the >>IndianFootball.Com National League Special

11th National League - Saltlake Stadium, Calcutta: East Bengal Club 1-0 Mohun Bagan AC
Goal: 1-0 Soumik Dey (15').
Former champions East Bengal Club moved to the top of the 11th National League standings with a lone goal win against archrivals Mohun Bagan AC at the floodlit Saltlake Stadium, Calcutta. East Bengal now have 14 points from seven matches, while Mohun Bagan remain just above the drop zone on seven points from the same number of matches.
It was a match of two halves. In the first 45 minutes it was East Bengal taking charge and getting the lead, but in the second half it saw a Mohun Bagan fightback but without the desired result for the Green-and-Maroon.
Mohun Bagan went into the match without an injured Baichung Bhutia and then also lost captain Jose Ramirez Barreto due to an injury in the 10th minute. This seemed to affect the young Bagan brigade, while East Bengal took full advantage as they look the lead in the 15th minute. East Bengal captain Alvito D'Cunha crossed into the middle with the Bagan defence caught off guard, which East Bengal's Izumi Arata couldn't utilise, but there was Soumik Dey to head home. Thereafter East Bengal could have doubled the lead with chances for striker Boniface Ngairah Ambani and Edmilson Marques Pardal. Just after the half hour mark Mohun Bagan were once more hit on the injury front with Brazilian defender Fabio Cortez Vidal having to limp off, while Alvito also left the field in the 36th minute due to a reoccurring injury for which he normally would have missed the match. But it is India's biggest derby, so both sides risked influencial players on the day.
The second half was a different story altogether and one player in particular showed glimpses of his potential, Mizo teenager and former TFA cadet Pachau Lalam Puia. But what Lalam Puia lacked on the day was the finishing of a Baichung Bhutia. After the break Lalkamal Bhowmick and Surajit Bose combined well for Mohun Bagan to create chances for Lalam Puia, but he was up against East Bengal's Abhra Mondal who denied him thrice in a short span of time. East Bengal tried to absorb the pressure in the second half and create counter-attacks but the strategy didn't work, still they kept the three points
East Bengal next travel to Mumbai to face champions Mahindra United in what could be a top of the table clash on March 16, while Mohun Bagan travel to Goa to face Sporting Clube de Goa on March 10 there.
EAST BENGAL: 21-Abhra Mondal; 20-Vincent Brice Pires, 3-Cristiano Hilario de Oliveira, 2-Muttath Suresh, 29-Soumik Dey, 7-Jayanta Sen, 32-Izumi Arata, 15-Bibiano Fernandes (65' 14-Chandan Das), 9-Alvito D'Cunha (36' 28-Shylo Malswam Tulunga), 30-Edmilson Marques Pardal (88' 25-Ashim Biswas), 10-Boniface Ngairah Ambani.
MOHUN BAGAN: 1-Sangram Mukherjee; 4-Deepak Kumar Mondal, 3-Fabio Cortez Vidal (33' 20-Sanjeev Kumar Maria), 26-Mehraj din Wadoo, 27-Suman Datta, 29-Chinmoy Sarkar, 22-Lalkamal Bhowmick, 6-Manas Das, 23-Mehtab Hussain, 10-Jose Ramirez Barreto (10' 9-Surajit Bose, 77' 8-Dipendu Biswas), 25-Pachau Lalam Puia.
ONGC MAN of the MATCH: Jayanta Sen (East Bengal).
YELLOW CARDS: Cristiano Hilario de Oliveira (46'), Abhra Mondal (86', both East Bengal); Mehtab Hussain (3'), Surajit Bose (60', both Mohun Bagan).
REFEREE: Dinesh Nair (Gujarat).
ASSISTANT REFEREES: Rizwan ul-Haq (Delhi), A Arjunan (Services).
FOURTH OFFICIAL: S Suresh (Tamil Nadu).
For detailed information and pictures go to the >>IndianFootball.Com National League Special

Bangalore Super Division: SAI, Bangalore 1-1 ADE - Goals: 0-1 Thamarai (67'), 1-1 Sudan Kumar (85').

27th All-India Petroleum Sports Control Board Trophy, Duliajan - Final: Oil India Limited A 1-0 ONGC - Goal: 1-0 H Zaidinmawia (30').
27th All-India Petroleum Sports Control Board Trophy, Duliajan - 3rd Place Playoff: Bharat Petroleum 4-0 Numaligarh Refinery Limited - Goals: 1-0 Bipul Thakuria (15'), 2-0 Shanti R Majumder (37'), 3-0 KV Viju Kumar (45'), 4-0 MJ Martin (62').

6th All-India BSNL Football Cup, Chandigarh - Final: West Bengal 5-1 Karnataka

::: 4th All-India Abhijeet Kadam Football Cup 2007, Pune - Day 10 :::
by Micky Aigner: If only Titanium, Kerala could convert the innumerable chances that came their way Central Railways (Headquarters), Mumbai would not have walked away with the winner's cheque. As a result, the Mumbai side walked out champions of the IV All-India Abhijeet Kadam Football Cup en cashing their opponent's gifted opportunity via the sudden-death.
At the Bharati Vidyapeeth ground, on Tuesday, the Railways side found their hero in goalkeeper Arun Deb after both teams were locked 1-1 at regulation time and then 3-3 in the tie-breaker. Down to the first set of penalty-kicks in the tie-breaker, Railways who had the first go, converted via Arun NK who sent Titanium 'keeper Joby Joseph the wrong way. Najeeb Khan who had Titanium's responsibility, to the disappointment of all, found the Railway's custodian judge and block the attempt.
To say Railways' were worthy winners would be fair, but then that assessment would only be restricted to the tie-breaker when they rallied from a one-goal disadvantage to turn the match in their favour. During regulation time, barring the goal they slotted through Socorro Velho - who in the most casual way nodded home a Jamal cross - did nothing noteworthy. With Kasif Jamal and their prolific Socorro bottled up by the Kerala defence, Mumbai were confined to defend a barrage of attacks by their opponents.
Beginning with Ebin Rose missing a simple on the run placement with the custodian to beat in the third minute, it was the beginning of what could have been a tie decided by a huge score line in favour of the team from Kerala. On the stroke of half-time, Titanium finally found the target through a movement initiated by Cistian on the left wing. Covering ground deep onto the goalline on the edge of the box, a well laid up pass was enough for Rose to place home at the second post.
Changing ends, Railways no doubt restored parity, but thereafter found their goalmouth live dangerously. Sajan Louis on the right proved too quick for defenders Arun NK and Agnelo Fernandes. In one such move, Sajan found Jackson Sebastian's volley hit the underside of the horizontal bounce inches off the goalline. Moments later, Jackson was again in the thick of action placing wide a Cistian through pass, which only gave all the realisation that luck was definitely not in their favour.
In the tie-breaker, Railways began missing their first penalty kick through Kasif Jamal, but then after Abdul Hameed and Domnic Cleetus missing the third and fourth kick things were back to level terms, which included the fifth set being converted by both teams.
Titanium's loss in a final was the third in a row. In December 2006 they lost to Indian Football Association XI in the Saras Gold Cup, in Basel (Madhya Pradesh) and then to Punjab State Electricity Board in the Iron Ore Gold Cup in Jaisalmer.

::: 16th Sekrenyi Football League cancelled :::
by Xavier Rutsa: The Dolphin Club, Kohima has informed that the 16th Sekrenyi Football League 2007 (the local league for Kohima) has been cancelled owing to unavailability of local ground, as construction works are being carried out at the moment.
In a release Kethosietuo Mepfhü-o, general secretary Dolphin Club, Kohima said that the inconvenience cause by the absence of registered teams in Kohima district to set up a regular league fixture was also hindering the process of organizing the league. However he hoped that in due course of time, appropriate conditions would prevail so that the league would resume. The Club also informed the participating teams to bear with the cancellation of the league and look forward to participation in the years to come.

February 26

RESULTS & NEWS

Bangalore Super Division: MEG 2-0 CIL - Goals: 1-0 Dipan Thapa (49'), 2-0 Lokeshwar Singh (88').
Bangalore 'A' Division: Army Service Corps 3-1 DYSS - Goals: 1-0,2-0,3-0 Ramachandran (31',36',53'), 3-1 Dada Nabeel (82').

27th All-India Petroleum Sports Control Board Trophy, Duliajan - Semifinal: Oil India Limited A 5-0 Numaligarh Refinery Limited - Goals: 1-0,2-0 Prabodh Gogoi (6',7'), 3-0,5-0 Bhimkanta Sonowal (17',37'), 4-0 Birjab Mushahary (23').
27th All-India Petroleum Sports Control Board Trophy, Duliajan - Semifinal: ONGC 5-0 Bharat Petroleum - Goals: 1-0 Amit Mondal (18'), 2-0 R Choudhury (23'), 3-0,5-0 J Bisht (40',59'), 4-0 Anthony Fernandes (55').

::: Fixtures of 60th Punjab State Senior Football Championship out :::
The Punjab FA has made the fixtures of the 60th Punjab State Senior Football Championship 2006/07 available to us at IndianFootball.Com.
The Championship will be held at the Football Ground of ITI, Bassi Pathana, under the aegis of District FA of Fatehgarh Sahib with 17 teams from across Punjab taking part.
Here the complete 60th Punjab State Senior Football Championship fixtures

::: University of Delhi Inter-College Football Championship in Doldrums :::
The largest University in India is finding it hard to conduct its Inter-College Football Championship. The academic year is about to get over with the annual exams just about to start and there is no sign of the football championship.
When contacted Syed Shaheen, Director of Physical Education, Zakir Hussain College and the convener of the football championship said, "there are lots of problems going inside the university. The first problem was the long Delhi University Karamchari Union strike, then the half yearly exams in January and a refresher course for college physical education teachers in February, which kept the college teachers busy."
When inquired what exactly is the reason, he admitted, "It's all because of financial crisis the University Sports Council is facing. UGC has stopped giving sports grant a long back. The only source of fund which is available is the sports fee collected from students and that too is Rs. 20 per student."
Although the university is planning to raise it to Rs. 50 per head, it won't solve the current situation. After a small research it was found that the University Sports Council is only interested in the University football team. Council doesn't take interest in inter-collegiate championship, as they believe it's not their baby and colleges should conduct it. "Then why do sports council asks for sports fee from students then?" Said another college official confronting it.
Also obsolete ideas, mismanagement, red tapism and lack of interest on the part of the council is hindering the inter-collegiate championship which was in one time was so popular that thousand of spectators thronged the venue to enjoy the college level game.
The other problem is the sports calendar framed by AIU, which clashes with most of the football activities of the AIFF and the State Federation. "If AIU can consult AIFF and other state bodies for the football calendar it would become easier for individual universities to conduct its football tournaments", said Mr. Shaheen.
The university, which is boasting of helping the Delhi Government in the Commonwealth Games, should first improve their management and state of affairs.
The Sports Council should learn to be innovative and try to take initiatives to improve the standard of collegiate level football. Unlike Universities in USA, University of Delhi can market the championship and rope in sponsors/private players if they are short of money and facing it hard to conduct the championship. And it won't be tough to get sponsors for a college activity, as they are the most targeted consumers.
After all, these college students form a vast pool of footballers needed at the higher level. It may sound a small problem but if ignored now the consequences will be veiled and endangering.

::: Kutty to get T Abubacker Memorial Football Award :::
Former Indian international Moideen Kutty is going to be this years recipient of the T Abubacker Memorial Football Award on March 3 in Calicut, Kerala. Kutty would receive the award from Kerala Sports Minister M Vijayakumar, which carries a cash prize of Rs 10,000 and a plaque.

February 25

RESULTS & NEWS

::: IFC Interview with Lanel Thomas (State Bank of Travancore captain) :::
IndianFootball.Com's PS Parameswaran had a chance to talk to SBT captain Lanel Thomas about his teams preparations for the the 2.Division National League.
The State Bank of Travancore from Thiruvananthapuram will be one of the favourites to make it to the final round of the 2.Division National League, when the league kick-offs next month.
Click here to read the complete >>Lanel Thomas (State Bank of Travancore captain) interview

::: 2008 Olympic Qualifiers: AIFF name INDIA squad for Iraq match :::
The AIFF today announced the final 19 member squad for the INDIA Olympic Qualifier away match against Iraq, which will be played in neighbouring Jordan's capital Amman on February 28 due to the political situation in Iraq.
INDIA U23: Goalkeepers: Subhashish Roy Chowdhury (Mahindra United), Subrata Pal (Mohun Bagan AC), Arindam Bhattacharya (Churchill Brothers SC); Defenders: Debabrata Roy, Gurjinder Singh (both East Bengal Club), Nanjangud Shivananju Manju (Mahindra United, CAPTAIN), Dhanraj Ravanan (Mohun Bagan AC), Sunil Kumar (JCT, Phagwara), Rakesh Masih (Tata Football Academy); Midfielders: Chitrasen Chandam Singh, Praveen Rawat (both Churchill Brothers SC), Subhas Chakraborty (Mohun Bagan AC), Gouramangi Moirangthem Singh (Sporting Clube de Goa), Rocus Lamare (Salgaocar SC); Forwards: Manjit Singh (Mahindra United), Syed Rahim Nabi (East Bengal Club), Sushil Kumar Singh (Mohun Bagan AC), Branco Vincent Cardozo (Tata Football Academy), Tarif Ahmed (ONGC, Mumbai).
Officials: Colin Toal (Chief Coach); Stanley Rozario (Assistant Coach); Antonio Marcus Pacheco (Goalkeeping Coach); Santo Mitra (Manager); Dr. Manabendra Bhattacharya (Doctor); Suresh Babu (Physical Trainer); Rathin Mazumdar (Physio).

2008 Beijing Olympics Women's Football Tournament - Asian Qualifiers - Chennai: INDIA 0-3 South Korea
Goals: 0-1 Yke Lim Lee (25'), 0-2 Hee Young Park (38'), 0-3 Seula Moon (39').
The Indian Women's Qualifiers for the 2008 Beijing Olympics ended in the first round itself with a 0-8 aggregate loss against South Korea. In the return-leg at the Nehru Stadium, Chennai the Indian Women lost 0-3 with all goals coming in the first half.
INDIA: Ronibala Chanu Lourembem; Ranjita Devi Tekcham, Kumari Rabika Devi, Romi Devi Ashem, Nameirakpam Geeta Rani Chanu, Lal Varmoi Hmar, Shadokpam Rani Chanu (76' Manpreet Kaur), Ngangom Bala Devi, Oinam Bem Bem Devi, Thingran Tababi Devi (81' Thangran), Sujata Kar (60' Gitanjali Kuntia).
SOUTH KOREA: Jung-Mi Kim; Kyung-Suk Hong, Ji-Eun Yu, Kye-Lim Lee, Do-Yeon Kim, Hah-Nul Kwon (77' Bo-Ram Hwang), Se-Eun Lee, Jin-Hee Kim (61' Cho-Hee Kim), Hee-Young Park, Young-A Yoo (53' Song-I Han).
More information & pictures are available at the >>IndianFootball.Com National Team special

Bangalore Super Division: LRDE 0-0 Southern Blues FC - Goals: none.
Bangalore 'A' Division: Nationals FC 1-0 BWSSB - Goal: 1-0 Shoban (84').
Manipur State League: Tiddim Road Athletic Union 1-0 NEROCA - Goal: 1-0 Luminlal Khongsai (70').
Manipur State League: Eastern Sporting Union 0-2 Manipur Police SC - Goals: 0-1 I Nilakumar Singh (57'), 0-2 Sanaton Singh (66').
Manipur State League: YWC, Thambalkhong 3-0 Kakching FC - Goals: 1-0 Ng Santosh Singh (6'), 2-0 Th Santosh Singh (50'), 3-0 L Sumin (78').

27th All-India Petroleum Sports Control Board Trophy, Duliajan - Group A: Oil India Limited A 3-0 Oil India Limited B - Goals: 1-0 Bulu Jigdang (10',36',37').
27th All-India Petroleum Sports Control Board Trophy, Duliajan - Group B: ONGC 8-0 IBP - Goals: 1-0,3-0 Abhishek Yadav (7,13'), 2-0 Gulidom Rongmai (12'), 4-0 Palash Ghosh (19'), 5-0,6-0 Rakshak Naik (37,43'), 7-0 J Bisht (49'), 8-0 B Baruah (51').
27th All-India Petroleum Sports Control Board Trophy, Duliajan - Group C: GAIL 2-4 Numaligarh Refinery Limited - Goals: 0-1,0-2,0-4 Rajani Kanta Borah (10',29',43'), 0-2 Harun Ali Rashid (17'), 1-4 Dulal Gain (52'), 2-4 SMK Reddy (55').

::: Mohammedan Sporting Club replace Coach Subhas Bhowmick with Biswajit Bhattacharjee :::
Calcutta giants Mohammedan Sporting Club have replaced their coach Subhas Bhowmick with Biswajit Bhattacharjee. The club officials said that they were forced to take this step as the performances of the team have been less then satisfactory in the Durand Cup, Federation Cup and National League. Currently Mohammedan Sporting are bottom of the 11th NFL table.
Biswajit, who returns to Sporting 15 month's after he had left the club, has been given a contract until the end of the season.

::: 4th All-India Abhijeet Kadam Football Cup 2007, Pune - Day 8 :::
by Micky Aigner: In a battle between spirit and experience, the latter had its say as Goa Under-20 despite putting their best foot forward were way below the experience that Central Railways Headquarters, Mumbai possessed. As a result, the Mumbai squad - a last minute replacement of Sagolband United, Manipur - made it to the final of the IV Abhijeet Kadam Memorial Football Cup 2007.
The 4-1 score line may seem one-sided but despite two twin strikes in either half, it was the Goans who showed the temperament to match their rivals who had a host of former internationals in their ranks. With the Mumbai squad holding the distinct edge right through - a treat for the strong spectator turnout who came to get a glimpse of Bollywood stars Salman Khan and Suniel Shetty - an end-game skirmish made them villains eventually.
On field, the Mumbai squad went ahead through Socorro Velho (4th) who picked up Sumesh KS' though pass and on the run blasted a volley pas the Goan custodian Jason D'Mello. In the span of a little less than 100 seconds, the Mumbai squad doubled the advantage thanks to Kasif Jamal's square pass to Socorro who blasted from close range. The Goan defence cracked repeatedly as Jamal and Socorro were all over the defence, but it was the brilliance of Jason under the bar who kept the score to minimum.
Changing ends, the Goans found some headway from the right as the Railways' defence of Agnello Fernandes and Prakash Janrdhan time and again were beaten by the speedy Calvin Lobo.
On at least two occasions the Goans lacked imagination in front of the goal. First to disappoint was Bevan D'Mello who was caught in two minds whether to volley or head when Lobo squeezed in a cross from the right. The next was closer when Clifford Rodrigues header - off a Lobo cross- was tipped out of play on the goalline by Railways' custodian Raghuvir Khanolkar. With Santan Rodrigues testing the Mumbai 'keeper with a long range the Goans suddenly developed the confidence, will and importantly the ambition of taking on their well set rivals.
A snap-shot taken by Arun EK that viciously dipped left the Goan custodian blank and made the encounter look like a washout. However a minute later Gabriel Fernandes connected Bevan's pass sending the crowd in raptures.
However, what followed was not the sight one would of expected to see from a seasoned team like Mumbai. In their euphoria, Bevan rushed to collect the ball from the net, which it seemed was not liked by the Mumbai 'keeper Khanolkar, who tried to snatch the ball. What ensued was a melee with Bevan not giving in. With Bevan being pushed to the turf the game for a minute was nothing but push and shove. Result: both Khanolkar and Bevan were shown the red.
Down to ten men each, the Mumbai squad added another with two minutes to go. A free-kick won by Socorro, saw the wily striker take the 'free-kick' quickly. Finding to M Shafique unmarked on the right a perfect placement put the issue beyond imagination for the Goans.

February 24

RESULTS & NEWS

11th National League - Barasat Stadium, Calcutta: East Bengal Club 0-0 Dempo SC
Goals: none.
The much anticipated top of the table clash in the 11th National League between East Bengal Club and Dempo SC ended in a goalless draw at the Barasat Stadium, Calcutta. Both sides along with Mahindra United now have 11 points from six matches. But Dempo stay on top with a better goal difference of +6 ahead of Mahindra United with +4, while East Bengal Club stay third on +3.
East Bengal had the first chance of the match in the very second minute when a Jayanta Sen throw-in was headed towards the goal by Izumi Arata and Kenyan striker Boniface Ngairah Ambani following the flight of the ball headed the ball onto the bar. Thereafter East Bengal were hit by injuries to two of their players. First captain Alvito D'Cunha had to leave the field with a calf muscle injury and he was soon followed by defender Covan Lawrence. Both players are doubtful for Tuesday's derby against Mohun Bagan and their departure had an effect on the Red-and-Gold's further game today. Dempo thereafter controlled the midfield but chances were few as the match was mainly confined to the middle third.
After the breather both sides had their chances. Edmilson could have scored twice for East Bengal, while Dempo's best chance came of a corner from Brazilian Roberto Mendes Silva, whose ball touched the crossbar. Dempo had further chances through dangerman Ranty Martins Soleye, but East Bengal keeper Rajat Ghosh Dastidar kept his ground.
After today's draw East Bengal next face archrivals Mohun Bagan at the Saltlake Stadium on Tuesday, February 27. Meanwhile Dempo travel home to Goa for a local derby of their own against Churchill Brothers SC on March 4.
EAST BENGAL: 24-Rajat Ghosh Dastidar, 20-Vincent Brice Pires, 4-Covan Lawrence (25' 15-Bibiano Fernandes), 2-Muttath Suresh, 29-Soumik Dey, 3-Cristiano Hilario de Oliveira, , 32-Izumi Arata (67' 25-Ashim Biswas)7-Jayanta Sen, 9-Alvito D'Cunha (12' 28-Shylo Malswam Tulunga), 10-Boniface Ngairah Ambani, 30-Edmilson Marques Pardal.
DEMPO: 21-VP Satish Kumar, 18-Valeriano Rebello, 3-John Charles Dias, 2-Majekodumni Bolaji, 24-Melwyn Rodrigues, 15-Clifford Miranda, 11-Roberto Mendes Silva (83' 7-Nascimento Silveira), 8-Climax Lawrance, 6-Peter Carvalho (80' 22-Ishfaq Ahmed), 9-Ranty Martins Soleye, 14-Anthony Pereira.
ONGC MAN of the MATCH: Rajat Ghosh Dastidar (East Bengal).
YELLOW CARDS: Muttath Suresh (10'), Edmilson Marques Pardal (49', both East Bengal); Ranty Martins Soleye (10'), Melwyn Rodrigues (48', both Dempo).
REFEREE: S Suresh (Tamil Nadu).
ASSISTANT REFEREES: Rizwan ul Haq (Delhi), Om Prakash Thakur (Jharkhand).
FOURTH OFFICIAL: A Arjunan (Services).
For detailed information and pictures go to the >>IndianFootball.Com National League Special

Bangalore Super Division: Karnataka State Police 2-0 ADE - Goals: 1-0 Arun Kumar (13'), 2-0 Archan (54').
Bangalore 'A' Division: DYSS 4-0 Oriental FC - Goals: 1-0,2-0,4-0 Kalandhar (60',79',89'), 3-0 Enosh (84').

27th All-India Petroleum Sports Control Board Trophy, Duliajan - Group A: Oil India Limited A 12-0 Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited - Goals: 1-0,5-0 Bulu Jigdang (2',13'), 2-0 Manikanta Brahma (6'), 3-0,7-0,11-0 Jayanta Basumatary (7',18',40'), 4-0,6-0,8-0 H Zaidinmawia (8',17',35'), 9-0 Prabodh Gogoi (36'), 10-0 Ratul Sonowal (39'), 12-0 Monoj Gogoi (66').
27th All-India Petroleum Sports Control Board Trophy, Duliajan - Group B: Bongaigaon Refinery Petrochemicals Limited 1-0 IBP - Goal: 1-0 JC Barman (15').
27th All-India Petroleum Sports Control Board Trophy, Duliajan - Group D: IOC (AOD) 1-3 Bharat Petroleum - Goals: 0-1 Rajat Basu (45'), 0-2 PK Siju (52'), 1-2 Dipankar Phukan (58'), 1-3 VP Balachandran.

::: 4th All-India Abhijeet Kadam Football Cup 2007, Pune - Day 7 :::
by Micky Aigner: Youth simply refused to take a back seat against seasoned campaigners. With star-rated Mohun Bagan-SAIL Football Academy making a premature exit, Goa Under 20's exhibition-of-class ensured that the 'future stars' have their say in the last four of the IV All India Abhijeet Kadam Football Cup 2007.
At the Bharati Vidyapeeth ground, on Saturday, in what was the most unexpected result little-known Patakadil Talim Mandal of Kolhapur cheered along by die-hard PTM fans did not disappoint. With Bagan dominating the match almost totally, it was PTM's ability to convert the chances that came their way that won them the game. Bagan hardly settling down were surprised as early as the second minute when Marcos Mascarenhas nodded in following a melee inside the box. Thereafter, Bagan created innumerable openings but found one thing missing in their arsenal - a finisher. PTM with just three opportunities - the other two by their foreign import Matthew Ogan - completed a job that surely should have projected a different scoreline. Matthew's brace thus took his individual tally to five. For all the effort Bagan put in, their consolation came in the form of a seventieth minute strike by Surjit Das.
Later, Goa U-20's proved to be a tad fitter than Colaba Young Stars who began well but towards the end of their encounter were more physically which resulted in six yellow card that includes Bagwan Patil receiving two and being sent off. CYS who had Nagesh Swamy do most of their attacks from the right were simply bottled up by Goa's tight defence. However, sixteen minutes into the match Goa U-20 in a move that spelt class had Calvin Lobo sidestep a couple of defenders and put Beven D'Mello in possession. With just CYS 'keeper Manish Kajania upfront, Beven's perfect placement broke the deadlock. A free-kick, courtesy; CYS' Chandra Kundan unnecessary handball outside the box allowed Steven Fernandes fox the keeper with a direct attempt.
In the second session, CYS pulled one back when Rashid Shaikh enacted Bevan's effort, but not before their own goal survived a Calvin Lobo try. The goal failed to inspire CYS instead they were more physical and tried to cut the Goans to size with rough tackles. Despite the odds, the Goans added the third when Calvin's through put Lavino Fernandes in the clear. Beating CYS' off-side trap - which later was hotly contested - Lavino placed well.
The third semifinal slot was claimed by Mumbai Elite Division's Central Railway (Headquarters) - a last minute replacement of Sagolband United, Manipur. In a one-sided affair, the Mumbai team aided by Socoro Velho's hat-trick pumped in five against South-East Central Railway, Nagpur.
The last semifinal slot was claimed by Titanium, Kerala who found themselves a hero in substitute 'keeper Tommy Joseph against Aurangabad XI. Playing out a 1-1 draw during regulation time with Ebin Rose (2nd; Titanium) and Mika Alu (33rd; Aurangabad XI) scoring respectively, Titanium 'keeper effected three saves in the tie-breaker. Joseph who replaced Navas KT two minutes from time, saved the penalties of Asif Ansati, MD Hanan and Sheikh Waseem to end Aurangabad's hopes. Incidentaly, Aurangabad last year lost to Central Excise and Customs, Kerala in the semis.

February 23

RESULTS & NEWS

11th National League - Cooperage Ground, Mumbai: Mahindra United 1-0 Air-India
Goal: 1-0 Naduparambil Pappachan Pradeep (61').
Defending champions Mahindra United defeated city rivals Air-India by a NP Pradeep goal in a 11th National League match at the Cooperage Ground, Mumbai. Mahindra United temporarily moved to the top of the table with now 11 points from six matches, but they will move back into second place depending on the outcome of tomorrow's match between East Bengal Club and Dempo SC. High flying Air-India meanwhile have been brought down to earth as the Airmen remain on 10 points.
Mahindra United next host promoted Hindustan Aeronautics Limited SC in Mumbai on March 1, while Air-India also have a home match against former champions JCT, Phagwara on February 27.
MAHINDRA UNITED: 24-Sandip Nandy; 27-Irungbam Surkumar Singh, 14-Mahesh Gawli, 2-Naduparambil Pappachan Pradeep, 4-Krishnan Nair Ajayan, 7-Sushanth Mathew, 16-James Lukram Singh, 6-Shanmugam Venkatesh, 8-Mbaka Bokembe Dady, 25-Andrews Mensah Pomeyie, 10-Yakubu Yusif.
AIR-INDIA: 21-Raju Ekka; 25-Nirmal Chetri, 2-Haobijam Napoleon Singh, 3-Suley Musah, 28-Abiodun Kolawole Martins, 6-Uttam Leishangthem Singh, 9-Noel Fernandes, 11-Hringsolal Thomte, 20-Paresh Shivalkar, 27-Bashiree Mohammed Abbas, 10-T Narender Meetei.
ONGC MAN of the MATCH: Naduparambil Pappachan Pradeep (Mahindra United).
YELLOW CARDS: Andrews Mensah Pomeyie (5', Mahindra); Suley Musah (56'), Nirmal Chetri (67', both Air-India).
REFEREE: Subrata Sarkar (West Bengal).
ASSISTANT REFEREES: Benjamin D'Silva (Goa), Dhanapati Roy (West Bengal).
FOURTH OFFICIAL: Jayendra Nagvenkar (Goa).
For detailed information and pictures go to the >>IndianFootball.Com National League Special

11th National League - Duler Ground, Goa: Sporting Clube de Goa 2-0 JCT, Phagwara
Goals: 1-0 Wilton Gomes (17'), 2-0 Dudu MacPherlin Omagbemi (45+1').
Federation Cup finalists Sporting Clube de Goa returned to winning ways with a 2-0 victory against former champions JCT, Phagwara in a 11th National League match at the Duler Ground, Goa. Sporting Clube de Goa moved to seven points from six matches, while now JCT moved into the relegation zone with only five points from the same number of matches.
Sporting Clube de Goa will try to continue with their winning ways when they next face Mohammedan Sporting Club on March 3 at the Nehru Stadium, Margao; while Phagwara's JCT now travel to Mumbai to face Air-India on February 27.
SPORTING CLUBE: 1-Luis Xavier Barreto; 29-N Samananda Singh, 6-Philip Gomes, 4-Chinta Chandrashekhar Rao, 18-Denzil Franco, 14-Wilton Gomes, 7-Harmanjot Singh Khabra, 11-Nicolau Borges, 27-Bisheshwar Singh, 10-Macpherlin Dudu Omagbemi, 25-Joe Rodrigues.
JCT: 22-Kalyan Chaubey; 13-Baldeep Singh Sr, 26-Sunday Ambrose, 3-Anwar Ali, 12-Daljit Singh, 27-Baldeep Singh Jr, 7-Sukhjinder Singh, 20-Adebayo Tokunbo Adewusi, 15-P Renedy Singh, 17-Parveen Kumar, 10-Chidi Edeh.
ONGC MAN of the MATCH: Wilton Gomes (Sporting Clube).
YELLOW CARD: Baldeep Singh Jr (67', JCT).
REFEREE: T Pradeep Kumar (Tamil Nadu).
ASSISTANT REFEREES: K Shankar (Tamil Nadu), Yusuf Khan (Madhya Pradesh).
FOURTH OFFICIAL: MA Siddique (Madhya Pradesh).
For detailed information and pictures go to the >>IndianFootball.Com National League Special

11th National League - Barasat Stadium, Calcutta: Mohun Bagan AC 1-0 Mohammedan Sporting Club
Goal: 1-0 Dipendu Biswas (89').
A late goal from Dipendu Biswas earned new Mohun Bagan coach Chima Okorie a win on his debut as his team beat city rivals Mohammedan Sporting Club by a lone goal in the 11th National League at the Barasat Stadium, Calcutta. With their second win in this NFL campaign Mohun Bagan left the bottom rung of the table and are now placed seventh with seven points from six teams. Mohammedan Sporting meanwhile after their third defeat are now bottom of the table with five points from six outings.
For Mohun Bagan it was a morale boaster before their derby against archrivals East Bengal on Tuesday, February 27. Mohammedan Sporting Club meanwhile travel to Goa to face Sporting Clube de Goa on March 3.
MOHUN BAGAN: 1-Sangram Mukherjee; 16-Goutam Debnath, 4-Deepak Kumar Mondal, 17-Dulal Biswas (73' 27-Suman Datta), 6-Manas Das, 29-Chinmoy Sarkar, 26-Mehraj din Wadoo, 14-Rahul Kumar (46' 8-Dipendu Biswas), 22-Lalkamal Bhowmick, 10-Jose Ramirez Barreto, 25-Pachau Lalam Puia.
MOHAMMEDAN SPORTING: 1-Gopal Das; 22-Surojit Roy (36' 12-Jatin Singh Bisht), 3-Madhab Kumar Das, 16-Subhashis Roy Chowdhury, 26-Eric Bolwe Mputu, 25-Mir Farooq Hyder, 8-Noel Anthony Wilson (68' 28-Muttath Sudheesh), 14-Basudeb Mondal (70' 19-Kalia Kulothungan), 15-Ndem A Guy Kiyeck Herve, 7-Mutum Bijen Singh, 10-Preston Papai Corporal.
ONGC MAN of the MATCH: Ndem A Guy Kiyeck Herve (Mohammedan Sporting).
YELLOW CARD: Bijen Singh (61', Mohammedan Sporting).
REFEREE: Dinesh Nair (Gujarat).
ASSISTANT REFEREES: S Suresh (Tamil Nadu), Naveen J Sundi (Jharkhand).
FOURTH OFFICIAL: Om Prakash Thakur (Jharkhand).
For detailed information and pictures go to the >>IndianFootball.Com National League Special

Bangalore Super Division: MEG 1-0 Postal Department - Goal: 1-0 Girish (48').
Bangalore 'A' Division: Dharmaraja Union 3-2 AGORC, Bangalore - Goals: 1-0 Manimaran (20'), 2-0 Ramesh Kannan (31'), 2-1 Sasidhar (40'), 3-1 Rajender (60'), 3-2 Rajesh (72').

27th All-India Petroleum Sports Control Board Trophy, Duliajan - Group B: ONGC 7-0 Bongaigaon Refinery Petrochemicals Limited - Goals: 1-0 Krishna Shirodkar (10'), 2-0 Supratik Ain (17'), 3-0,5-0 Abhishek Yadav (18',40'), 4-0 Rakshak Naik (29'), 6-0 N Rajkonwar (50'), 7-0 Anthony Fernandes (63').
27th All-India Petroleum Sports Control Board Trophy, Duliajan - Group C: Numaligarh Refinery Limited 0-1 GAIL - Goal: 0-1 H Rahman (29').
27th All-India Petroleum Sports Control Board Trophy, Duliajan - Group D: Bharat Petroleum 4-1 IOC (AOD) - Goals: 1-0 Bipul Thakuria (11'), 2-0,4-1 Mushtaque Ali (14',58'), 3-0 Shanti R Mazumdar (36'), 3-1 Dipankar Phukan (42').

Friendly - Fact Udyogamandal Ground, Eloor: State Bank of Travancore 1-1 Viva Kerala - Goals: 0-1 Prasoon TK, 1-1 KM Abdul Naushad.

::: 4th All-India Abhijeet Kadam Football Cup 2007, Pune - Day 6 :::
by Micky Aigner: Call it inexperience or simply the learning curve, Mahindra United Youth, Mumbai within a span of 140 playing minutes - spread over two days - were taught a lesson in penetrating defenses by Aurangabad XI at the Bharati.
Late Thursday night, in opening fixture of the IV All India Abhijeet Kadam Football Cup 2007 the Mumbai-based side impressed one and all with their ability to create openings. As a result they fought off the last city challenge Parshuramians with a 3-1 victory.
Barely twenty four hourslater, Mahindra United Youth playing their second match were simply done in by Aurangabad's foreign recruit Mika Alu, who was quick and had a trick up his sleeve. The good part for the Mahindra Youth was that they learnt their lesson after taking scoring honours first. Adnan Rahemulla, who scored a brace against Parshuramians, was again in the thick of action scoring as early as the third minute. The goal was all that Mahindra Youth managed. In fact, that was the only chance they had all throughout the game. Aided with a tough defense, Aurangabad upfront were impressive which was proved by Mika - in the 31st minute - who ensured the breather was taken with honours even. Six minutes after resumption, Mika put into possession by Robo Kakoi taught the youth a lesson in coordination with a goal that turned out the match-winner. Aurangabad's Abdul Qadir became the first player in the tournament to be sent off after picking up his second yellow cards in the 46th minute.
Earlier, PIFA-Colaba Young Star kept the Mumbai challenge intact with a hard-fought 5-4 sudden-death win over Dilbahar Talim Mandal, Kolhapur after playing out regulation time goalless.
With just one close moment in their entire match, the game due owing to the mid-afternoon heat was played at a slow pace. The only 'chance' of the match was when CYS' Camillo Noronha chanced his luck from 25-yards. Dilbahar's 'keeper Mahesh Patil misjudging the try found his luck save his and PTM's day when the ball hit the cross-bar and went over. Sharing honours at four apiece in the tie-breaker, the sudden death saw both teams miss the first set of kick - Shabir Shaikh (CYS) and Imran Bandare (Dilbahar). However, in the seventh set, Dilbahar's Pio de Rebello found CYS' custodian Manish Kajania tough to beat which subsequently turned out to be decisive as Balram Patil walked out a star.
Under lights, Patakadil Talim Mandal, Kolhapur short-circuited Bharat Electronics, Bangalore 2-0 with Nigerian Matthew Ogan netting both - the first off a Ranvir Methe pass and the other by Raju Gawde.
All winners - Aurangabad XI, Colaba Young Stars and Patakadil Talim Mandal entered the quarterfinals.

February 22

RESULTS & NEWS

11th National League - Bangalore Football Stadium: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited SC 1-1 Churchill Brothers SC
Goals: 1-0 C Prakash (1'), 1-1 Robert Lalthalma (69').
In a match between two promoted sides Hindustan Aeronautics Limited SC and Churchill Brothers SC played out a one-all draw in the 11th National League at the Bangalore Football Stadium. The two teams now have the most number of draws in the NFL, HAL three and Churchull Brothers four of them. HAL moved into sixth place with now six points from six matches, while Churchill Brothers are a place ahead of them with seven points from the same number of games.
HAL had a perfect start into the match scoring in the opening minute itself. Midfielder Bhuvan Krishna Joshi played the ball forward to Xavier Vijayakumar, who found C Prakash on the right with Prakash beating Churchill Brothers keeper Vinay Singh and Roque Barreto's try to save the ball came too late. HAL had chances to double the lead but their shots were off target. Churchill Brothers slowly recovered from the early shock and their Nigerian captain Odafe Onkeya Okolie got into the thick of action, but HAL' seasoned keeper Narshiman Balaji denied the Goans the equaliser. In the second half the pressure from Churchill Brothers grew even further and they got the equaliser in the 69.minute. After a foul on Okolie, youngster Robert Lalthalma walked-up to take the freekick. Robert's first shot was blocked by the HAL wall but his rebound found its way into the goal. Thereafter Churchill Brothers could have won the match but Nicholas Muyoti's header was saved by Balaji, while an Okolie shot rebounded off the crossbar.
HAL next travel to Mumbai to face Mahindra United on March 1, while Churchill Brothers face Dempo SC in a Goan derby at home on March 4.
HAL: 13-Narshiman Balaji; 4-N Govin Singh, 3-Pawan Kumar, 5-Prashant Jaggi, 27-N Mohanraj, 7-Thiyam Raghuveer Singh, 18-Bhuvan Krishna Joshi, 24-J Muralidharan, 9-Sampath Kumar Kuttimani, 20-C Prakash, 8-Xavier Vijayakumar.
CHURCHILL BROTHERS: 1-Vinay Singh, 17-Robert Lalthalma, 5-Nicholas Muyoti, 23-Vinu Jose, 8-Thokchom Naoba Singh, 14-Chitrasen Chandan Singh, 32-Roque Barreto, 13-Mashangva Genius Zenith, 11-Khemtang Paite, 15-D Raju, 10-Odafe Onkeya Okolie.
ONGC MAN of the MATCH: Narshiman Balaji (HAL).
YELLOW CARDS: J Muralidharan (54', HAL); Vinu Jose (56', Churchill Brothers).
REFEREE: P Bhaskar (Tamil Nadu).
ASSISTANT REFEREES: Shaji Kurian (Kerala), VN Arvindakshan (Kerala).
FOURTH OFFICIAL: Thambiraj (Tamil Nadu).
For detailed information and pictures go to the >>IndianFootball.Com National League Special

Manipur State League: Phoudel Youth Club, Thoubal 0-2 YWC, Thambalkhong - Goals: 0-1 L Nabachandra Singh (15'), 0-2 Th Dhiren Singh (30').
Manipur State League: NEROCA 3-0 SAI Regional Centre, Imphal - Goals: 1-0 Y Raju Singh (12'), 2-0 Ksh Malemnganba Singh (40'), 3-0 K Ajitkumar (56').
Manipur State League: Southern Sporting Union 0-2 Tiddim Road Athletic Union - Goals: 0-1,0-2 Saikhohao Tuboi (11',61').

27th All-India Petroleum Sports Control Board Trophy, Duliajan - Group A: Oil India Limited B 9-0 Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited - Goals: 1-0,2-0 Pranjal Neog (12',13'), 3-0,5-0,6-0,9-0 Tridip Khound (20',36',39',70'), 4-0,8-0 Duleswar Gogoi (31',63'), 7-0 Rubul Rajkonwar (44').

29th Women's Football Championship, New Delhi - Final: Bihar 2-0 Jharkhand - Goals: 1-0 Ranjeeta Singh (12'), 2-0 Poonam Singh (24').

Friendly - Fact Udyogamandal Ground, Eloor: State Bank of Travancore 0-1 Viva Kerala - Goal: 0-1 Shiju M.

::: 4th All-India Abhijeet Kadam Football Cup 2007, Pune - Day 5 :::
by Micky Aigner: There was no dearth in goals and the rather 'casual' gathering were all awe to the thirteen that were scored on Day Five of the IV All India Abhijeet Kadam Memorial Football Cup 2007. While the thrill of goals undoubtedly presented a pretty sight for spectators, reality was that all the goals were conceded by city teams.
With three city teams - Central Railways, Indrayani SC, including Falcons who lost late Wednesday night - biting the dust, Thursday saw Deccan XI 'A' walk with their heads held high despite losing to Bharat Electronics, Bangalore 0-1.
Statistically Deccan's loss made it four city teams making an exit in consecutive matches, but those who witnessed the game would have thought otherwise. Matching the Bangalore squad in every sense, it probably would be fair to say 'experience' against bigger teams from a much competitive leave proved decisive. At the Bharati Vidyapeeth ground, Deccan had their chances, particularly the gilt-edged chance Varun had in the 24th minute. With Prashant Pardeshi floater from the right proving a perfect opportunity, Varun simply lacked direction. Bharat Electronics marginally superior all through the game were threatening but chose not to go all out in the first half. However one moment that did threaten the Deccan defence was when Sriniwas Murthy had his header daintily brush the horizontal.
In the second Deccan seemed to have lost the gusto they played with earlier as their opponents suddenly seemed to find a lot of wide spaces. In the 47thst minute, Bharat Electronics' had Robert F crash his try on the horizontal. With the ball still not out of danger Sriniwas Murthy who picked up the ball outside the box laid-up Sharif K with a perfect pass. Sharif with a low drive to the left ended Deccan's brave run.
Earlier, Globe FC, Hyderabad and PIFA-Colaba Young Stars, Mumbai decided their encounters against Central Railways, Pune and Indrayani SC, Dehu Road with individual heroics. First Hassan Bin Mahsan helped Globe register a 4-2 win in a match that saw two penalties and three yellow cards be flashed. Later, PIFA Colaba Young Stars, Mumbai had Camilo Noronah net four - including a hattrick - to decimate Indrayani SC.
All winners entered the pre-quarterfinals.

February 21

RESULTS & NEWS

::: IFC Feature Series on football Youth Development projects in India continues :::
IndianFootball.Com today continues it's Feature Series on football Youth Development projects in India, where we look at different projects across India. As part of the series we will bring you stories, interviews and more from these youth football projects.
IndianFootball.Com's Harmit Singh Kamboe conducted an interview with Gurmangal Dass, who runs the Youth FC in Rurka Kalan, Punjab. A football project which could be a model for rural India!
Since our founding we at IndianFootball.Com have been an ardent supporter of the view point that youth development is the key to Indian football's future success. In keeping with our stand, we chose to be active participants in the development of football talent in India, rather than just objective, third party reporters.
Click here to read the complete >>Gurmangal Dass (Youth FC, Rurka Kalan) interview

::: Special Coaching Camp at Kohima :::
by Xavier Rutsa: A special Football Coaching Camp will be organized by the reputed and popular GATD Fitness Club of Kohima from March 17 to April 7 at the Local Ground, Kohima. The club will arrange the coaches for the camp where young intending players will find an opportunity to join in the selection of the proposed club team in the near future. The coaching camp is free and players of the age group of 12 to 20 years are eligible for participation. Coaches including Aba Suohu and Kevilebei Phaphino, who both have good repute at the National and State level in football and another coach from Meghalaya is also expected to organize and participate in the coaching camp.

::: Annual Fitness Test for Goan Referees :::
The 3rd Annual Physical Fitness Test for all registered Referees of the Goa FA will be held on March 18, beginning at 07.00 IST, and will be conducted at PJN Stadium, Margao. Please note that, it will be conducted group wise, in the morning session only hence all groups should report in the morning session only.
It is compulsory for all Referees to attend the same, failing which they will be considered as inactive.

::: 4th All-India Abhijeet Kadam Football Cup 2007, Pune - Day 4 :::
by Micky Aigner: It's a common sight to witness almost all clubs in the National Football League rely on foreign imports to do their scoring.
On Wednesday, at the Bharati Vidyapeeth ground, Patakadil Talim Mandal (PTM) - unknown to many outside Kolhapur - showed just why they should not be written off. Sporting a Nigerian striker Matthew Ogal, PTM looked a far better unit when it came to scoring situations inside the penalty area. As a result PTM shunted Central Railways, Bhusawal out of the IV All India Abhijeet Kadam Memorial Football Cup 2007 with a 3-2 verdict.
The game by far the best in terms of quality and pace saw PTM - who rank second in Kolhapur football, which interestingly is based on the points accumulated by teams on the basis of how they finish in tournaments - hold a distinct edge.
An opportunistic goal by Matthew who tapped home a rebound after being offered the chance by Railways custodian Lalit P who blocked a stiff try off Rupesh Surve from the edge of the box got the scoring going in the match. However, eleven minutes later, PTM undid all their good work by conceding an unnecessary penalty. PTM defender Nitin Patil in his bid to stop Altaf Ali tripped him, leaving Dinesh Tayade with the honours of scoring.
Sharing a goal each at the breather, Matthew - distinctly better in on-field football sense - did the job of provider instead of scorer. Not once but twice, Matthew put his teammate Marcus Mascarenhas in the clear to finish. Down 3-1, Central Railway struck back through Altaf's free-kick that left PTM 'keeper Vinayak Chavan rooted to the ground.
Earlier, South-East Central Railways, Nagpur were jolted by the solo effort of Thundercatz Sebi Koruth in the third minute. The reverse seemed to infuse life into the Nagpur team. Settling down to work as a unit they restored parity nine minutes later through Mohammed Shafiq, who added another in the 56th minute after Abdul Khaliq combined with Nitin K to add to the tally.
With Aurangabad XI earning a walk-over from Pune Police, PTM along with South-East Central Railway, Nagpur entered the pre quarterfinals.

February 20

RESULTS & NEWS

Delhi Senior Division - Final Four: Indian Nationals FC 0-2 Indian Air Force, New Delhi - Goals: 0-1 E Thomas (37'), 0-2 VK Singh (70').
Former champions Indian Air Force (New Delhi) clinched ONGC-SAIL Delhi Soccer Association Annual Senior Division Open Clubs Football League Championship - 2006 title when they defeated another former Champions Indian National FC by 2-0 in last super four match played at Dr. Ambedkar Stadium here today.
At lemon break, Air Force led 1-0 through midfielder E Thomas in the 37th minute. On changing ends, inside right VK Singh scored 2-0 in the 70th minute to clinch the issue for his team Air Force. Air Force won all the three super four round robin league matches to collect nine points. Indian National collected four points from 3 matches to remain at second place.

Delhi Senior Division - Final Four: Garhwal Heroes 3-3 City Club - Goals: 1-0 Devesh Kaushik (6'), 1-1 Nazimul Haq (29'), 1-2 Mohammed Imroz (57'), 1-3 Kulbhushan (64'), 2-3 Gamlung Kamei (77'), 3-3 Dharmendar Kharola (85').
Later on, in an exciting and thrilling match Garhwal Heroes FC held walled city giants City FC to 3-3 draw to split one point each and attained the third place while City Club remained at 4th position.
Garhwal Heroes took lead 1-0 in 6th minute through Devesh Kaushik while City's midfielder Nazimul Haq equalized 1-1 in 29th minute. City increased the lead by 2-1 in 57th minute through Mohammed Imroz and consolidated the lead 3-1 in 64th minute through striker Kulbhushan. Garhwal Heroes came back in the game to mount pressure against City's citadel. Inside left Gamlung Kamei reduced the margin 2-3 in 77th minute while defender Dharmendar Kharola leveled the score 3-3 off a fine powerful shot from 25 yards in 85th minute. Garhwal Heroes attained third position by securing two points while City remaines at fourth place with one point.

::: Delhi League prizes given away :::
After the final match former Delhi State player Prof. N.R. Bhatia, test Cricketer Surinder Khanna of SAIL and DSA president Subhash Chopra distributed the prizes as follows:
1. Winners DSA 'A' Division: Raisina Sporting Union - Trophy + Rs. 10,000
2. Runners up 'A' Division: Banga Darshan FC - Rs. 5,000
3. Winners 'B' Division: Royal Bengal FC - Trophy + Rs. 10,000
4. Runners up 'B' Division: Ajmal FC - Rs. 5,000
5. Winners Senior Division: Indian Air Force (New Delhi) FC - Trophy + Rs. 1 lakh
6. Runners up Senior Division: Indian National - Trophy + Rs. 50,000
7. 3rd Place Senior Division: Garhwal Heroes - Rs. 25,000
8. 4th Place Senior Division: City FC - Rs. 25,000
9. Fair Play Trophy instituted by Mughals SC in memory of Dharmvir: City FC
10. Supervising Match Officials: Deepak Bisht, Mohammed Kamil, Kamal Rakshit, Shane Alam, S. Saha, Abdul Salim, Jai Kishore, Jagdish Malhotra.
11. Match Commisionars: Bachi Ram, RN Gautam, Devi Singh Bisht

Special Individual Awards by Signature Crest, Mumbai:
1. Top Scorer: Musi Ban Adebayo (8 goals) of City FC
2. Best Goalkeeper: Anil Kumar of Indian Air Force (New Delhi)
3. Best Defender: Pradeep Kumar of Garhwal Heroes
4. Best Midfielder: Subhash Negi of Indian Nationals FC
5. Best Forward: Kalyan Pal of Indian Air Force (New Delhi)
6. Best upcoming player: Pronoy Roy (Goalkeeper) of Garhwal Heroes
7. Best Coach: T.K. Guchait of Indian Air Force (New Delhi)
8. Best Media Photographer: Today
9. Best Sports Coverage: Jansatta
10. Special Prize: RL Sethi (Sandhya Times) for recognizing his services

::: 2008 Olympic Qualifiers: India's Second Round Asian Qualifiers schedule :::
IndianFootball.Com has been able to obtain the schedule of matches for the second Round Asian Qualifiers for the 2008 Beijing Olympics in which the Indian Olympic squad would take on Iraq, North Korea and Thailand.
Group E:
Match Day 1 - February 28: Iraq U23 vs India U23 (Jordan)
Match Day 2 - March 14: India U23 vs Thailand U23 (Chennai, 18.00 IST)
Match Day 3 - March 28: India U23 vs North Korea U23 (Chennai, 18.00 IST)
Match Day 4 - April 18: North Korea U23 vs India U23 (Pyongyang)
Match Day 5 - May 16: India U23 vs Iraq U23
Match Day 6 - June 6: Thailand U23 vs India U23

::: Zee Sports to show NFL matches & Olympic home qualifiers LIVE :::
Zee Sports will be showing numerous upcoming matches of the 11th NFL LIVE!
In the coming days Zee Sports will be broadcasting three matches LIVE from Calcutta; while in March five NFL matches from Goa will be LIVE and exclusive on Zee Sports.
The Indian football fans in the Middle East and Hongkong will also be able to catch the NFL matches live on Ten Sports!
Zee Sports will also be broadcasting the India vs Thailand and India vs North Korea Olympic home qualifiers in March to be played at the Nehru Stadium, Chennai.
For the complete TV listings go to the >>IndianFootball.Com TV Guide .

::: Mahindra United sign Mbaka Bokembe Dady :::
Mahindra United have signed Congolese Mbaka Bokembe Dady as their third foreigner for the remainer of the 11th National League. Mbaka Bokembe Dady has joined the NFL champions from South African giants Orlando Pirates.

::: 4th All-India Abhijeet Kadam Football Cup 2007, Pune - Day 3 :::
by Micky Aigner: The standard of football in the city was severely put to test on Tuesday when Central Railways, Bhusawal proved just how tough competition is expected to get in the IV All India Abhijeet Kadam Memorial Football Cup 2007.
At the Bharati Vidyapeeth ground, the Bhusawal squad aided by Altaf Ali's four-goal effort - includes a hattrick - booted out Phoenix Football Academy 7-1.
Donning the No 10 jersey, Altaf who did duty for Maharashtra at the National Games in Guwahati demonstrated just why the State entrusted him with a similar jersey with mesmerizing runs in the span of 14 minutes. Sitting pretty with a 2-0 lead at the half way stage - thanks to Zahir Ali's brace - Altaf held centre stage from the 55 th minute.
With CR, Bhusawal having their share of 'practice,' their counterparts Central Railways, Pune made it a railways day out by sending Lucky Star FC, Miraj packing. If Altaf accounted for half of Bhusawal's score, Allwyn Gyanprakash with three goals - one in the first-half and two in the second - designed the win for the Pune unit.
In the other match - an all-Pune affair - Parshuramians got past Rahul SC, Pimpri 2-0 with Rohit Ghadge and Abhishekh Wakankar scoring in either half. The game like the lother two would have been a runaway victory for Parshuramians had Milind Rane not been wayward in his finishes. Not once but thrice he missed sitters.
PUNE POLICE TO FORFEIT MATCH: Pune Police - victors on the opening day of the tournament - have decided to forfeit their Round 2 match against Aurangabad XI, on Wednesday. In a written request to the organizers, Pune Police expressed their unavailability as they have to do to duty at the State Police meet which begins at Thane from February 21 to 27. Pune Police are scheduled to play Amravati on February 22 morning and hence have to leave for Thane on Wednesday.

February 19

RESULTS & NEWS

In the latest IndianFootball.Com Editor's Column Abhishek Gujral looks at the latest happenings in the 11th NFL.
Read the complete article here >>IndianFootball.Com Editor's Column .

11th National League - Guru Nanak Stadium, Ludhiana: JCT, Phagwara 1-2 East Bengal Club
Goals: 0-1,0-2 Edmilson Marques Pardal (14',32'), 1-2 Baldeep Singh Sr (90+2').
Brazilian striker Edmilson Marques Pardal marked his competitve arrival in India with a brace for East Bengal Club, which helped the Calcutta giants to a 2-1 away win in the 11th National League against JCT, Phagwara at the Guru Nanak Stadium, Ludhiana. East Bengal moved into third position with now 10 points from five matches, while the Phagwara Millmen remain sixth on five points from as many matches.
A close contest was expected in Ludhiana but East Bengal had striker Edmilson to fall back to score the goals with support from Kenyan Boniface Ngairah Ambani and the Red-and-Gold midfielders. JCT were desperately missing injured Harpreet Singh in defence with stand-in Sunday Ambrose not upto the task; while upfront captain Chidi Edeh and Sunil Chetri weren't able to really penetrate the East Bengal defence.
The Calcutta side took the lead in the 14.minute when Edmilson unleashed a powerful shot which zoomed past JCT keeper Karanjit Singh. JCT did try to get an equaliser but it wasn't to be as just after the half hour mark Edmilson scored his second off a pass from Izumi Arata. After the break JCT came back with better organisation and more creativity but the chances initially didn't bring the desired results as East Bengal keeper Rajat Ghosh Dasdidar stood his ground. JCT did get on the score sheet but way too late in the second minute of injury time when a Renedy Singh corner was headed in by Baldeep Singh Sr.
After five home matches JCT now have to travel. Their first away asignment is on Friday in Goa against Sporting Clube de Goa. East Bengal Club meanwhile travel home to Calcutta to face Dempo SC in a top of the table clash on Saturday.
JCT: 1-Karanjit Singh, 13-Baldeep Singh Sr, 26-Sunday Ambrose, 3-Anwar Ali, 12-Daljit Singh, 27-Baldeep Singh Jr (83' 8-Jaswinder Singh), 28-Shivraj Singh (46' 7-Sukhjinder Singh), 20-Adebayo Tokunbo Adewusi, 15-P Renedy Singh, 11-Sunil Chetri (65' 17-Parveen Kumar), 10-Chidi Edeh.
EAST BENGAL: 24-Rajat Ghosh Dastidar, 20-Vincent Brice Pires, 4-Covan Lawrence, 2-Muttath Suresh, 29-Soumik Dey, 32-Izumi Arata (85' 28-Shylo Malsawm Tulunga), 3-Cristiano Hilario de Oliveira, 7-Jayanta Sen (90+1' 23-Vimal Pariyar), 9-Alvito D'Cunha, 10-Boniface Ngairah Ambani, 30-Edmilson Marques Pardal (86' 25-Ashim Biswas).
ONGC MAN of the MATCH: Edmilson Marques Pardal (East Bengal).
YELLOW CARD: Rajat Ghosh Dastidar (55', East Bengal).
REFEREE: PK Bose (Madhya Pradesh).
ASSISTANT REFEREES: Deepak Singh Bisht (Delhi), Mohammed Kamil (Delhi).
FOURTH OFFICIAL: Partap Singh (Services).
For detailed information and pictures go to the >>IndianFootball.Com National League Special

Manipur State League: Manipur Police SC 3-0 Kakching FC - Goals: 1-0,3-0 I Nilakumar Singh (14',82'), 2-0 Ksh Kanta Singh (70').
Manipur State League: Eastern Sporting Union 2-1 RACC, Churachandpur - Goals: 0-1 Lalrangthang (42'), 1-1 M Somochandra Singh (87'), 2-1 Th Parbinkumar (88').
Manipur State League: Tiddim Road Athletic Union 4-1 SAI Regional Centre, Imphal - Goals: 1-0 Saikhohao Tuboi (5'), 2-0,3-0 Lunminlal Khongsai (18',53'), 4-0 K Bangkimchand (76'), 4-1 K Herojit Singh (78').
Manipur State League: YWC, Thambalkhong walkover YWO, Bishnupur

::: Chima Okorie is new Mohun Bagan coach :::
Mohun Bagan AC have appointed Nigerian Chima Okorie as their new coach. The club was forced to react after a string of poor results in the 11th NFL with the latest loss just yesterday a 1-2 defeat at the hands of Dempo SC, which has led to the Green-and-Maroon giants being rock bottom in the league table. The club management taking the opinions of senior players into account took this decision as also the public voice was calling for a change to save the club from blushes.
Chima according to to Mohun Bagan secretary Anjan Mitra was the best option available plus knowing the Maidans and the club would surely be a big help he added. It seems like the club didn't want to go for a local option like Subrata Bhattcharjee and Prasanta Banerjee.
Chime Okorie, who is a former Bagan player, makes a triumphant return to the Calcutta Maidan and will be assisted by former team mate Bernard Operanozie, who remains assistant coach at the club. For Chima the asignment marks a big jump from the job of Bengal Mumbai FC coach, who he had guided earlier in the season. Chima's contract runs until the end of the season.
For Mohun Bagan's physical trainer-turned-coach Robson Mattos is marked the end of an eventful short stint as head coach. Robson won the Federation Cup in December 2006, but thereafter in the NFL the team was just unable to get the desired results. But Robson will remain with the club as physical trainer.

::: 20th Dr. Zakir Hussain Memorial Intercollege Tournament :::
The host team Dr. Zakir Hussain College won the 20th Dr. Zakir Hussain Memorial Tournament for the third time in a row. Zakir Hussain College defeated Jamia Hamdard University by a solitary goal in an evenly contested match. Ankur Singh Bisht scored the all important goal in the 14th minute. Jamia Hamdard who were playing their first final mostly consisted of Nigerian players.
Chief Commisioner of Customs (Preventive) Mr. Abhijeet Bhattacharya (IRS) was the Chief Guest.

::: 4th All-India Abhijeet Kadam Football Cup 2007, Pune - Day 2 :::
by Micky Aigner: It could not get anymore agonizing than ending losers in the last minute of play. Fatima Sports Club after taking the lead twice against Falcons' ended up losers with striker Rajeev Raj delivering the knock out punch to help Falcons surge on in IV All India Abhijeet Kadam Memorial Football Cup 2007.
On a day that saw ten goals produce contrasting wins, Falcons' win infused life into a day that had the opener witness Indrayani SC, Dehu Road turn out a lopsided 4-1 win over Kanojia Pardeshi (KP) XI.
At the Bharati Vidyapeeth ground, Fatima SC and Falcons dished out a thriller. A crisp 20-yarder by Fatima's Shahid Khan caught Sandeep Belgar unawares, while Rosario Tupsaundaria - the Fatima custodian – had no clue to CT Matthew's deft placement after making a solo dash from the left flank to share honours at the breather.
The second saw Sanu Jacob (Fatima) and Jaswant Randhwa (Falcons') add to the tally, before Falcon - in most unexpected fashion - settled the issue. With medio Anoop Nair putting Rajeev Raj in the clear, a defender mix-up in Fatima's half helped Rajeev capatalise and slot home.
Earlier, Indrayani SC had an easy time against KP XI. Making their intentions clear as early as the opening minute, Indrayani's Abhijeet Mudliyar weaved himself past an unsettled KP defence and score. With the rest of the half played out on even keel, KP restored parity through a penalty seven minutes after resumption. Running deep into the Indrayani half KP's Gijo Phillip found his run cut short by 'keeper Sunil Kute prompting referee Joe Perreira flash out a yellow card for Sunil and hand KP a spot-kick. Nitin More stepped up to convert (1-1).
Indrayani thereafter went into overdrive netting three in a span of twenty minutes with Shiv Prasad Mudliar - Abhijeet's brother - helping himself to two. The first thanks to Manoj Balkrishnan's and the next courtesy, Peter Anthony.
In between Shiv Prasad's heroics, the Balkrishnan siblings - Manoj and Kumar - showed how potent a force they are when the latter bulged the net off his brother's pass.

February 18

RESULTS & NEWS

11th National League - Saltlake Stadium, Calcutta: Mohun Bagan AC 1-2 Dempo SC
Goals: 1-0 Baichung Bhutia (24'), 1-1 Ranty Martins Soleye (35'), 1-2 Climax Lawrence (60').
Former champions Dempo SC scored an important 2-1 away win against Federation Cup champions Mohun Bagan AC in a 11th National League match at the Saltlake Stadium, Calcutta. Mohun Bagan suffered their third defeat in five matches and now lie bottom of the table with only four points. Dempo meanwhile moved back to the top of the NFL standings with 10 points from five matches.
The Bagan defence and midfield created problems for their own team, but only after the team had taken the lead with Dempo creating more pressure. In the 24.minute Bagan went ahead when a Mehraj din Wadoo cross was played on by Manas Das, headed on by captain Jose Ramirez Barreto and then slotted home by India captain Baichung Bhutia. But that was it for Bagan. Dempo equalised in the 35.minute when striker Ranty Martins Soleye scored of a pass from Peter Carvalho with the Bagen central defenders Fabio Cortez Vidal and Deepak Kumar Mondal onlookers, unable to decide who would block the Nigerian. Dempo thereafter caused Bagan numerous problems, the lack of a good blocker became more and more evident. Dempo scored the winner on the hour mark, when Ranty played a brilliant through pass to Climax Lawrence and the India midfielder made no mistake in beating Subrata Pal in goal.
For Mohun Bagan today's result was the worst possible ahead of their two Calcutta derbies. First comes the small one next Friday against Mohammedan Sporting and then the big one against archrivals East Bengal on Febuary 27. If Bagan's Brazilian coach Robson will be in charge of the team thenwill have to be seen as the Bagan management will access the situation and take a decision in the coming days. Dempo meanwhile stay in Calcutta and take on East Bengal Club next Saturday.
MOHUN BAGAN: 12-Subrata Pal, 6-Manas Das, 3-Fabio Cortez Vidal, 4-Deepak Kumar Mondal, 20-Sanjeev Kumar Maria, 29-Chinmoy Sarkar (46' Pachau Lalam Puia), 26-Mehraj din Wadoo, 23-Mehtab Hussain, 22-Lalkamal Bhowmick, 10-Jose Barreto, 15-Baichung Bhutia (66' 8-Dipendu Biswas).
DEMPO: 21-VP Satish Kumar, 18-Valeriano Rebello, 3-John Charles Dias, 2-Majekodumni Bolaji, 16-Samir Naik, 15-Clifford Miranda, 11-Roberto Mendes Silva (86' 7-Nascimento Silveira), 8-Climax Lawrance, 6-Peter Carvalho (86' 22-Ishfaq Ahmed), 9-Ranty Martins Soleye, 14-Anthony Pereira.
ONGC MAN of the MATCH: Climax Lawrence (Dempo).
YELLOW CARDS: Sanjeev Kumar Maria (33'), Pachau Lalam Puia (53', both Mohun Bagan); Samir Naik (52', Dempo).
REFEREE: Rizwan ul-Haq (Delhi).
ASSISTANT REFEREES: Dinesh Nair (Gujarat), Om Prakash Thakur (Jharkhand).
FOURTH OFFICIAL: Naveen J Sundi (Jharkhand).
For detailed information and pictures go to the >>IndianFootball.Com National League Special

11th National League - Bangalore Football Stadium: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited SC 2-1 Sporting Clube de Goa
Goals: 1-0 Xavier Vijayakumar (44'), 1-1 MacPherlin Dudu Omagbemi (70'), 2-1 M Satish Kumar (82').
Bangalore giants Hindustan Aeronautics Limited SC scored their first win in the 11th National League with a 2-1 victory against Sporting Clube de Goa at the Bangalore Football Stadium. HAL, who were lying at the bottom of the league table before this match, now have five points from five matches and lie in seventh place. For Sporting Clube de Goa, one of the title candidates before the start of the NFL, the dismal run continued and they now lie ninth with only four points to their name after their third defeat.
As a late entry HAL where always the No. 1 candidate to get relegated when the NFL started and after four rounds it looked like they were heading back to the 2.Division. But today they upset Sporting Clube de Goa and that in style.
HAL was the better team on display today, but they wasted to many chances in the match. HAL took the lead a minute before the breather when Xavier Vijayakumar scored of a pass from J Muralidharan. But Sporting Clube were able to equalise in the 70.minute through a MacPherlin Dudu Omagbemi penalty. HAL defender had brought down Dudu, who had come on as a substitute four minutes into the second half. It looked like the match was heading for a draw, but HAL coach Krishnaji Rao brought in M Satish Kumar in the 76.minute and the move paid-off as Kumar scored the winner just six minutes after coming on. Kumar received a pass from Xavier Vijayakumar and unleashed a powerful shot from the left which beat Sporting Clube keeper Felix D'Souza.
HAL next host another Goan side Churchill Brothers SC in Bangalore on Thursday, while Sporting Clube de Goa next have a home match against JCT, Phagwara on coming Friday.
ONGC MAN of the MATCH: M Satish Kumar (HAL).
YELLOW CARD: Xavier Vijayakumar (21', HAL); N Samananda Singh (87'), Harmanjot Singh Khabra (90', both Sporting Clube).
REFEREE: Shaji Kurian (Kerala).
ASSISTANT REFEREES: P Bhaskar (Tamil Nadu), Thambiraj (Tamil Nadu).
FOURTH OFFICIAL: VN Aravindakshan (Kerala).
For detailed information and pictures go to the >>IndianFootball.Com National League Special

11th National League - Cooperage Ground, Mumbai: Air-India 2-0 Churchill Brothers SC
Goals: 1-0 Kumar Samson Singh (11'), 2-0 Selwyn Fernandes (69', own Goal).
The good run of Mumbai's Air-India in the 11th National League continued with a 2-0 victory against Churchill Brothers SC in a Round 5 match at the Cooperage Ground, Mumbai. Air-India joined league leaders Dempo SC at the top of the table with now 10 points from five matches, while Churchill Brothers remain on six points after their first defeat of their 11th NFL campaign.
Air-India took the lead in the 11.minute when striker Kumar Samson Singh headed in a cross from Nigerian Bashiree Mohammed Abbas. And thereafter Air-India controlled proceedings not allowing Churchill Brothers dangerous Nigerian attackers George Ekeh and Odafe Onyeka Okolie to get proper chances as the Goans were denied to play their free-flowing football. In the 58.minute the constant marking led to George Ekeh to stamp on Air-India defender Suley Musah, which resulted in a red card from referee T Pradeep Kumar. Air-India doubled their lead in the 69.minute when Churchill Brothers defender Selwyn Fernandes scored an own goal.
Air-India will want to continue their good run in the NFL when they take on Mahindra United in a Mumbai derby on Friday. Churchill Brothers meanwhile travel to Bangalore to face HAL on Thursday.
AIR-INDIA: 21-Raju Ekka, 9-Noel Fernandes, 3-Suley Musah, 28-Abiodun Kolawole Martins, 2-Haobijam Napoleon Singh, 17-Goutam Debnath, 23-Sanju Pradhan (90+5' 24-Sumit Thapa), 11-Hringsolal Thomte, 20-Paresh Shivalkar, 27-Bashiree Mohammed Abbas (90+3' 10-T Narender Meetei), 8-Kumar Samson Singh (88' 4-Benoy Kuruvilla).
CHURCHILL BROTHERS: 1-Vinay Singh, 17-Robert Lalthalma, 5-Nicholas Muyoti, 23-Vinu Jose, 8-Thokchom Naoba Singh, 14-Chitrasen Chandan Singh (81' 16-Bernard Pires), 32-Roque Barreto (45' 4-Selwyn Fernandes), 13-Mashangva Genius Zenith, 11-Khemtang Paite (46' 15-D Raju), 9-George Ekeh, 10-Odafe Onkeya Okolie.
ONGC MAN of the MATCH: Sanju Pradhan (Air-India).
YELLOW CARDS: Kumar Samson Singh (32'), Suley Musah (57'), Noel Fernandes (79', all Air-India); Vinu Jose (13'), Mashangva Genius Zenith (52', both Churchill Brothers).
RED CARD: George Ekeh (58', Churchill Brothers).
REFEREE: T Pradeep Kumar (Tamil Nadu).
ASSISTANT REFEREES: K Shankar (Tamil Nadu), MA Siddique (Madhya Pradesh).
FOURTH OFFICIAL: Yusuf Khan (Madhya Pradesh).
For detailed information and pictures go to the >>IndianFootball.Com National League Special

Delhi Senior Division - Final Four: Indian Nationals FC 2-0 City Club - Goals: 1-0 HS Rawat, 2-0 Nitin Pradhan.

::: 4th All-India Abhijeet Kadam Football Cup 2007, Pune - Day 1 :::
by Micky Aigner: Pune Police proved that experience was as much key to success as fitness when they came back from behind to defeat a youthful Kreeda Prabhodini 2-0 in the inaugural encounter of the IV Abhijit Kadam Memorial Football Cup 2007, at the Bharati Vidyapeeth ground, here on Sunday.
After a goalless first-half, Pune Police propped up the pace of the match in the second session. In a span of four minutes - towards the end of the half - the cops swung the match in their favour.
Man of the match Bapu Raikar who played a pivotal role was instrumental in setting up both goals. He first assisted Raju Kadam in the 63rd minute an then off Sharad Patil (67th) to seal his team's win.

::: Corporate 5 A-Side football tournament in Bangalore ends :::
by Tarun Pangti: The 5 A-Side Corporate football tournament organized by SportzVillage finally came to an end today. It was a colourful morning at HAL Sports Club as semifinals for various cups kicked off at 09.00 IST. An early morning rain looked to hold the proceedings for some time. But that did not dampen the spirits of any team. I was able to witness some delightful football with excellent passing and even better finishing. As the day progressed teams geared up for the challenge of the finals. And it also left some teams like Samsung ruing about their missed chances which could have let them to the finals.
Spheris beat AXA in a thrilling match to lift the Challengers Cup. But the other two finals did not match upto their expectations. HP routed Reuters to win the Premier Cup while Infosys emerged the Champions Trophy winners comfortably beating Texas Instruments. What amazes me is that the techie guys fight it out as hard on the football field as on their laptops to write any piece of code. They enthrall the viewers with their quality and sheer grit to win the ball. And to sum up their motto in the words of Infosys' captain "Let's play"!

February 17

RESULTS & NEWS

::: IFC Interview with Karim Bencharifa (Churchill Brothers coach) :::
Vipul Kane conducted an interview for IndianFootball.Com with Churchill Brothers SC coach Karim Bencharifa ahead of the restart of the 11th National League.
The Moroccan has earned a name for himself in India with strong displays by his young but talented squad. There was a lot known about him and his football philosophies.
Click here to read the complete >>Karim Bencharifa (Churchill Brothers coach) interview

2008 Beijing Olympics Women's Football Tournament - Asian Qualifiers - Masan: South Korea 5-0 INDIA
Goals: 1-0 So-Yun Ji (47'), 2-0,4-0 Hee-Young Park (71',84'), 3-0 Young-A Yoo (72'), 5-0 Jin-Young Kim (89').
SOUTH KOREA: Jung-Mi Kim; Bo-Ram Hwang, Ji-Eun Yu, Kye-Lim Lee, Do-Yeon Kim, Bo-Hyun Jung (20' Jin-Young Kim), Jin-Hee Kim (62' Se-Eun Lee), Hae-In Jung, So-Yun Ji, Song-I Han (46' Young-A Yoo), Hee-Young Park.
INDIA: Ronibala Chanu Lourembem; Ranjita Devi Tekcham, Kumari Rabika Devi, Romi Devi Ashem, Nameirakpam Geeta Rani Chanu, Lal Varmoi Hmar, Shadokpam Rani Chanu, Ngangom Bala Devi, Oinam Bem Bem Devi (52' Manpreet Kaur), Thingran Tababi Devi, Sujata Kar.
YELLOW CARD: Kumari Rabika Devi (20', India).
More information & pictures are available at the >>IndianFootball.Com National Team special

11th National League - Barasat Stadium, Calcutta: Mohammedan Sporting Club 0-0 Mahindra United
Goals: none.
Calcutta's Mohammedan Sporting Club held defending NFL champions Mahindra United to a goalless draw in a 11th National League match at the Barasat Stadium, Calcutta. After having both played five matches, Mahindra United moved back to the top of the standings with now eight points, while Mohammedan Sporting moved out of the relegation zone with five points. But the rest of Round 5 matches are to be played in the next couple of days.
Mohammedan Sporting Club can thank their goalkeeper Gopal Das for earning a goalless draw as he denied Mahindra United numerous times from scoring a goal. Mahindra's Ghanian striker Andrews Mensah Pomeyie could have been the hero for his team, but Gopal Das had other plans.
Both clubs next play local derbies on Friday, February 23. Mahindra United next face Mumbai rivals Air-India, while Mohammedan Sporting Club face Mohun Bagan AC in a small Calcutta derby.
MOHAMMEDAN SPORTING: 1-Gopal Das; 22-Surojit Roy, 3-Madhab Kumar Das, 4-Debjit Ghosh (46' 16-Subhashis Roy Chowdhury), 26-Eric Bolwe Mputu, 25-Mir Farooq Hyder, ?-Ndem A Guy Kiyeck Herve, 28-Muttath Sudheesh (90' 20-Shyam Mondal), 14-Basudeb Mondal, 7-Mutum Bijen Singh (78' 18-Harvinder Singh), 10-Preston Papai Corporal.
MAHINDRA UNITED: 24-Sandip Nandy; 27-Irungbam Surkumar Singh, 14-Mahesh Gawli, 2-Naduparambil Pappachan Pradeep, 23-Steven Dias (60' 12-Manjit Singh), 16-James Lukram Singh (86' 29-Rauf Sher Khan), 7-Sushanth Mathew, 6-Shanmugam Venkatesh (79' 15-Abhishek Yadav), 4-Krishnan Nair Ajayan, 25-Andrews Mensah Pomeyie, 10-Yakubu Yusif.
ONGC MAN of the MATCH: Gopal Das (Mohammedan Sporting).
YELLOW CARD: Muttath Sudheesh (58', Mohammedan Sporting).
REFEREE: A Arjunan (Services).
ASSISTANT REFEREES: Naveen J. Sundi (Jharkhand), Om Prakash Thakur (Jharkhand).
FOURTH OFFICIAL: Rizwan ul-Haq (Delhi).
For detailed information and pictures go to the >>IndianFootball.Com National League Special

33rd National Games, Guwahati - Men's Football Tournament - Final: Tamil Nadu 1-1,4-5 Assam [penalties] - Goals: 0-1 Mrinal Boro (18'), 1-1 Chanambam Jatin Singh (28').
33rd National Games, Guwahati - Women's Football Tournament - Final: Orissa 0-0,4-2 Manipur [penalties] - Goals: none.

Delhi Senior Division - Final Four: Garhwal Heroes 1-2 Indian Air Force, New Delhi

::: 2.Division National League fixtures out :::
The fixtures for the 2.Division National Football League are finally out!
The Goa Cluster matches will be held from March 2 to 17 in Duler ground, Goa; while the Kerala-leg will be held from March 5 to 20.
Here the complete 2.Division National League fixtures

::: 27th All-India Petroleum Sports Control Board Trophy in Assam :::
The 27th All-India Petroleum Sports Control Board Trophy will be organised by Oil India Limited under the aegis of Petroleum Sports Promotion Board from February 22 to 27 at the Field Headquarters', Duliajan in Assam. In total 10 national petroleum companies from across India like ONGC, BPCL, GAIL, IPCL, etc will be taking part.
The inauguration ceremony of the tournament is scheduled on February 22 and the closing ceremony on February 27. OIL's endeavour to promote sports in the region will once again provide an opportunity to the sports enthusiastic people in and around Duliajan township to witness the coveted tournament during the six day football extravaganza.

::: Suvarna appointed Match Commissioner for Olympic qualifying match :::
UNI report: Former FIFA referee and AFC referees instructor Madhav G Suvarna has been appointed match commissioner for a match in the men's qualifying round for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Survana would be the match commissioner in the qualifying second round match between Oman and Indonesia to be played at Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex Bosher at Muscat on February 28.
Mr Suvarna, while talking to UNI, expressed happiness over his appointment and said this was an honour not only for himself but also for the country.

February 16

RESULTS & NEWS

::: IFC Exclusive Interview with Mayanti Langer (Zee Sports) :::
IndianFootball.Com correspondent Nitin Pant had the chance to talk to Mayanti Langer, who is a Zee Sports Anchor and Associate Producer.
For many Mayanti Langer is the face of Indian football on Zee Sports, but she is more than just that. Through the interview we try to get to know a little more about her and also see that she understands her football!
Click here to read the complete >>Mayanti Langer (Zee Sports) interview

German football youth coach and youth coaching instructor Horst Wein has written another article for the IndianFootball.Com Football Basics section, this time on "How to Cultivate the Talent of Young Indian Football Players between 7 & 13 Years".
Horst lists some points to consider while working with children to make them good footballers!
Read the complete article here >>How to Cultivate the Talent of Young Indian Football Players between 7 & 13 Years .

33rd National Games, Guwahati - Men's Football Tournament - 3rd Place Playoff: Meghalaya 1-0 West Bengal - Goal: 1-0 Laldingliana (45').
33rd National Games, Guwahati - Women's Football Tournament - 3rd Place Playoff: Goa 1-2 West Bengal - Goals: 1-0 Sharon Fernandes (28'), 1-1 Silpi Deb (48'), 1-2 Sharmila Sapru (61').

::: 2008 Olympic Qualifiers: AIFF name INDIA probables for Iraq match :::
The AIFF today announced the list of 25 probables for the INDIA Olympic Qualifiers camp to be held from February 20 in Calcutta ahead of the away match to Iraq in neighbouring Jordan on February 28. Marlanki Suting and Warundeep Singh have been added to the probables
INDIA U23: Goalkeepers: Subhashish Roy Chowdhury (Mahindra United), Subrata Pal (Mohun Bagan AC), Arindam Bhattacharya (Churchill Brothers SC); Defenders: Debabrata Roy, Gurjinder Singh (both East Bengal Club), Nanjangud Shivananju Manju (Mahindra United), Dhanraj Ravanan (Mohun Bagan AC), Sunil Kumar (JCT, Phagwara), Habibur Rehman Mondal (Mohammedan Sporting Club), Warundeep Singh (Churchill Brothers SC), Rakesh Masih (Tata Football Academy); Midfielders: Mehtab Hussain, Subhas Chakraborty (both Mohun Bagan AC), Chitrasen Chandam Singh, Praveen Rawat (both Churchill Brothers SC), Gouramangi Moirangthem Singh (Sporting Clube de Goa), Rocus Lamare (Salgaocar SC); Forwards: Surajit Bose, Sushil Kumar Singh (both Mohun Bagan AC), Syed Rahim Nabi (East Bengal Club), Manjit Singh (Mahindra United), Joaquim Abranches (Dempo SC), Branco Vincent Cardozo (Tata Football Academy), Marlanki Suting (Lajong SC, Meghalaya), Tarif Ahmed (ONGC, Mumbai).
Chief Coach: Colin Toal.

::: 11th National League: Md Sporting - Mahindra Utd at Barasat and not Saltlake Stadium :::
The Mohammedan Sporting Club vs Mahindra United tie will take place tomorrow at the Barasat Stadium. Both clubs were informed and surprised at the fact that their Round 5 tie in the 11th National League will now take place in Barasat and not the Saltlake Stadium. All the assurances by the West Bengal Sports Minister Subhas Chakraborty that the match would be held in Saltlake had no value as the Police didn't give their okay due to the Calcutta Bookfair.

::: Goregaon SC, Mumbai announce 7 A-Side tournament on football team anniversary :::
Goregaon SC, which is said to be the largest club in Mumbai, will organise a 7 A-Side Football Tournament on March 3/4 to celebrate the 25th annicersary of the founding of its football team. Leading clubs from across Mumbai are said to take part in the two day tournament.
The club has also announced a Competition for "Free Style Football Tricks" which will be first of its kind to be organised in Mumbai. The competitors needs to display their Football skills in a specified area within a time span of 5 minutes. The show will be judged by eminent footballers from Mumbai and the Winner & Runners-Up will take home cash prizes and Trophies.
Teams wishing to take part can contact the organisers under: Balasubramanian - 98678 55874; Joaquim Ferrao - 98203 65949; Manish Umrao - 98920 49884; Shajee Mathew - 98200 86338.
Or Email: balaspillai@hotmail.com .

February 15

RESULTS & NEWS

In the latest IndianFootball.Com Guest Column lecturer L Santosh Singh under the title "You can Win!" looks at how you can improve your performance with four simple steps!
Read the complete article here >>IndianFootball.Com Guest Column - L Santosh Singh .

Bangalore 'A' Division: AGORC, Bangalore 0-3 Oriental FC - Goals: 0-1 Deepak (33'), 0-2 Murali (73'), 0-3 Suresh (84').
Bangalore 'A' Division: BEML (EM) 1-2 Government Press - Goals: 0-1 Vijaya Babu (15'), 1-1 Satya (81'), 1-2 Premkumar (90').
Delhi Senior Division - Final Four: Indian Nationals FC 0-0 Garhwal Heroes - Goals: none.

33rd National Games, Guwahati - Men's Football Tournament - Semifinal: Meghalaya 0-1 Tamil Nadu - Goal: 0-1 James Singh (34').
33rd National Games, Guwahati - Men's Football Tournament - Semifinal: Assam 3-0 West Bengal
33rd National Games, Guwahati - Women's Football Tournament - Semifinal: Orissa 1-0 Goa - Goal: 1-0 Sarita Jayanti Behra (32').
33rd National Games, Guwahati - Women's Football Tournament - Semifinal: West Bengal 0-2 Manipur - Goals: 0-1 Bembem Devi (7'), 0-2 Manitombi Devi (81').

::: 2008 Olympic Qualifiers: INDIA now faces tougher opposition :::
The INDIAN Olympic squad made live difficult for itself having to go through a penalty shootout to get past Myanmar in the first round knockout stage of the 2008 Olympic Football Tournament's Asian Qualifiers. Now in the second stage INDIA will have to face much tougher competition in Group D with Iraq, North Korea and Thailand. A stage which INDIA hasn't been able to reach for many years in Olympic football...
The 24-team second round qualifying, which has been split into six groups of four each, runs through February 28 to June 6, 2007, with the top two teams in each group advancing to the Final round which will be played in three groups of four teams each. The Final home-and-away round will be held from August 22 till November 21, 2007, with the three group winners representing Asia at the Beijing Olympic Games. China have automatic qualification as hosts.
So some much needed match practice for the INDIA Olympic team to come-up in the next few month's against tougher Asian opposition. The first match is less than two weeks away with INDIA travelling to Jordan to face war-torn Iraq likely in Amman on February 28. A tricky opening encounter in Round 2 as Iraq are a tough opponent, who had reached the 2004 Athens Olympic football semifinals.
The INDIA Olympic team have got a few days off before regathering again on February 20 in Calcutta for a week long camp ahead of the match away to Iraq.

::: 2008 Olympic Qualifiers: INDIA Women's Squad announced for opener :::
The INDIA Women's national team start their 2008 Beijing Olympic qualification campaign on Saturday with a tough away match in Masan near Busan against South Korea and host the South Koreans on Sunday, February 25 in the return-leg in Chennai. The winner of the home-and-away series will face either Hongkong or Jordan.
The AIFF today named an 18 member squad for the trip to South Korea with Harjinder Singh remaining in charge as Chief Coach.
INDIA Women: Goalkeepers: Ranjitha Mohanty (Orissa), Ronibala Chanu Lourembem (Manipur); Defenders: K Rabika Devi, Romi Devi Ashem, Lal Varmoi Hmar, Ranjita Devi Tekcham, Nameirakpam Geeta Rani Chanu (all Manipur), Madhu Kumari (Bihar); Midfielders: Shadokpam Rani Chanu, Ng Bala Devi, O Bem Bem Devi (all Manipur), Gitanjali Kuntia (Orissa), Rinku Ghosh (West Bengal), Manpreet Kaur (Haryana); Forwards: Sradhanjali S. Ray, Sasmita Malick (both Orissa), Th Tababi Devi (Manipur), Sujata Kar (Captain, West Bengal). Officials: Harjinder Singh (Chief Coach), Ms Sukla Dutta (Assistant Coach), Ms Chitra Jayaram (Goalkeeper Coach), Ms Nita Kavluri (Physiotherapist), Ms Mohun Renuka Lakshmi (Manager).

::: Clubs sign players before 11th NFL continues :::
• Federation Cup finalists Sporting Clube de Goa have signed Swedish PIO Nicolas Nath ahead of the start of the 5th Round of the 11th National League.
• East Bengal Club have decided to sign Brazilian striker Edmilson after a longer trial period and have also signed Brazilian defender Cristiano as their third foreigner after initially thinking of releasing him.
• Mohammedan Sporting Club have signed Camroonian striker Ndem A Guy Kiyeck Herve along with another African striker Preston Caparol from Malaysia. Ndem signs for Mohammedan Sporting after having played for Maidan rivals East Bengal and Mohun Bagan. Also Eric Bolwe Mputu is back from his home country and has been signed for the remainder of the NFL.

February 14

RESULTS & NEWS

::: IFC Exclusive Interview with Bentila D'Couth (International Women's Referee) :::
IndianFootball.Com correspondent PS Parameswaran had the chance for a rare exclusive interview with India's leading women's referee Bentila D'Couth.
Parameswaran talked to her about her career as a footballer, her transition from a footballer to an international referee and what it took her to become an international referee. She also tells us about the problems sportsperson still face in India.
Click here to read the complete >>Bentila D'Couth (International Women's Referee) interview

::: FIFA World Rankings: India remain 157th :::
The latest FIFA World Rankings were released today by the world football governing body. INDIA remain a lowly 157th jointly with Laos and Maldives, losing 5 points to now have 85 points. Meanwhile in Asia INDIA remain 32nd behind south Asian rivals Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
At the top there was also a change with World Cup winners Italy climbling to No. 1 past Brazil, who had been in that position for 55 month's.

2008 Beijing Olympics Football Tournament - Asian Qualifiers - Saltlake Stadium, Calcutta: INDIA U23 1-1,0-0,4-1 Myanmar U23 (penalties)
Goals: 1-0 Manjit Singh (39'), 1-1 Moewin (90+1').

Penalty Shootout:
• Sunil Kumar - scores to goalkeeper's left. Penalty score: 1-0
• Myo Min Tun - saved by Subrata Pal diving to his left. Penalty score 1-0
• Debabrata Roy - scores to goalkeeper's left. Penalty score 2-0
• Si Thu Win - saved by Subrata Pal by means of his legs. Penalty score 2-0
• Nanjangud Shivananju Manju - scores to goalkeeper's right. Penalty score 3-0
• Tun Khin Maung - scores to top right corner. Penalty score 3-1
• Manjit Singh - scores to goalkeeper's left. Penalty score 4-1
INDIA win 4-1 on penalties.

The Indian Olympic Team made it to the second round of the 2008 Beijing Olympics Football Tournaments Asian Qualifiers with a 4-1 penalty shootout victory against neighbours Myanmar after the match had ended 1-1 in regulation time at the Saltlake Stadium, Calcutta. India once again squandered a lone goal lead against Myanmar to concede an injury time equaliser and then had to fight it out in the penalty shootout where goalkeeper Subrata Pal was the hero with two penalty saves will all India shooters scored their penalties - Sunil Chetri, Debabrata Roy, Nanjangud Shivananju Manju and Manjit Singh.

INDIA U23: 20-Subrata Pal; 16-Rakesh Masih, 3-Nanjangud Shivananju Manju, 15-Sunil Kumar, 5-Debabrata Roy; 6-Chitrasen Chandam Singh (95' 18-Praveen Rawat), 8-Gouramangi Moirangthem Singh, 17-Rocus Lamare, 7-Syed Rahim Nabi (85' 14-Mehtab Hussain); 9-Manjit Singh, 11-Sushil Kumar Singh (79' Tarif Ahmed).
Subs not used: 1-Subhashish Roy Chowdhury, 2-Gurjinder Singh, 12-Branco Vincent Cardozo, 13-Dhanraj Ravanan.
MYANMAR U23: 1-Kyaw Zin Htet; 2-Aung Han Win, 4-Aung Zaw Htet, 3-Win Moe, 5-Lwin Khin Maung; 15-Yaza Win Thein (46' 6-Tun Khin Maung), 8-Aung Myint Aye (80' 17-Hla Aye Htwe), 10-Aung Myo Thant, 7-Aung Soe Thiha (53' 16-Kyaw Thi Na); 9-Si Thu Win, 11-Myo Min Tun.
Subs not used: 12-Kyaw Hioo, 13-Aye San, 14-Aung Win Naing, 18-Hein Kyaw Thu.
REFEREE: Ali Hamad Albadwawl (United Arab Emirates).
YELLOW CARD: Hla Aye Htew (107', MYANMAR U23).
More information & pictures are available at the >>IndianFootball.Com National Team special

Bangalore Super Division: CIL 3-1 BEL SC - Goals: 1-0 Ajit (50'), 1-1 Aravind (58'), 2-1,3-1 Pradeep (73',84').
Bangalore 'A' Division: Army Service Corps 4-0 BWSSB - Goals: 1-0 Thiruvanaka Raju (38'), 2-0 Ramesh (45'), 3-0,4-0 Choudhary (61',73').
Delhi Senior Division - Final Four: City Club 1-2 Indian Air Force, New Delhi - Goals: 1-0 Paul Anthony (6'), 1-1 Kalyan Pal (11'), 1-2 GS Sandhu (39').

33rd National Games, Guwahati - Women's Football Tournament Group B: West Bengal 0-0 Goa - Goals: none.
33rd National Games, Guwahati - Women's Football Tournament Group B: Mizoram 3-3 Kerala

2nd All-India Padmanav Memorial Football Tournament - Final: Army XI 1-0 Railway FC, Calcutta - Goal: 1-0 Ashok Liptacha (60').

::: India, IR Iran and Qatar confirm intention to bid for AFC Asian Cup™ in 2011 :::
AFC press release: The first step in the host selection for AFC Asian Cup™ 2011 has commenced with three countries formally expressing their intention to bid, following a February 9, 2007, deadline set by AFC.
The three interested Member Associations are (in alphabetical order) India, IR Iran and Qatar.
India and IR Iran had previously indicated their interest in hosting AFC's top competition prior to the AFC Executive Committee meeting in November 2006, where it was agreed that an amendment to Article 10 of the AFC Statutes shall be put before the AFC Congress on May 8, 2007 for final ratification. This amendment shall enable countries from both the Central & South Asia zone and the West Asia zone to host the AFC Asian Cup™ in 2011, creating a West/East Asia rotation following AFC Asian Cup, China 2004.
The key stages of the bidding process are:
February 9, 2007 - Deadline for Member Associations to declare interest to host AFC Asian Cup™ 2011 by completing the 'Declaration of Interest' form and returning the form to AFC
March 1, 2007 - The List of Requirements (LOR) will be dispatched to the Member Associations which have declared an interest in hosting the AFC Asian Cup™ 2011.
April 1, 2007 - Deadline for the Member Associations to either confirm or withdraw their candidature in writing to AFC.
April 12, 2007 - AFC to dispatch the Organising Association Agreement (OAA) to the Member Associations which have confirmed an interest in hosting the AFC Asian Cup™ 2011.
June 21, 2007 - Deadline for the definitive bid. Member Associations to submit a signed OAA and all bid documentation to AFC to arrive at AFC House by this date, in compliance with the terms of the OAA, the List of Requirements and the other annexes.
July 28, 2007 - The AFC Executive Committee will make the final decision designating the Host Association of the AFC Asian Cup™ 2011.

::: AVC-Kuwait lift prestigious United Goans Trophy :::
by Gasper Crasto: A.V.C Sports & Cultural Association sponsored by Kuwait Transcontinental Shipping Company avenged their last tournament (NYC Rolling Trophy) loss by lifting the prestigious U.G. Trophy defeating DHL FC in the finals held at Soor Grounds, Kuwait on February 9. AVC won 1-0 scored by midfielder Luciano D'Souza in the first half. The final was witnessed by a large number of spectators.
Like all major sport, football in Kuwait brings together Indians of different societies. United Goans Centre have been one of the foremost clubs to initiate the game and are still going strong.
One of the best teams in recent years AVC played a controlled game throughout with Liston and stopper-back Vincy playing stellar roles. With the victory, AVC have created a record in the history of the tournament by inscribing their name on the trophy for the thirrd consecutive year.
DHL relied mostly on counter attacks but their midfielders did not move in cohesion with the forwards. Midfielders Agnelo Miranda and Terence shone in patches. AVC dominated major part of the game and missed many goal scoring chances. AVC's midfielder and captain Francis Fernandes showed lively footwork to create space for himself and his teammates all through the game. DHL medios were unsettled in the match mainly due to the fine ball possession and creative passing of Francis and his combination with Liston and Kevin Vaz. The winning goal materialized from a goal-mouth melee resulting from a corner kick.
DHL used all the tactics in the second session to force an equalizer but AVC defense comprising of Vincy, Joseph Quadros, Francis and Liston stood strong. DHL looked dangerous on the break despite AVC's control of possession but the ever alert AVC defenders were quick to intercept. AVC proved their class after the interval by creating a number of chances and going close to increasing the lead. DHL almost equalized after goalkeeper Alvaro was beaten but defender Vincy made a 'nick of time' save to deny DHL.
The tournament played under the auspices of Kuwait India Football Federation was officiated by Indian Football Referees Association referees. Elvis Camelo and Anthony Correia were served yellow cards by referee Philip for visibly kicking the opponents.
Goan Konkani stage legend Antonio Rosario Fernandes popularly known as Roseferns - the King of Centuries was the Chief Guest for the day. Roseferns, who was in Kuwait to act in Kuwait Goans Tiatristanchi Sonstha musical show was given a warm welcome by the crowd. Speaking in Konkani, Roseferns said it was like being in Goa with so many exciting Goan 'khellgoddi' and friendly faces.
United Goans President Blandino M Viegas, who is incidentally the President of Kuwait Indian Football Federation also spoke on the occasion and highlighted UG's continuous role over the years for the last three decades in promoting Indian football in Kuwait. It should be noted that United Goans' Centre is the foremost established football club among the Indian expatriates in Kuwait
Agnelo AS Fernandes, dynamic President of Navelim Youth Centre-Kuwait was the Guest of Honour. Others present were UG Vice President - Pascoal Alphonso, Team Manager - Rosario Lawrence, PRO - Joe Fernandes, Executive Member - Michael Fernandes, Sports Secretary - Menino Fernandes, Ex-President - Tony Gonsalves, UG members and players.
Don Bosco Oratory who lost out to AVC in the semifinals were awarded the prestigious Fair Play Trophy while AVC captain Francisco Fernandes was declared man of the match.
UG General Secretary Felipe Menezes compered the prize distribution function.

February 13

RESULTS & NEWS

Bangalore Super Division: MEG 4-1 LRDE - Goals: 1-0 Lokeshwar Singh (18'), 2-0,3-1,4-1 Nigil Raj (23',57',67'), 2-1 Saravana Lokesh (39').
Bangalore 'A' Division: Nationals FC 1-3 DYSS - Goals: 0-1 Dada Nabeel (43'), 0-2 Kiran Kumar (75'), 1-2 Shyam Kumar, 1-3 Kalandhar (90+').

33rd National Games, Guwahati - Men's Football Tournament Group A: West Bengal 1-1 Punjab - Goals: 0-1 Balraj Singh (23'), 1-1 Snehashish Chakraborty (26').
33rd National Games, Guwahati - Men's Football Tournament Group A: Meghalaya 4-0 Haryana - Goals: 1-0 Laldingliana (15'), 2-0 Birendra Thapa (51'), 3-0 Muana Ralte (70'), 4-0 Lekini Suting (81').
33rd National Games, Guwahati - Men's Football Tournament Group B: Maharashtra 0-0 Tamil Nadu - Goals: none.
33rd National Games, Guwahati - Men's Football Tournament Group B: Assam 2-2 Kerala - Goals: 0-1 Jackson Sebastian (8'), 0-2 Rajesh Kumar (45'), 1-2 Sanjeeva Rongpi (66'), 2-2 Mrinal Boro (90+').
33rd National Games, Guwahati - Women's Football Tournament Group A: Manipur 1-0 Assam - Goal: 1-0 Bembem Devi (12').
33rd National Games, Guwahati - Women's Football Tournament Group A: Orissa 5-1 Tamil Nadu - Goals: 1-0,2-0,4-1 Sumumati Laguri (23',24',78'), 3-0,5-1 Sarita Jayanti Behra (29',90+1'), 3-1 J Rani Prasana (64').

::: "Signature Crest" to Sponsor Individual Awards for Delhi Soccer Association's Senior Division League :::
A much needed recognition has been bestowed upon the Delhi Soccer Association'S Senior Division League in the form of sponsorship of individual awards by Signature Crest - a Mumbai-based travel house. Signature Crest is India's leading chain of serviced apartments and is offering 15 individual prizes for the ongoing DSA Senior Division League.
Prizes include 3 nights 4 days stay at any of the Signature Crest apartments spread over 25 locations across India. The total worth of the sponsorship is Rs. 150,000. The individual awards to be sponsored and named after Signature Crest are:
- "Signature Crest" Best Player of the League
- "Signature Crest" Highest Scorer of the League
- "Signature Crest" Best Goalkeeper
- "Signature Crest" Best Defender
- "Signature Crest" Best Midfielder
- "Signature Crest" Best Forward
- "Signature Crest" Best Coach
- "Signature Crest" Best Media Coverage
- "Signature Crest" Best Photo Coverage
These awards will add to the emerging profile of football in Delhi and the DSA plus to encourage the players to do well. The awards are the result of yet another effort undertaken by Infinity Optimal Solutions Pvt. Ltd. (IOS) towards the development of football in the country. IOS is committed to infrastructure building for the sport and believes in strengthening the same from the grass root level upwards. Lastly, the sponsorship is evident of the fact that corporate houses are still very much interested in Delhi football and supporting football players in the capital so as to fulfill the long-term aim of making Delhi the football hub of northern India.

::: AFC plans major Asian Leagues' revamp :::
AFP report: Ten of Asia's top football leagues are set to be revamped as part of the Asian Football Confederation's drive to make them more commercially viable and attractive to fans. The proposal is the brainchild of AFC chief Mohammed Bin Hammam and is under the guidance of Japan Football Association president Saburo Kawabuchi.
An initial study has been focusing on 22 countries and their current league and club infrastructure, with at least 10 to be relaunched between 2009-2012, some seeing more drastic changes than others.
"The project is very big and will take a lot of hard work and dedication. But I am putting this as top priority for the Japan Football Association to assist in making it a success," says Kawabuchi. "We are seriously cooperating with the AFC to improve this special project which has been designed to raise the level of football in Asian clubs."
The 10 leagues are Australia, Japan, China, South Korea, Singapore, India, Iran, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The key focus is to make them more commercially viable through increased transparency in the way they do business, as well as more competitive to attract more fans. Precise details are still being thrashed out.
The AFC is also considering a new format for the Champions League, Asia's premier club competition, from 2009.
"The overall motivation behind the program is the need and ambition to ensure that Asian football is managed professionally, within a commercial infrastructure, and is providing entertainment for the fans," Bin Hammam says.
"Today, football can be, and must be, managed as a business commodity while still protecting the integrity of the sport. So within the AFC region there are many opportunities to redevelop the national leagues, and also our AFC continental club competitions, to ensure we are competitive and progressive."
The decision to revamp the leagues was sparked in part by the failure of Asian nations to do better at the World Cup in Germany, where only AFC newcomer Australia made it past the group stages.

::: Mohun Bagan AC to boycott NFL match if not played at Saltlake Stadium :::
Federation Cup champions Mohun Bagan AC will boycott their Round 5 match of the 11th National League against Dempo SC on February 18 if the venue change from the Saltlake Stadium to the Barasat Stadium is not taken back by the concerned authorities. This decision was taken by the clubs executive committee yesterday and the AIFF, IFA and Dempo SC have been informed about the decision.
In the interest of football the club hoped that their rivals East Bengal Club and Mohammedan Sporting Club would join their step in the interest of football in Calcutta.
Mohun Bagan took this drastic step as the Saltlake Stadium isn't available for football due to the Calcutta Bookfair.

February 12

RESULTS & NEWS

::: New IndianFootball.Com's International Perspective article :::
The latest "IndianFootball.Com's International Perspective" article titled "Super Soccer shows India's Super Failure" from our own Harmit Singh Kamboe is now online!
The 2007 Super Soccer Series ended yesterday with São Paulo FC coach Antonio Carlos Silva observing a number of things which ail Indian football. Harmit critically looks at some of the key statements from the Brazilian coach.
Read the complete article here >>IndianFootball.Com International Perspective .

33rd National Games, Guwahati - Men's Football Tournament Group A: Punjab 1-0 Haryana - Goal: 1-0 Lalhlimthare Mahlima (90+3').
33rd National Games, Guwahati - Men's Football Tournament Group B: Maharashtra 2-0 Kerala - Goals: 1-0 Jinto Jose (79'), 2-0 Prabhash Janardhan (89').
33rd National Games, Guwahati - Women's Football Tournament Group B: West Bengal 8-1 Mizoram - Goals: 1-0,2-0,3-1,5-1,6-1 Silpi Deb (17',33',52',75',79'), 2-1 Lalhmangaihi (42'), 4-1 Deepa Bera (62'), 7-1,8-1 Alpana Seal (84',89').
33rd National Games, Guwahati - Women's Football Tournament Group B: Goa 2-1 Kerala - Goals: 1-0 Dumiana Gomendes (3'), 1-1 Amrutha Arvind (23'), 2-1 Blanka Barreto (37').

::: Mahindra United Football House inaugurated :::
The Mahindra United Football House in Mumbai was inaugurated today by the AIFF president Priya Ranjan Das Munshi.
Present on the occasion where also AIFF General Secretary Alberto Colaco; Zee Sports COO Gary Lovejoy; MDFA secretary Kehar Singh; one of the AFC's vice-President Manilal Fernando plus FIFA Development Officers Jean Michal Benezet and David Borja, who are currently on an India tour.
From the Mahindra&Mahindra side Pawan Goenka, the President of the Automotive Sector; and Mahindra United President Alan Durante and Secretary Johnny Mapgaonkar where there besides the Mahindra United Senior, U19 and U15 teams plus some senior Mahindra company officials and past players working now for Mahindra's.
After cutting the ribbon, pulling the curtain of the plaque and breaking of the coconut was done by Mr. Das Munshi; all the officials took a tour of the interior of the building to get a first hand impression.
The building is located at the Mahindra&Mahindra vehicle factory in Kandivali, Mumbai. It has an all air-conditioned office dedicated solely for the working of the Mahindra United football team. There are four cabins, a conference room, and further desks for four staff with each desk having a computer.
The office was built after large lobbying by the Mahindra United well-wishers Alan Durante and R Natarajan, who had to convince the company management to let go of this office space. It surely was a proud moment for them.

After the official opening of the building a press conference was held.
Addressing the media, the AIFF president Das Munshi said, "Whenever I am in Mumbai, I will use the office as it is just like the FIFA office!"
Further the AIFF president wished the best to Mahindra United, saying they could be the Man Utd of India and Asia.
Addressing then the tricky issue of the Cooperage ground the AIFF president promised that he would hold meetings with WIFA president Praful Patel and BCCI president Sharad Pawar, both central government ministers who hail from Maharashtra, to ensure that a modern stadium was built at the Cooperage ground and that finally all the hurdles are sorted out by the year end.
FIFA Development Officers Jean Michal Benezet is said to have made clear that India need a strong National League, which would have to be professional and bigger in size.

After the opening and press conference, the FIFA/AFC delegates and the Mahindra officials and staff proceeded for their meeting.
The FIFA Development Officers were shown a presentation of the current state of affairs of the club and they said to be impressed what they saw.
Then they threshed out with all those present that what could be done to raise the standard of football, and what will be needed... Plus how Mahindra United could lead the way and be a benchmark in India. They did not expect such a professional set-up in India, but they liked it, and want it to get better!
In the morning the FIFA Development Officers had met Air-India officials, Mumbai's other NFL club. And where also said to have liked what they saw.
In the coming days the FIFA Development Officers would travel to Goa, Bangalore, Calcutta and Delhi to meet with the other NFL teams and top six 2.Division NFL clubs.

::: 2008 Olympic Qualifiers: Habibur out injured :::
Mohammedan Sporting Club defender Habibur Rehman Mondal will miss wednesday's India vs Myanmar 2008 Olympic qualifier return-leg at the Saltlake Stadium, Calcutta. Habibur picked-up a serious injury in Yangoon, a torn cartilage on his right knee and will likely be operated by renowned Dr. Anand Joshi tomorrow. The costs of the operation will be taken care of by the AIFF as it happened on national duty.
Further while checking in the Indian Olmypic football team had problems at the Taj Bengal in Calcutta. The rooms where not ready and the team had to go to training without checking-in. Later on the situation and the rooms where sorted but after much work by the team management.

::: Delhi Senior Division: Final Four from wednesday :::
The Final Four of the Delhi Senior Division 2006/07 will be played from wednesday until February 20 with City Club; Indian Air Force, New Delhi; Indian Nationals FC; and Garhwal Heroes fighting it out in a round robin league to decide this seasons Delhi champions.
The Delhi SA has decided to enhance the prize money available to the clubs in the league. The champions this year would get Rs 100,000 instead of Rs 10,000; the runners-up would receive Rs 50,000 instead of Rs 7,500; while the teams finishing third and fourth would receive Rs 25,000.
The Delhi Senior Division is jointly sponsored by ONGC & SAIL with Cosco and State Bank of India as co-sponsors.
Go to the fixtures of the >>Delhi Senior Division - Final Four

February 11

RESULTS & NEWS

Under the title "Demise of Football in Kerala???" IndianFootball.Com's Jerry Joy looks at what ails football in God's Own Country in our latest Editor's Column.
Read the complete article here >>IndianFootball.Com Editor's Column .

In the latest IndianFootball.Com Guest Column lecturer Dr. S Ranjit Singh under the title "Is Today's Football Violence in the Public Interest?" looks at the social relevance o