ISL Archives

Mumbai City Stuns FC Goa with Late Comeback in ISL Semi-Final

By Nilay April 24, 2024 0

In a dramatic turn of events, Mumbai City FC stunned FC Goa with a remarkable 3-2 victory in the first leg of the Indian Super League (ISL) semi-final on Wednesday. The match, played in the humid conditions of Goa, saw Mumbai City trailing for most of the game before unleashing a late onslaught in injury time.

FC Goa took the lead in the 16th minute through Boris Thangjam, who capitalized on a defensive error by Mehtab Singh. The home team continued to dominate possession and stifled Mumbai City’s attacking options. In the 56th minute, Brandon Fernandes extended Goa’s lead with a stunning long-range strike, seemingly putting the game beyond Mumbai City’s reach.

However, Mumbai City refused to give up. In the 90th minute, Lallianzuala Chhangte reduced the deficit with a well-timed run and finish, assisted by Jayesh Rane. Just a minute later, Vikram Partap Singh equalized for Mumbai City, taking advantage of a spilled save by FC Goa goalkeeper Dheeraj Moirangthem.

As the game entered stoppage time, Mumbai City continued to press for the winner. In the sixth minute of added time, Chhangte completed his brace, slipping between two FC Goa defenders to score the decisive goal, again assisted by Rane.

The victory was a testament to Mumbai City’s resilience and the impact of substitute Rane, who made a significant contribution after coming on in the 64th minute. FC Goa coach Manolo Marquez expressed his disappointment with his team’s late collapse, stating, “This is why we didn’t win the league. If you don’t show character, you don’t win.”

Chhangte’s performance was particularly impressive, as he now has 15 goal contributions (9 goals and 6 assists) this season, the most among Indians and sixth overall. His late goals have proven crucial for Mumbai City in their quest for the ISL title.

Categories: Football

Roy Krishna’s Resurgence Powers Odisha FC to Semi-Final Advantage

By Nilay April 23, 2024 0

Roy Krishna, the Fijian striker, has rediscovered his scoring touch in the Indian Super League (ISL) after joining Odisha FC. Despite being 37 years old, Krishna has netted 13 goals this season, his highest tally since winning the ISL in 2019-20.

Krishna’s resurgence is attributed to Odisha FC coach Sergio Lobera, who has a knack for revitalizing players. The striker’s ISL career, which began under Antonio Lopez Habas, has received a second lease on life.

In the semi-final first-leg against ATK Mohun Bagan, Krishna scored the winning goal to give Odisha FC a 2-1 victory. The goal came after Manvir Singh’s early strike was canceled out by Carlos Delgado.

Odisha FC’s win was their second over league shield winners Mohun Bagan Super Giant in 2024, after Juan Ferrando was replaced by Habas. The team has remained unbeaten at home this season after 13 games.

Krishna’s goal was a testament to his determination and skill. He outmuscled Mohun Bagan central defender Hector Yuste to score with the outside of his boot. Krishna also drew a foul from Vishal Kaith in the 14th minute, which would have resulted in a penalty if he had not been marginally offside.

Mohun Bagan’s Armando Sadiku was sent off in the 67th minute for a reckless challenge on Ahmed Jahouh. Delgado’s handball in the 73rd minute restored parity in personnel. However, Odisha FC held on to their lead and will take a 2-1 advantage into the second leg.

Mohun Bagan, who recently won the Indian championship, now face a battle for survival in the second leg on Sunday.

Categories: Football

Odisha FC and Mohun Bagan SG Clash in ISL-10 Semifinal First Leg

By Nilay April 22, 2024 0

Odisha FC and Mohun Bagan SG, two fierce rivals on the field, will face off in the first leg of the ISL-10 semifinal at the Kalinga Stadium on Tuesday. The match promises to be a thrilling encounter, as both teams have a history of intense battles and are determined to secure a spot in the final.

In the league stage, the two teams played to two draws, highlighting their evenly matched abilities. However, Mohun Bagan SG enters the semifinal as the League Shield champion, having dethroned Mumbai City FC. Odisha FC, on the other hand, earned its semifinal berth with a thrilling comeback win over Kerala Blasters in the knockout match.

Odisha FC will be eager to make the most of its home advantage and secure a victory that would give it an edge heading into the second leg at Salt Lake Stadium on April 28. The team will be looking to redeem itself after a disappointing end to the league title race and claim its maiden ISL crown.

Odisha FC coach Sergio Lobera recalled his team’s impressive performance in the AFC Cup league stage, where it defeated Mohun Bagan 5-2 at their home ground. That victory was a testament to Lobera’s side’s resilience, especially after suffering a 4-0 defeat in the first meeting at Kalinga Stadium.

With the region experiencing extreme heat, weather conditions will play a significant role in the outcome of the match. The team that shows better endurance and adaptability will have a clear advantage.

Categories: Football

FC Goa, Chennaiyin FC Clash in ISL Knockout Battle for Semifinal Berth

By Nilay April 19, 2024 0

FC Goa and Chennaiyin FC Clash in High-Stakes ISL Knockout Battle

With a direct qualification to the semifinals hanging in the balance, FC Goa and Chennaiyin FC are set to face off in a crucial knockout match of the Indian Super League (ISL) on Saturday.

FC Goa enters the fixture in impressive form, having secured victories in four out of their last five matches. Their commanding performance against Chennaiyin FC in their recent encounter, where they emerged triumphant with a 4-1 scoreline, underscores their current form and confidence.

In contrast, Chennaiyin FC, despite experiencing a setback in their previous fixture against FC Goa, have demonstrated resilience throughout the season. With wins in three of their last five matches, they are poised to bounce back and pose a formidable challenge to their opponents.

FC Goa has a strong record against Chennaiyin FC, having won five of their last six matches against them and keeping a clean sheet in four of those victories. The Gaurs have found the back of the net in each of their previous 14 matches against the Marina Machans, and only against Kerala Blasters FC do they have a longer active scoring streak (19 games).

FC Goa has now won four matches in a row, and their last longer run like this was a stretch of five matches from January-February 2020. Their 52 strikes against Chennaiyin FC are the most goals that a team has netted against any opposition in the ISL. They put up an absolute show in the last match, and one can expect similar fireworks, or at least intent to pull off the same in the forthcoming fixture as well.

Prior to their defeat in the last game against the Gaurs, Chennaiyin FC had scored at least two goals or more in each of their three matches in the ISL.

Chennaiyin FC has often brought their A-game to the table in the knockouts, having won six playoffs matches in the tournament, which is the joint-highest amongst all teams along with Bengaluru FC (6).

Categories: Football

Mohun Bagan, Mumbai City FC Clash for ISL League Winner’s Shield

By Nilay April 14, 2024 0

The Indian Super League (ISL) is set for a thrilling climax as Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Mumbai City FC prepare to battle for the League Winner’s Shield in the final fixture of the round-robin stage. The match will be a clash of titans, with both teams vying for the prestigious trophy that symbolizes supremacy in Indian football.

Mohun Bagan, the Kolkata giants, will be banking on their home support and the desire to erase their unfavorable record against Mumbai City. The Mariners have never defeated the Islanders in eight previous ISL meetings, a psychological hurdle they must overcome to claim their maiden League Shield.

Mumbai City, on the other hand, holds a commanding lead with 47 points from 21 matches. A draw will suffice for the Islanders to secure the crown, while Mohun Bagan needs a victory to overtake their rivals and reverse the heartbreak of the 2020-21 season, when Mumbai City emerged victorious in the Shield race.

The match promises to be a tactical battle between two of the most formidable teams in the league. Mohun Bagan’s midfield marshal, Joni Kauko, emphasized the importance of patience and composure, stating, “We need to be patient and calm and play our game.”

The Mariners will rely on the attacking prowess of Liston Colaco and Hugo Boumous, while Mumbai City will look to their star striker, Igor Angulo, and the creativity of Ahmed Jahouh.

The match will be a fitting end to a captivating ISL season that has witnessed some of the most exciting football in recent memory. The League Winner’s Shield will be a testament to the hard work, dedication, and skill of the players and coaches involved.

Categories: Football

Mohammedan Sporting Clinches Maiden I-League Title, Earns ISL Promotion

By Nilay April 11, 2024 0

Mohammedan Sporting, a venerable football club with a rich 133-year history, has etched its name in the annals of Indian football by clinching its maiden I-League title. This triumph secures the club’s promotion to the prestigious Indian Super League (ISL).

In a thrilling away fixture against Shillong Lajong FC, Mohammedan Sporting emerged victorious with a 2-1 scoreline, needing only a draw to seal the championship. With one game remaining, the club has already secured its ticket to the coveted league, subject to fulfilling the Indian Club Licensing System Premier 1 criteria.

Dipendu Biswas, the former India striker and current technical director of Mohammedan Sporting, expressed confidence in the club’s ability to meet all the licensing requirements set by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and the Football Sports Development Ltd. (FSDL), which operates the ISL.

“As far as I know, we will be able to fulfill all the criteria laid down by the AIFF and FSDL, including the Rs 100 crore bank guarantee clause,” said Biswas, who has guided the club through numerous challenges.

Biswas also confirmed that the Yuba Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium) will serve as Mohammedan Sporting’s home ground in the ISL. “Yes, we will use Yuba Bharati Krirangan as our home ground,” he stated.

Despite concerns about potential pressure on the stadium if Mohammedan Sporting also uses it as its home ground, Biswas emphasized the club’s substantial fan base. “The number of supporters Mohammedan have is on par with East Bengal or Mohun Bangan. So, there is no question of thinking about some other ground. We will make Yuba Bharati our home ground,” he asserted.

Mohammedan Sporting will play its final I-League match at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan on April 13, providing an opportunity for the AIFF and FSDL to witness the club’s impressive fan following. “We expect more than 60,000 people to throng the stadium on Saturday,” said Biswas.

Categories: Football

Mohun Bagan Dominates East Bengal in Kolkata Derby, Secures Play-Off Spot

By Nilay March 11, 2024 0

The Kolkata derby in the Indian Super League (ISL) on Sunday evening witnessed a dominant performance by Mohun Bagan Super Giant, who outplayed East Bengal 3-1 to secure a spot in the play-offs.

Mohun Bagan’s victory was orchestrated by a scintillating first-half display, with Jason Cummings, Liston Colaco, and Dimitri Petratos finding the back of the net. East Bengal’s only goal came from Saul Crespo in the second half.

The match started with a penalty awarded to Mohun Bagan in the 13th minute, but East Bengal goalkeeper Vishal Kaith made a crucial save to deny Cleiton Silva. However, Mohun Bagan’s relentless pressure paid off as Cummings tapped in a rebound from Prabhsukhan Gill’s parry in the 27th minute.

Colaco doubled the lead ten minutes later with a simple finish after a defensive lapse by East Bengal. Petratos then extended the advantage just before half-time with a powerful penalty kick, taking his tally for the season to eight goals.

East Bengal showed more urgency in the second half, but Kaith continued to be a formidable presence in goal, denying Silva on multiple occasions. The Mariners also missed a golden opportunity to reduce the deficit when Nandhakumar Sekar’s pass was overhit, preventing Silva from getting a clear shot on goal.

Despite East Bengal’s efforts, Mohun Bagan maintained their composure and controlled the tempo of the game. Petratos’s right-footed strike in the 45th minute sealed the victory for the Mariners, who now sit atop the ISL standings with 36 points.

The match was also notable for the presence of India head coach Igor Stimac, who witnessed the impressive performances of Mohun Bagan’s Sahal Abdul Samad and Petratos.

Categories: Football

Jamshedpur FC Faces Point Deduction for Rule Violation

By Nilay March 8, 2024 0

Jamshedpur FC’s 1-1 draw against Mumbai City FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) on Friday could turn into a costly affair for the Red Miners. The club is facing the prospect of losing the point they earned due to a violation of the league’s rules regarding the minimum number of Indian players on the pitch.

According to Rule 4.2.10 of the ISL’s league rules for the 2023-24 season, each club must field at least seven Indian players throughout the match. However, Jamshedpur FC fell short of this requirement after Daniel Chima Chukwu was sent off in the 82nd minute and was replaced by Swiss player Alen Stevanovic. This reduced the number of Indian players on the pitch to six.

The rule states that failure to comply with this requirement will result in a 3-0 loss for the offending club. However, if the opposing team has won the match by a higher score, the result on the field will be upheld.

In this case, Mumbai City FC did not win by a higher score, so Jamshedpur FC could face a 3-0 loss if the violation is confirmed. This would give Mumbai City three points and a 3-0 win, which would significantly boost their chances of winning the ISL shield.

With five teams still in contention for the shield, the points and goals awarded to Mumbai City could give them a significant advantage. Currently, Mumbai City is in pole position with 36 points from 18 rounds, while Odisha FC is second with 35 points from 18 games.

Jamshedpur FC’s quest for a top-six play-off berth could also be affected by the potential loss of points. They are currently sixth with 21 points from 19 games, and a 3-0 loss would drop them down the standings.

The ISL is expected to review the incident and make a decision on whether to award Mumbai City the three points. If the violation is confirmed, it will be a costly mistake for Jamshedpur FC and could have a major impact on the race for the ISL shield.

Categories: Football

National Team Players Face Playing Time Crunch Ahead of World Cup Qualifiers

By Nilay March 5, 2024 0

With the Indian Super League (ISL) approaching its mid-season break, concerns are mounting for national team coach Igor Stimac as several key players are struggling for playing time at their clubs.

Among the affected players are Anirudh Thapa, Lalengmawia Ralte (Apuiah), Sahal Abdul Samad, Brandon Fernandes, Udanta Singh, and Pritam Kotal, who collectively boast over 223 international appearances. In the past two rounds, none of these players have completed a full match.

Thapa, a crucial midfielder for Mohun Bagan Super Giant, has not played a full game in the last six rounds. Brandon Fernandes, the FC Goa captain, has failed to score in 892 minutes of play and was omitted from the squad in the team’s last two matches. Udanta Singh has started only one of FC Goa’s last six games.

Ralte has been absent from Mumbai City FC’s squad in the last two rounds, while Rahul KP has not lasted a full game in Kerala Blasters’ last five matches. Sahal Abdul Samad, who picked up an injury, missed Mohun Bagan’s recent match against Jamshedpur FC.

Stimac’s concerns are compounded by the injuries to Sandesh Jhingan and Ashique Kuruniyan. With the World Cup qualifiers against Afghanistan approaching, Stimac may have to consider players who are not currently getting regular minutes at their clubs.

However, head coaches often prefer to stick with players who have lost their starting berths at clubs due to familiarity with the national team’s training and fitness drills. Stimac has previously stated that he would only consider new players after they have maintained their form for a season.

Despite these challenges, Stimac may consider players like Imran Khan of Jamshedpur FC, Isak Vanlalruatfela of Odisha FC, and Amey Ranawade of Odisha FC, who have impressed with their performances this season.

Categories: Football

Is Des Buckingham’s Mumbai City FC the new “The Invincibles”?

By Sports Analyst February 15, 2023 0

Mumbai City FC, the current league leader of the Indian Super League 2022/23 season, is on a dream run. The club is on a 178-game unbeaten run in the Hero ISL 2022/23 season.

The Ranbir Kapoor-owned club has had a massive transformation. And the majority of the success can be credited to one person, Des Buckingham. The English coach has had spells at Stoke City U23, Melbourne City, New Zealand U20, and Oxford United.

Des Buckingham is seen as one of the most forward-thinking and progressive managers in world football. His young age allows him to be more flexible to newer ideas. While his extensive experience in youth development allows him to understand a player’s psychology, which is greatly important as a head coach. He likes to play fearless and pleasing football.

Buckingham likes his team to dictate the play with possession and passing. He usually opts for a basic 4-2-3-1 with two energetic midfielders in the pivot, who will allow him quick transitions and recycling of the ball during different circumstances.

104 De'monte Buckingham Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty Images

The same strategy was executed at Mumbai City FC in ISL’s 2022/23 season. Due to Buckingham’s tactics has scored 53 goals, and 18 times his team has been on the receiving end, making Mumbai City FC with the highest goal difference in the league.

Buckingham’s positive and aggressive approach has earned his side the tag of “The Invincibles.” Now many of you might be aware of the tag famously earned by Arsenal during the 2003/04 English Premier League season.

While earning the “The Invincibles” tag, Mumbai City FC has made some excellent records that might be impossible for anyone to break in the near future.

→ Longest winning streak in ISL history:

After beating Odisha FC 4-2, the Islanders had equaled Jamshedpur FC’s record of 7 consecutive wins in ISL. The Men of Steel had achieved this in ISL 2021-22 when they were the ISL League Shield winners. Now after their 4-0 thumping win over Kerala Blasters FC, where all the goals came in the 1st half, Mumbai City FC became the first team to win eight games on the trot in ISL.

Source: Twitter/ Mumbai City FC

→ Longest unbeaten streak at home in a single season

Mumbai has played nine matches at home without losing a single game, and it is a club record. Their previous record was six unbeaten games at home, and they have now surpassed that with full power.

→ Longest unbeaten run in a single ISL season

ATK Mohun Bagan held the previous record of going 16 games without tasting a defeat in the 2021-22 season. In the 2022-23 season, the Islanders have gone a notch higher as they are unbeaten for the last 18 matches.

Let’s have a look at the other unbeaten runs by clubs in ISL.

Team	Season(s)	Number of matches
Mumbai City FC	22-23	18
ATK Mohun Bagan	21-22	15
FC Goa	20-21	15
Mumbai City FC	20-21	12
Hyderabad FC	20-21	12
FC Goa	2014, 2015	12
NorthEast United	20-21	11
Bengaluru FC	18-19	11

→ Most goals scored in an ISL season

With 53 goals in 18 games this season, Mumbai City FC is the new owner of the record for most goals scored in the league stage of an ISL season. The club has averaged three goals per game, far better than The Invincible Arsenal, which averaged 1.92 goals per game during the 2003/04 Premier League season.

→ Most points in a single ISL season

The Islanders have secured 46 points from 18 matches this season. The Men in Blue have beaten Jamshedpur FC’s record (43 points in Hero ISL 2021-22) for the most points in a single ISL season by a huge margin. Only three clubs have managed to pick up 40 or more points in a single Hero ISL season. Mumbai City FC is one this season.

Des Buckingham is aware of the records his team is creating. Speaking of the records, he said, “The records are not something that we have spoken or are a target for us. If you start looking at those things, then you start chasing them. It is not the records that we are chasing but the performances. We have so many measures which we use internally to measure our performance. And if we hit those measures more often than not and hold ourselves to the standards we have set, we have shown that results often come.”

When reminded of the unbeaten run, he added, “It (the unbeaten run) is always a nice thing for people to talk about, but for us, it’s not something that we talk about.”

The Men in Blue has been phenomenal, to say the least. With such a brilliant performance, the club has enthralled ISL fans and has immortalized Des Buckingham in the club’s history.

Categories: Sports360

Mumbai City Stuns FC Goa with Late Comeback in ISL Semi-Final

Roy Krishna’s Resurgence Powers Odisha FC to Semi-Final Advantage

Odisha FC and Mohun Bagan SG Clash in ISL-10 Semifinal First Leg

FC Goa, Chennaiyin FC Clash in ISL Knockout Battle for Semifinal Berth

Mohun Bagan, Mumbai City FC Clash for ISL League Winner’s Shield

Mohammedan Sporting Clinches Maiden I-League Title, Earns ISL Promotion

Mohun Bagan Dominates East Bengal in Kolkata Derby, Secures Play-Off Spot

Jamshedpur FC Faces Point Deduction for Rule Violation

National Team Players Face Playing Time Crunch Ahead of World Cup Qualifiers

Is Des Buckingham’s Mumbai City FC the new “The Invincibles”?

→ Longest winning streak in ISL history:

→ Longest unbeaten streak at home in a single season

→ Longest unbeaten run in a single ISL season

→ Most goals scored in an ISL season

→ Most points in a single ISL season

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Tag: ISL

→ Longest winning streak in ISL history:

→ Longest unbeaten streak at home in a single season

→ Longest unbeaten run in a single ISL season

→ Most goals scored in an ISL season

→ Most points in a single ISL season

NO SHIPPING CHARGES

CUSTOMER SERVICE

100% AUTHENTIC PRODUCTS

SECURE SHIPPING

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