India Eyes World Cup Qualifying History in Afghanistan Clash

India Eyes World Cup Qualifying History in Afghanistan Clash

India’s football team is gearing up for their crucial World Cup qualifying matches against Afghanistan, with the aim of securing a spot in the third phase of the qualifiers for the first time. Coach Igor Stimac emphasized the team’s determination to win the upcoming games and progress to the next round.

India will face Afghanistan in back-to-back matches as part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2027 AFC Asian Cup joint qualifiers round 2. The first match will be held in Abha, Saudi Arabia on March 21, while the second will take place in Guwahati, India on March 26.

Stimac acknowledged the team’s disappointing performance at the AFC Asian Cup in January, but stressed that their focus is now on the upcoming qualifiers. “We are not a club that can work with the players on a daily basis,” he said. “The expectations were high without any base.”

India currently stands level on three points with Kuwait in Group A, but has an inferior goal difference. A top-two finish in their group will guarantee progression to Round 3 of the qualifiers, which will also ensure direct qualification for the AFC Asian Cup 2027.

Stimac highlighted the challenges of playing in Abha, which is located at a high altitude of 2,270 meters. “Afghanistan did everything to make it difficult for us,” he said. “Choosing Abha as their home venue was a clever decision.”

Despite the challenges, Stimac expressed confidence in his team’s ability to overcome the obstacles and secure a positive result. “We are going there with a clear mindset, and we’re looking for the points,” he said. “Most of our boys are in decent form at their clubs, and hopefully we can overcome all difficulties and find a way to manage the game in a positive way.”

The Indian team is set to travel to Abha on a chartered plane for their first match against Afghanistan. Stimac believes that the team has the potential to make history by reaching Round 3 of the qualifiers for the first time. “They all have the same dream, so we don’t need to inject any motivation into them,” he said. “We have never made it to Round 3 before, and if we do that, it will then give them new dreams, to qualify for the World Cup in the future.”

Cognizant Becomes Title Sponsor of Major League Cricket, Fueling Growth of Cricket in America

Cognizant Becomes Title Sponsor of Major League Cricket, Fueling Growth of Cricket in America

Major League Cricket (MLC) has secured Cognizant as its inaugural title sponsor, marking a pivotal moment for professional cricket in the United States. This multi-year partnership aims to accelerate the growth of the sport in America, fostering a new era for the world’s second-largest sport.

Vijay Srinivasan, co-founder of MLC, hailed the collaboration, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome Cognizant as our title sponsor, starting with season two of MLC this summer.” He emphasized the partnership’s role in propelling the league’s growth and the sport’s popularity in the United States.

Cognizant’s Chief Executive Officer, Ravi Kumar S, expressed the company’s enthusiasm for supporting MLC’s vision. “We are excited to inspire the next generation of cricket players,” he said. The partnership extends beyond sponsorship, encompassing outreach and education initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion in sports and technology.

Cognizant’s sponsorship portfolio includes partnerships with PGA, LPGA, Aston Martin Formula 1 (AMF1) team, SailGP, and the English Football Association. This move aligns with the company’s commitment to showcasing the intersection of sports and technology while promoting diversity and inclusion.

MLC’s second season, commencing on July 4, promises an exhilarating display of talent. Renowned cricketers from Afghanistan, South Africa, Pakistan, and the West Indies will grace the field, including Rashid Khan, Faf du Plessis, Marco Jansen, Quinton de Kock, Haris Rauf, and Sunil Narine.

The success of MLC’s inaugural season, characterized by sold-out matches and a surge in fan engagement, has set the stage for further expansion. Matches for the 2024 season will be held at Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium in Texas, with additional venues to be announced soon.

The partnership between MLC and Cognizant marks a significant milestone in the journey to establish cricket as a prominent sport in the United States. It promises growth, excitement, and opportunities for players and fans alike, solidifying the sport’s future in the American sporting landscape.

Ellyse Perry: Staying Grounded Amidst Success and Reduced Bowling Workload

Ellyse Perry: Staying Grounded Amidst Success and Reduced Bowling Workload

Ellyse Perry, the Australian all-rounder, has been a beacon of consistency across sports, excelling in both football and cricket. Despite her impressive achievements, Perry remains grounded and focused on the present.

After her remarkable performance in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), where she claimed 6 for 15 against Mumbai Indians, Perry celebrated modestly with a chocolate brownie and ice cream. However, she emphasized the importance of maintaining perspective and not getting carried away by success.

“It’s easy to get really carried away when things go well,” Perry said. “But I feel like a lot of time you don’t have that much control over things panning well or not.”

Perry’s reduced bowling workload in recent times has not diminished her preparation. She believes in staying ready for any opportunity to contribute to her team.

“I have played for a long period of time now, so I have got a bit of a handle on how I need to prepare,” Perry explained. “I do that keeping in mind that you are available if the opportunity presents itself to bowl in a game.”

With the Women’s T20 World Cup approaching, Perry’s performance in the WPL has raised questions about her potential role in the Australian team. However, she remains focused on her team’s success rather than personal accolades.

“I don’t think there is a case for anything,” Perry said. “I have played a lot of cricket over a number of years. We have been pretty fortunate in the Australian team that we have a lot of options.”

Perry credits the positive atmosphere and leadership of Smriti Mandhana for Royal Challengers Bangalore’s turnaround in the WPL.

“There’s a really strong sense of calmness and people are enjoying themselves,” Perry said. “Smriti has led the group exceptionally well.”

As RCB prepares for the Eliminator against Mumbai Indians, Perry remains confident in her team’s abilities.

“The team, as a whole, has had more time together,” Perry said. “The fact that we can take the field knowing each other and supporting each other has been great.”

AFC Demands Evidence in Corruption Allegations Against AIFF President

AFC Demands Evidence in Corruption Allegations Against AIFF President

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has taken cognizance of the corruption allegations leveled against All India Football Federation (AIFF) President Kalyan Chaubey by the organization’s former legal head, Nilanjan Bhattacharjee. The AFC has requested Bhattacharjee to submit a detailed written report outlining his allegations and supporting evidence by March 18, 2024.

Bhattacharjee, in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accused Chaubey of involvement in non-transparent tender processes and attempts to misappropriate federation funds for personal expenses. Chaubey has vehemently denied the allegations, calling them “baseless” and accusing Bhattacharjee of attempting to damage his reputation.

The AFC’s intervention highlights the seriousness of the allegations and the potential impact on Indian football’s reputation. Former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia has also weighed in, calling for Chaubey’s resignation and new elections to clean up the AIFF administration.

Bhattacharjee has remained steadfast in his position, claiming that he refused to sign a “lopsided” agreement with Indigo Airlines during his tenure, which would have provided a minimum guarantee of Rs 7 crore for content creation rights without any incentive for Indian football.

Chaubey has provided a point-by-point rebuttal to Bhattacharjee’s allegations, but Bhattacharjee has vowed to submit all his evidence to the AFC. He has also invited others concerned about Indian football to share any information they may have.

The AFC’s investigation could have significant consequences for Indian football. If the allegations are substantiated, it could lead to sanctions against the AIFF and damage the reputation of the sport in the country. The outcome of the investigation will be closely watched by all stakeholders in Indian football.

Al Hilal Sets World Record with 28th Consecutive Victory

Al Hilal Sets World Record with 28th Consecutive Victory

Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal has etched its name in football history by setting a new world record for consecutive victories. The Riyadh-based club extended its winning streak to an astonishing 28 matches, surpassing the previous record of 27 held by Welsh team The New Saints.

Al Hilal’s remarkable run culminated in a 2-0 triumph over fellow Saudi side Al Ittihad in the quarter-finals of the Asian Champions League. The victory propelled them into the semi-finals with a 4-0 aggregate score.

The match was a tense affair, with Al Ittihad posing a significant threat despite missing key players like Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante. However, Al Hilal’s resilience and attacking prowess proved too much for their opponents.

Yasser Al Shahrani broke the deadlock in the 61st minute, capitalizing on a pass from Sergej Milinkovic-Savic. Brazilian forward Malcom sealed the victory deep into injury time, securing a memorable night for the Riyadh giants.

Al Hilal’s dominance has been evident throughout their Champions League campaign, as they have won their last nine matches. They are also the most successful team in the competition’s history, having lifted the trophy four times.

Meanwhile, South Korea’s Ulsan also advanced to the semi-finals with a 1-0 victory over Jeonbuk Motors. Seol Young-woo’s first-half volley proved decisive in a tense encounter between the two K-League powerhouses.

Ulsan’s victory brings them closer to a place in next year’s expanded Club World Cup, which will feature 32 teams in the United States. They will face either Japan’s Yokohama F-Marinos or China’s Shandong Taishan in the semi-finals.

Premier League Title Race Heats Up: Arsenal, Liverpool, City in Three-Horse Race

Premier League Title Race Heats Up: Arsenal, Liverpool, City in Three-Horse Race

The Premier League title race is heating up with just 10 matchdays remaining, as Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester City battle it out for the coveted trophy.

Arsenal currently sit atop the standings, but Liverpool and City are hot on their heels, separated by just one point. The Gunners have not won the league since 2004, while Liverpool are desperate to give Jurgen Klopp a fitting farewell in his final season at the helm. Manchester City, on the other hand, are aiming for an unprecedented fourth consecutive title triumph.

The 2023-24 season has been a rollercoaster ride, with five teams vying for the title at one point. However, Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa have since fallen out of contention, leaving the race to the top three.

Arsenal’s title hopes were boosted by their 2-1 victory over Brentford, while Liverpool and City played out a 1-1 draw at Anfield, keeping the title race wide open.

Liverpool’s motivation is fueled by Klopp’s impending departure. The German has transformed the Reds into a formidable force, winning the Premier League in 2020 and the Champions League in 2019. His players are determined to give him a memorable send-off.

Manchester City, under the guidance of Pep Guardiola, are aiming to make history by becoming the first team to win four consecutive Premier League titles. No team has achieved this feat in the history of English football.

The title race is expected to go down to the wire, with all three teams having plenty to play for. Arsenal are desperate to end their title drought, Liverpool want to give Klopp a perfect farewell, and City are eyeing a historic achievement.

Fans can expect a thrilling and unpredictable finish to the season, with the title likely to be decided by the finest of margins.

Chelsea Ease Pressure on Pochettino with Newcastle Victory

Chelsea Ease Pressure on Pochettino with Newcastle Victory

Chelsea’s 3-2 victory over Newcastle on Monday provided a much-needed respite for manager Mauricio Pochettino, who had faced mounting pressure from fans. The win propelled the Blues back into contention for European football next season.

Nicolas Jackson opened the scoring for Chelsea within six minutes, flicking in Cole Palmer’s shot. However, Newcastle fought back and equalized through Alexander Isak’s low finish just before halftime.

Palmer restored Chelsea’s lead in the second half with a powerful effort, while Mykhailo Mudryk, who has struggled since joining the club, added a third goal with a blistering run and finish. Jacob Murphy’s late strike set up a nervy finish, but Chelsea held on for the victory.

The win moves Chelsea up to 11th in the Premier League table, just four points behind West Ham in seventh, which would secure a place in the Europa Conference League. Newcastle, meanwhile, remain in 10th place, one point ahead of Chelsea.

Pochettino’s position had come under scrutiny after a difficult first season in charge, including a League Cup final defeat to Liverpool. However, the win over Newcastle provided some promising signs, with several of his young recruits showing glimpses of their potential.

Jackson has now scored 12 goals in his debut season, while Palmer has contributed 11 Premier League goals. Mudryk, despite his struggles, showed his quality with a decisive goal.

The pressure remains on Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, whose team has failed to build on last season’s fourth-place finish. The Magpies have now lost 12 games this season, leaving them just one point above Chelsea in the table.

Leverkusen Edge Closer to Bundesliga Title with Wolfsburg Win

Leverkusen Edge Closer to Bundesliga Title with Wolfsburg Win

Bayer Leverkusen’s relentless pursuit of their maiden Bundesliga title received a significant boost on Sunday as they secured a 2-0 victory over 10-man Wolfsburg. The triumph extended their lead over Bayern Munich to 10 points, with nine games remaining in the season.

Leverkusen’s dominance was evident from the outset, and they were handed a major advantage when Wolfsburg’s Moritz Jenz was sent off for a second yellow card after just 28 minutes. The hosts capitalized on their numerical superiority, with Nathan Tella heading in a delightful cross from Alex Grimaldo to open the scoring 11 minutes later.

Florian Wirtz, who has been instrumental in Leverkusen’s resurgence, added the second goal with four minutes remaining, ensuring all three points for his team. The victory marked Leverkusen’s third consecutive league match where their opponents finished with 10 men, a testament to the relentless pressure applied by Xabi Alonso’s high-energy football.

Despite returning from a grueling Europa League match in Azerbaijan just two days prior, Leverkusen showed no signs of fatigue. Alonso made eight changes to keep his side fresh, and the hosts controlled the tempo of the game throughout.

In other Bundesliga action, Freiburg maintained their Europa League hopes with a 2-1 win at Bochum. Michael Gregoritsch, who scored the only goal in Freiburg’s first leg victory over West Ham, netted again to give his team the lead. Maximilian Eggestein doubled their advantage before Ivan Ordets pulled one back for Bochum.

Eintracht Frankfurt extended their grip on sixth place with a 3-1 home victory over nine-man Hoffenheim. John Brooks opened the scoring for Hoffenheim but was later sent off for a last-man tackle. Frankfurt took full advantage, scoring three unanswered goals through Robin Koch, Eric Dina Ebimbe, and Mario Goetze. Hoffenheim’s misery was compounded when Ozan Kabak was also shown a second yellow card.

Sancho's Solo Stunner Secures Dortmund Victory

Sancho’s Solo Stunner Secures Dortmund Victory

Borussia Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho has been hailed by both his coach and sporting director after his stunning goal secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Werder Bremen on Saturday. The win keeps Dortmund in fourth place in the Bundesliga, on track for Champions League qualification next season.

Sancho’s goal, his first since returning to Dortmund on loan from Manchester United in January, was a trademark solo effort that showcased his exceptional dribbling skills and clinical finishing. The England winger received the ball on the left flank, danced past several Bremen defenders, and fired a low shot into the bottom corner.

“Doing something like that, you can of course see what a great footballer he is,” said Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl. “You can see how he can make the difference, especially in one-on-one situations.”

Sancho’s goal put Dortmund 2-0 up, but the visitors were forced to hold on for a narrow victory after Marcel Sabitzer was sent off with a straight red card shortly after. It was Sancho’s first goal in eight matches since returning to the side and his first in Dortmund colors in 1,031 days, dating back to May 2021.

Kehl, who played a key role in bringing Sancho back to the club, said the 23-year-old was “rewarded” for his hard work. “Everyone is happy for Jadon because they saw how hard he was working and how willing he was to help the team. Goals help. He’s had one or two assists before, but this goal will help him and give him a boost.”

Dortmund coach Edin Terzic, who was in charge when the Black and Yellows won the German Cup in 2021 thanks to two goals from Sancho, praised the winger’s performance. “It’s an example of what he’s capable of and hopefully he can continue like this. He’s not limiting himself to scoring a goal — it was his entire performance. We know he’s not 100 percent, there’s no way he can be (after a long layoff). But we’ll get him there.”

Kehl compared Sancho’s return to a player returning from injury and said Dortmund would need the winger in Wednesday’s Champions League last 16 second leg at home to PSV Eindhoven. “You should not forget that he didn’t play for a long time. It’s like when a player has a cruciate ligament injury and is out for a long time. We need him and we will again on Wednesday and for the coming weeks.”

Dortmund drew 1-1 in the first leg in the Netherlands and need a win to ensure progression to the quarter finals.

Services Crowned Santosh Trophy Champions with 1-0 Victory over Goa

Services Crowned Santosh Trophy Champions with 1-0 Victory over Goa

YUPIA, Arunachal Pradesh – Services emerged victorious in the 75th edition of the Santosh Trophy, India’s premier inter-state senior men’s football competition, after a thrilling 1-0 triumph over Goa in the final.

The match at the Golden Jubilee Stadium in Yupia started cautiously, with both teams struggling to find their rhythm in the opening session. However, Services gradually gained the upper hand in the second half, and their persistence paid off in the 67th minute.

Midfielder Rahul Ramakrishnan played a key role in the winning goal, setting up right-back P.P. Shafeel with a precise pass outside the Goa box. Shafeel unleashed a powerful grounder that left Goa goalkeeper Antonio Da Silva with no chance.

Goa, the pre-tournament favorites, fought valiantly to equalize, but Services’ defense stood firm. The best opportunity for Goa came in injury time when substitute Joshua D’Silva’s header beat Services goalkeeper Abdul Kadir, but Pradeep Kumar cleared the ball off the line to preserve the lead.

Services’ victory marks their seventh Santosh Trophy title, moving them up to second place in the all-time standings behind West Bengal (32 titles). The triumph is a testament to the team’s hard work, determination, and tactical discipline.

Goa, despite their disappointment, can take solace in their impressive run to the final. They showcased their attacking prowess throughout the tournament, scoring 14 goals in their previous five matches.

The Santosh Trophy, first held in 1941, is one of the oldest and most prestigious football competitions in India. It provides a platform for talented players from across the country to showcase their skills and represent their states.

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