Under-20 I-League: Complete List of Results!

Jamshedpur hosted this seasons Under-20 I-League tournament, which was played from March 5 to 24 with the Pune FC Juniors retaining their title won last year.

This season 15 club youth teams and academies took part with matches played at the JRD Tata Sports Complex and the Gopal Maidan in Jamshedpur.


RESULTS

Group A
Prayag United SC, Pune FC, Salgaocar FC, Sporting Clube de Goa, United Sikkim FC

05-Mar-2013: Pune FC 2-0 Prayag United SC
05-Mar-2013: Sporting Clube de Goa 1-1 United Sikkim FC
07-Mar-2013: Salgaocar FC 2-0 Pune FC
07-Mar-2013: Prayag United SC 1-1 Sporting Clube de Goa
09-Mar-2013: United Sikkim FC 0-3 Salgaocar FC
09-Mar-2013: Pune FC 3-0 Sporting Clube de Goa
11-Mar-2013: United Sikkim FC 1-2 Prayag United SC
11-Mar-2013: Sporting Clube de Goa 0-2 Salgaocar FC
13-Mar-2013: United Sikkim FC 0-9 Pune FC
13-Mar-2013: Prayag United SC 1-1 Salgaocar FC


Group B
Dempo SC, East Bengal Club, Mumbai FC, ONGC, Tata Football Academy

06-Mar-2013: Mumbai FC 1-2 Dempo SC
06-Mar-2013: East Bengal Club 1-0 ONGC
08-Mar-2013: Tata Football Academy 2-0 Mumbai FC
08-Mar-2013: Dempo SC 1-2 East Bengal Club
10-Mar-2013: ONGC 1-2 Tata Football Academy
10-Mar-2013: Mumbai FC 0-2 East Bengal Club
12-Mar-2013: ONGC 1-2 Dempo SC
12-Mar-2013: East Bengal Club 0-0 Tata Football Academy
14-Mar-2013: ONGC 1-3 Mumbai FC
14-Mar-2013: Dempo SC 0-2 Tata Football Academy


Group C
Air India, Churchill Brothers SC, Mohun Bagan AC, Sesa Football Academy, Shillong Lajong FC

06-Mar-2013: Shillong Lajong FC 0-0 Churchill Brothers SC
06-Mar-2013: Air India 0-2 Mohun Bagan AC
08-Mar-2013: Sesa Football Academy 1-1 Shillong Lajong FC
08-Mar-2013: Churchill Brothers SC 1-1 Air India
10-Mar-2013: Mohun Bagan AC 0-0 Sesa Football Academy
10-Mar-2013: Shillong Lajong FC 2-2 Air India
12-Mar-2013: Mohun Bagan AC 1-0 Churchill Brothers SC
12-Mar-2013: Air India 0-2 Sesa Football Academy
14-Mar-2013: Mohun Bagan AC 1-3 Shillong Lajong FC
14-Mar-2013: Churchill Brothers SC 2-4 Sesa Football Academy


Final Round

16-Mar-2013: Salgaocar FC 1-1 Mohun Bagan AC
16-Mar-2013: Pune FC 2-1 Sesa Football Academy
16-Mar-2013: Tata Football Academy 1-1 East Bengal Club
18-Mar-2013: Mohun Bagan AC 2-0 East Bengal Club
18-Mar-2013: Sesa Football Academy 1-2 Tata Football Academy
18-Mar-2013: Salgaocar FC 2-3 Pune FC
20-Mar-2013: Pune FC 2-0 Mohun Bagan AC
20-Mar-2013: Tata Football Academy 2-0 Salgaocar FC
20-Mar-2013: East Bengal Club 0-3 Sesa Football Academy
22-Mar-2013: Mohun Bagan AC 1-2 Sesa Football Academy
22-Mar-2013: Salgaocar FC 2-1 East Bengal Club
22-Mar-2013: Pune FC 0-0 Tata Football Academy
24-Mar-2013: Tata Football Academy 3-2 Mohun Bagan AC
24-Mar-2013: East Bengal Club 0-3 Pune FC
24-Mar-2013: Sesa Football Academy 1-1 Salgaocar FC

Under-20 I-League Fixtures out!

Jamshedpur will be hosting this seasons Under-20 I-League tournament, which is set to be played from March 5 to 24. The fixtures for the group stages and final round are now out.

This season 15 club youth teams and academies would be taking part with matches to be played at the JRD Tata Sports Complex and the Gopal Maidan in Jamshedpur. Pune FC go into the tournament as defending champions.

In Group A Prayag United SC, Pune FC, Salgaocar FC, Sporting Clube de Goa and United Sikkim FC have been grouped together. In Group B - Dempo SC, East Bengal Club, Mumbai FC, ONGC and Tata Football Academy face each other; while in Group C - Air India, Churchill Brothers SC, Mohun Bagan AC, Sesa Football Academy and Shillong Lajong FC face each other.


FIXTURES

Group A
Prayag United SC, Pune FC, Salgaocar FC, Sporting Clube de Goa, United Sikkim FC

05-Mar-2013: Pune FC - Prayag United SC
05-Mar-2013: Sporting Clube de Goa - United Sikkim FC
07-Mar-2013: Salgaocar FC - Pune FC
07-Mar-2013: Prayag United SC - Sporting Clube de Goa
09-Mar-2013: United Sikkim FC - Salgaocar FC
09-Mar-2013: Pune FC - Sporting Clube de Goa
11-Mar-2013: United Sikkim FC - Prayag United SC
11-Mar-2013: Sporting Clube de Goa - Salgaocar FC
13-Mar-2013: United Sikkim FC - Pune FC
13-Mar-2013: Prayag United SC - Salgaocar FC


Group B
Dempo SC, East Bengal Club, Mumbai FC, ONGC, Tata Football Academy

06-Mar-2013: Mumbai FC - Dempo SC
06-Mar-2013: East Bengal Club - ONGC
08-Mar-2013: Tata Football Academy - Mumbai FC
08-Mar-2013: Dempo SC - East Bengal Club
10-Mar-2013: ONGC - Tata Football Academy
10-Mar-2013: Mumbai FC - East Bengal Club
12-Mar-2013: ONGC - Dempo SC
12-Mar-2013: East Bengal Club - Tata Football Academy
14-Mar-2013: ONGC - Mumbai FC
14-Mar-2013: Dempo SC - Tata Football Academy


Group C
Air India, Churchill Brothers SC, Mohun Bagan AC, Sesa Football Academy, Shillong Lajong FC

06-Mar-2013: Shillong Lajong FC - Churchill Brothers SC
06-Mar-2013: Air India - Mohun Bagan AC
08-Mar-2013: Sesa Football Academy - Shillong Lajong FC
08-Mar-2013: Churchill Brothers SC - Air India
10-Mar-2013: Mohun Bagan AC - Sesa Football Academy
10-Mar-2013: Shillong Lajong FC - Air India
12-Mar-2013: Mohun Bagan AC - Churchill Brothers SC
12-Mar-2013: Air India - Sesa Football Academy
14-Mar-2013: Mohun Bagan AC - Shillong Lajong FC
14-Mar-2013: Churchill Brothers SC - Sesa Football Academy


Final Round

16-Mar-2013: Winner Group A - Runners-Up Group C
16-Mar-2013: Runners-Up Group A - Winner Group C
16-Mar-2013: Winner Group B - Runners-Up Group B
18-Mar-2013: Runners-Up Group C - Runners-Up Group B
18-Mar-2013: Winner Group C - Winner Group B
18-Mar-2013: Winner Group A - Runners-Up Group A
20-Mar-2013: Runners-Up Group A - Runners-Up Group C
20-Mar-2013: Winner Group B - Winner Group A
20-Mar-2013: Runners-Up Group B - Winner Group C
22-Mar-2013: Runners-Up Group C - Winner Group C
22-Mar-2013: Winner Group A - Runners-Up Group B
22-Mar-2013: Runners-Up Group A - Winner Group B
24-Mar-2013: Winner Group B - Runners-Up Group C
24-Mar-2013: Runners-Up Group B - Runners-Up Group A
24-Mar-2013: Winner Group C - Winner Group A

Jamshedpur to host Under-20 I-League

The All India Football Federation has allotted Jamshedpur the right to host this seasons Under-20 I-League tournament, which is set to kick-off from March 6.

The officials from the Jharkhand Football Association and the Tata Steel Sports department met on Monday to discuss organisational matters for the national level youth tournament.

Earlier in the season in September 2012, Jamshedpur had been co-hosts of the Federation Cup, but monsoonal rains caused major organisational problems.

Though not confirmed, but this seasons Under-20 I-League could be a 16 team affair with the Pune FC Juniors the defending champions of the Under-20 I-League which is set to be played at the JRD Tata Sports Complex and the Gopal Maidan.

Tata Football Academy felicitate their 10th batch of cadets

The 10th batch of the Tata Football Academy yesterday received their passing out certificates and a momento from the Tata Steel managing director H.M. Nerurkar at the Academy premises in Jamshedpur.

18 boys passed out from the 10th batch and they were picked-up mainly by the Pailan Arrows with some of the boys joining Churchill Brothers SC, Salgaocar SC and Mohammedan Sporting Club. Talented Mohammed Irfan Khan walked home with the Best Gentleman Cadet award.

Present on the occasion were former TFA directors and coaches in P.K. Banerjee, Chuni Goswami, Shyam Thapa and Ranjan Choudhuri besides Tata Steel vice-president and chairman of TFA board of management Sanjiv Paul, AIFF Director of National Teams Subhankar Mukherjee, renowned sports commentator Novy Kapadia and chief (administration) of Tata Steel M.G. Singh.

The Tata Football Academy since its foundation in 1987 has been the lifeline of Indian football when it comes to creating and developing talent, which is being carried forward by the Pailan Arrows. One can only hope for success in the future.

The following players are being released as the 10th batch from the Tata Football Academy after four years of training and have joined following clubs: Ravi Kumar, Mohammed Irfan Khan, Chingkhel Meetei Yumnam, Ravinder Singh, Pronoy Haldar, Jayabrata Dhar, S. Siam Hanghal, Simranjeet Singh, Randhan Meetei Yumnam, Pankaj Kumar Sona, Alwyn George (all Pailan Arrows), Bilal Khan, Sanjay Balmaehu, Manpreet Singh (all Churchill Brothers SC), Mohammed Mustafa Ali, Amit Kumar, Satish Patel (all Mohammedan Sporting Club), Karan Sawhney (Salgaocar SC)

34th Federation Cup - Day 6: Churchill Bros & Salgaocar's qualify for semifinals

The 34th edition of the Federation Cup entered third and final round for the Groups B and D today and it was a successful day for the Goan clubs as Churchill Brothers SC and defending champions Salgaocar FC grabbed the two semifinal spots on offer to make it three out of three Goan clubs so far in the semifinals.


Group B

Air India 0-4 Churchill Brothers SC - Goals: 0-1 Henry Arnaud Antchouet Rebienot (22'), 0-2 Roberto Mendes Silva (64'), 0-3 Akram Moghrabi (84'), 0-4 Bikramjit Singh (90')

Churchill Brothers SC reached the semifinals of the 34th Federation with a 4-0 victory against Air India in their final Group B match at the Kanchenjunga Stadium in Siliguri. The Goans topped the group with seven points from three matches.

Churchill Brothers went ahead in the 22nd minute when Henry Arnaud Antchouet Rebienot scored off a solo effort. They had to wait until the 64th minute for Brazilian Roberto Mendes Silva (Beto) to curl in a free-kick and Air India was harmed by the sending-off of their captain Micky Fernandes only a couple of minutes later for stamping on Beto.

Towards the end Churchill Brothers added two more goals with striker Akram Moghrabi scoring in the 84th minute and young midfielder Bikramjit Singh in the last minute of the match.


Mohun Bagan AC 2-1 Mohammedan Sporting Club - Goals: 1-0 C.S. Sabeeth (50'), 2-0 Manish Maithani (53'), 2-1 David Sunday (63')

Mohun Bagan AC won 2-1 in an inconsequential match against Kolkata rivals Mohammedan Sporting Club at the Kanchenjunga Stadium in Siliguri, but at least they finished second in their group with four points ahead of qualifiers Mohammedan Sporting who finished on three points.

After a goalless first session the game picked-up with Mohun Bagan scoring two goals in three minutes through striker C.S. Sabeeth (50th) and midfielder Manish Maithani (53rd) to give a weakened Mohun Bagan a comfortable 2-0 lead. But striker David Sunday reduced the deficit in the 63rd minute and late in the match he should have equalised, but Mohun Bagan walked away with the three points and some of its pride restored.


Group D

Prayag United SC 2-0 United Sikkim FC - Goals: 1-0,2-0 Mohammed Rafique (2',14')

Prayag United SC won 2-0 against newcomers United Sikkim FC at the Keenan Stadium in Jamshedpur to salvage some pride after having been eliminated from the tournament prior to this match, while United Sikkim FC will have to regroup ahead of the I-League after losing all their three matches.

Prayag United SC did not waste much time in asserting their supremacy in the match. In only the second minute youngster Mohammed Rafique found the back of the net and in the 14th minute he would add another goal. It remained this way until the end.


Pune FC 1-2 Salgaocar FC - Goals: 0-1 Luciano Sabrosa (7'), 1-1 Douhou Sey Djidja Pierre (12'), 1-2 Anthony D'Souza (27')

Defending champions Salgaocar FC overcame Pune FC 2-1 at the JRD Sports Complex in Jamshedpur to qualify for the semifinals of the 34th Federation Cup from Group D. Salgaocar topped their group with nine points after winning all their matches.

It was an open match and Salgaocar made the better start with their Brazilian captain Luciano Sabrosa heading in the lead, but the lead lasted only five minutes as Ivorian Douhou Sey Djidja Pierre equalised. Knowing that only a win would take them into the semifinals Pune FC attacked, but paid the price as Anthony D'Souza scored with a beautiful shot in the 27th minute.

Thereafter both sides had their chances, but Salgaocar maintained the lead and won in the end 2-1 to qualify for the semifinals.

VIDEO: Criticism of Federation Cup organisation

The following is a damning report by Bengali sports program XtraTime regarding the situation of the pitch in Jamshedpur and the overall organisation of the 34th Federation Cup. This is now coming under heavy criticism from ex-footballers.

34th Federation Cup - Day 4: Goan clubs strong, but Kolkata clubs disappoint

The 34th edition of the Federation Cup entered match day two for the Groups B and D today, but the final decision on who will progress from their respective group will happen on the final match day. In was a successful day for Goan clubs - Churchill Brothers and Salgaocar SC - as both won, but a disastrous one for Kolkata clubs as Mohun Bagan AC and Prayag United SC eliminated plus Mohammedan Sporting trashed.


Group B

Mohammedan Sporting Club 1-5 Churchill Brothers SC - Goals: 0-1,1-4 Akram Moghrabi (13',40'), 0-2 T. Bineesh Balan (27'), 0-3 Robero Mendes Silva (33'), 1-3

Churchill Brothers SC took apart Mohammedan Sporting Club 5-1 at the Kanchenjunga Stadium in Siliguri today to move into top spot in Group B though Mohammedan Sporting remain with a chance to qualify for the semifinals.

Lebanese striker Akram Moghrabi gave Churchill Brothers a 13rd minute off a pass from countryman Bilal Sheikh El Najjarin. Thereafter youngster T. Bineesh Balan doubled the lead in the 27th minute and Brazilian Robero Mendes Silva made it 3-0 in only the 33rd minute. But Mohammedan Sporting hit back in the 38th minute through a David Sunday goal, but only a couple of minutes later Akram Moghrabi killed the hopes of a comeback from the Kolkata side.

Churchill Brothers continued to control the match in the second session, but only substitute Henry Arnaud Antchouet Rebienot would add his name to the scoresheet with two minutes to go.


Mohun Bagan AC 0-2 Air India - Goals: 0-1 Elijah Obagbemiro Junior (28'), 0-2 Ezeh Nna Henry (86')

Record champions Mohun Bagan AC are out of the 34th Federation Cup after suffering a 0-2 loss against Air India at the Kanchenjunga Stadium in Siliguri, while the Airmen from Mumbai still have a chance to progress to the semifinals.

The match seemed to be going in Mohun Bagan's favour as Air India defender John Charles Dias was send-off in the 11th minute, but the Kolkata side could not score of their chances. At the other end striker Elijah Obagbemiro Junior gave Air India a 28th minute lead as his shot went in off a deflection of Anyichie Echezona Celestine.

Mohun Bagan put pressure on Air India, but they absorbed the ever growing pressure and scored the decider in their favour in the 86th minute through Ezeh Nna Henry to inflict a killer blow on their ex-coach Santosh Kashyap and his team.


Group D

Prayag United SC 1-1 Pune FC - Goals: 1-0 Carlos Hernández Valverde (13'), 1-1 Izumi Arata (62')

Kolkata side Prayag United SC are out of the tournament after the group stage as they were held to a one-all draw by Pune FC in their second Group D match at the JRD Sports Complex in Jamshedpur. Meanwhile Pune FC have a chance to reach the semifinals, but they would have to beat Salgaocar FC in their last group match.

As expected both sides had their problems with the turf, still they tried to play their game. After early chances on both sides Costa Rican World Cupper Carlos Hernández Valverde gave Prayag United a 13th minute lead, but Pune FC hit back as Izumi Arata equalised in the 62nd minute. It stayed this way until the end.


United Sikkim FC 0-3 Salgaocar FC - Goals: 0-1 Ángel Guirado Aldeguer (2'), 0-2 Nicolau Colaco (81'), 0-3 Anthony D'Souza (85')

Defending champions Salgaocar FC moved a step closer to qualify for the semifinals as they beat newcomers United Sikkim FC 3-0 in their second Group D match at the Keenan Stadium in Jamshedpur. With their second win Salgaocar's are now on six points, while United Sikkim FC is out with no points so far.

Salgaocar made the perfect start as Spanish-Filipino striker Ángel Guirado Aldeguer headed his side ahead in the 2nd minute. But Salgaocar had to wait a while to seal the match as Nicolau Colaco doubled the lead in the 81st minute and only four minutes later Anthony D'Souza made it 3-0.

34th Federation Cup: AIFF revise Jamshedpur Fixtures!

The All India Football Federation has revised the fixtures of the 34th Federation Cup which is currently being held from September 19 to 30 simultaneously in Siliguri (West Bengal) and Jamshedpur (Jharkhand).

A meeting was held between participating clubs and organisers in Jamshedpur today due to the terrible state of the JRD Sports Complex ground due to rains and the qualifier matches.

As per the original plans I-League champions Dempo SC in Group A and defending Federation Cup title holders Salgaocar SC in Group D were supposed to play all their three matches at the JRD Sports Complex, but now the matches have been switched through which Dempo and Salgaocar now have one match each at the Keenan Stadium.

Further the first semifinal, now the second semifinal, between the winners of Group A and Group D would now be played on September 28 in Siliguri instead of September 26 at the JRD Sports Complex.


FIXTURES

Quarterfinal League

Group A (Jamshedpur)
Dempo SC, Mumbai FC, Pailan Arrows, Shillong Lajong FC

19-Sep-2012: Dempo SC 1-1 Pailan Arrows (JRD, 3 pm)
19-Sep-2012: Mumbai FC 1-2 Shillong Lajong FC (Keenan, 3 pm)
21-Sep-2012: Pailan Arrows - Mumbai FC (Keenan, 3 pm)
21-Sep-2012: Dempo SC - Shillong Lajong FC (JRD, 3 pm)
23-Sep-2012: Pailan Arrows - Shillong Lajong FC (JRD, 3 pm) pm)
23-Sep-2012: Mumbai FC - Dempo SC (Keenan, 3

Group B (Siliguri)
Churchill Brothers SC, Air India, Mohun Bagan AC, Mohammedan Sporting Club

20-Sep-2012: Air India 0-1 Mohammedan Sporting Club (3 pm)
20-Sep-2012: Churchill Brothers SC 0-0 Mohun Bagan AC (7 pm)
22-Sep-2012: Mohammedan Sporting Club - Churchill Brothers SC (3 pm)
22-Sep-2012: Mohun Bagan AC - Air India (7 pm)
24-Sep-2012: Air India - Churchill Brothers SC (7 pm)
24-Sep-2012: Mohun Bagan AC - Mohammedan Sporting Club (3 pm)

Group C (Siliguri)
Sporting Clube de Goa, ONGC, East Bengal Club, Kalighat Milan Sangha

21-Sep-2012: ONGC - Kalighat Milan Sangha (3 pm)
21-Sep-2012: Sporting Clube de Goa - East Bengal Club (7 pm)
23-Sep-2012: Kalighat Milan Sangha - Sporting Clube de Goa (3 pm)
23-Sep-2012: East Bengal Club - ONGC (7 pm)
25-Sep-2012: ONGC - Sporting Clube de Goa (3 pm)
25-Sep-2012: East Bengal Club - Kalighat Milan Sangha (7 pm)

Group D (Jamshedpur)
Salgaocar FC, Pune FC, Prayag United SC, United Sikkim FC

20-Sep-2012: Salgaocar FC 1-0 Prayag United SC (JRD, 3 pm)
20-Sep-2012: Pune FC 1-0 United Sikkim FC (Keenan, 3 pm)
22-Sep-2012: Prayag United SC - Pune FC (JRD, 3 pm)
22-Sep-2012: United Sikkim FC - Salgaocar FC (Keenan, 3 pm)
24-Sep-2012: Prayag United SC - United Sikkim FC (Keenan, 3 pm)
24-Sep-2012: Pune FC - Salgaocar FC (JRD, 3 pm)

Semifinals
27-Sep-2012: Winner Group B - Winner Group C
28-Sep-2012: Winner Group A - Winner Group D

Final
30-Sep-2012: Winner SF1 - Winner SF2

34th Federation Cup - Day 1: Dempo held by Pailan Arrows, Lajong win!

The 34th edition of the Federation Cup kicked-off today with matches in Group A in Jamshedpur. While I-League champions Dempo SC where held to a one-all draw by the Pailan Arrows, Shillong Lajong FC scored a 2-1 victory over Mumbai FC in their opener.


Group A

Dempo SC 1-1 Pailan Arrows - Goals: 0-1 Holicharan Narzary (52'), 1-1 Clifford Miranda (60')

I-League champions Dempo SC were held to a surprise but a deserving one-all draw by the AIFF Developmental side Pailan Arrows in their opening match at the JRD Sports Complex in Jamshedpur. It puts the two sides under pressure to win their next game otherwise the Federation Cup could be over after the group stage.

The Pailan Arrows were the more attacking side amongst the two team before the break. The understanding between India Junior internationals Alwyn George and Milan Singh in the middle of the park was outstanding to say the least. The duo played some wonderful one-twos between them and on one occasion Alwyn almost broke free to score, but an alert Subhashish Roy Choudhury came to his sides rescue. While at the other end Soren Porei Angamba made a brilliant fingertip save to deny Dempo new Japanese recruit Ryuji Sueoka in the 35th minute with the ricocheting ball hit the horizontal.

After the break the Pailan Arrows went ahead in the 52nd minute through Holicharan Narzary who placed the ball beautifully in from an acute angle after Milan Singh had set
him up inside the box. Dempo reacted by replacing Ryuji Sueoka with Nigerian striker Koko Sakibo immediately after conceding the goal, but it was winger Clifford Miranda's brilliance that got the Goans the equaliser on the hour mark as Clifford scored with a typical left-footer. The Arrows weren't shocked and it was once more young Holicharan whose shot struck the crosspiece in the 65th minute. But in the end it remained one-all between Dempo SC and Pailan Arrows.

Arrows head coach Arthur Papas said, "The match was a big a big challenge us, playing against the I-League champions. I am glad that we played well. This result will give us a lot of confidence."


Mumbai FC 1-2 Shillong Lajong FC - Goals: 0-1 John D. Menyongar (45'), 1-1 N.D. Opara (45+1'), 1-2 Gbeneme Friday (90')

Shillong Lajong FC made a winning start into the 34th Federation Cup with a 2-1 victory against Mumbai FC at the Keenan Stadium in Jamshedpur. The win puts the Northeastern side in the drivers seat after match day one.

Lajong had more of the ball in the first session, but they had to wait until the 45th minute to go ahead through a John D. Menyongar penalty after a Mumbai FC defender handled the ball, but the lead didn't last long as in the very next attack Mumbai FC equalised through N.D. Opara. It remained even at the break.

After the breather it was an even affair with Lajong having the better chances and they got a late winner through a freekick from striker Gbeneme Friday, who joined Lajong in the summer from Mumbai FC.

Pailan Arrows name 34th Federation Cup squad

Pailan Arrows have named their final 20 players squad ahead of the final round of the Federation Cup in which the AIFF Developmental side have been drawn in Group A alongside I-League champions Dempo SC, Mumbai FC and Shillong Lajong FC with the matches to be played in Jamshedpur.

Pailan Arrows youngsters open their campaign against seasoned Dempo SC (September 19), then play against Mumbai FC (September 21) and in their final group game they face Shillong Lajong FC (September 23).


PAILAN ARROWS

Goalkeepers
Ravi Kumar, Soram Poirei Anganba

Defenders
Deepak Devrani, R. Vishal Kumar, Souvik Ghosh, Prathamesh Maulingkar, Pritam Kotal, Avinaba Bag, Chingkhel Meetei Yumnam, Rajinder Kumar

Midfielders
Pronoy Haldar, Ongnam Milan Singh, Prabir Das, Dhanpal Ganeshan, Tirthankar Sarkar, Shaiju Mon, Randhan Meetei Yumnam

Forwards
Holicharan Narzary, Alwyn George, Arijeet Singh

Officials
Arthur Papas (Head Coach), Sujit Chakraborty (Assistant Coach), Tanomoy Basu (Goalkeeper Coach)

Prayag United SC name 34th Federation Cup squad

Big spending Prayag United SC have named their final 20 players squad ahead of the final round of the 34th Federation Cup in which the Kolkata side have been drawn in Group D alongside defending champions Salgaocar SC, Pune FC and newcomers United Sikkim FC with the matches to be played in Jamshedpur.

Prayag United SC open their campaign against title holders Salgaocar SC (September 20), then face Pune FC (September 22) and play their final group game against debutants United Sikkim FC (September 24).

For the Purple Brigade the Federation Cup will be the first real test if their star signings can deliver for the club, then on paper they have one of the strongest squads in India.


PRAYAG UNITED SC

Goalkeepers
Subrata Pal, Sangram Mukherjee

Defenders
Deepak Kumar Mondal, Sukhen Dey, Gouramangi Moirangthem Singh, Bello Razaq, L. Dhanachandra Singh, Ravinder Singh

Midfielders
Shylo Malswam Tulunga, James Lukram Singh, Gouranga Biswas, Lal Kamal Bhowmick, Mundampara P. Sakeer, Asif Kottayil, Lester Mark Fernandez, C.K. Vineeth

Forwards
Ranty Martins Soleye, Carlos Hernández Valverde, Kayne Vincent, Mohammed Rafique

Officials
Sanjay Sen (Head Coach), Anjan Nath (Assistant Coach), Per Henrikson (Goalkeeping Coach), Djair De Miranda Gracia (Physical Trainer)

34th Federation Cup - Complete Updated Fixtures!

The All India Football Federation organised 34th Federation Cup, which will be held from September 19 to 30 simultaneously in Siliguri (West Bengal) and Jamshedpur (Jharkhand).

The 16 team league-cum-knockout competition would see India's top 14 I-League clubs plus two qualifiers - Mohammedan Sporting Club & Kalighat Milan Sangha - in action. The group stage would be played from September 19 to 25 with Group A and D in Jamshedpur, while Group B and C would be played in Siliguri. The semifinals are slated for September 26 and 27, while the final will be played on September 30.


FIXTURES

Quarterfinal League

Group A (Jamshedpur)
Dempo SC, Mumbai FC, Pailan Arrows, Shillong Lajong FC

19-Sep-2012: Dempo SC - Pailan Arrows (JRD, 3 pm)
19-Sep-2012: Mumbai FC - Shillong Lajong FC (Keenan, 3 pm)
21-Sep-2012: Pailan Arrows - Mumbai FC (Keenan, 3 pm)
21-Sep-2012: Dempo SC - Shillong Lajong FC (JRD, 3 pm)
23-Sep-2012: Pailan Arrows - Shillong Lajong FC (Keenan, 3 pm)
23-Sep-2012: Mumbai FC - Dempo SC (JRD, 3 pm)

Group B (Siliguri)
Churchill Brothers SC, Air India, Mohun Bagan AC, Mohammedan Sporting Club

20-Sep-2012: Air India - Mohammedan Sporting Club (3 pm)
20-Sep-2012: Churchill Brothers SC - Mohun Bagan AC (7 pm)
22-Sep-2012: Mohammedan Sporting Club - Churchill Brothers SC (3 pm)
22-Sep-2012: Mohun Bagan AC - Air India (7 pm)
24-Sep-2012: Air India - Churchill Brothers SC (7 pm)
24-Sep-2012: Mohun Bagan AC - Mohammedan Sporting Club (3 pm)

Group C (Siliguri)
Sporting Clube de Goa, ONGC, East Bengal Club, Kalighat Milan Sangha

21-Sep-2012: ONGC - Kalighat Milan Sangha (3 pm)
21-Sep-2012: Sporting Clube de Goa - East Bengal Club (7 pm)
23-Sep-2012: Kalighat Milan Sangha - Sporting Clube de Goa (3 pm)
23-Sep-2012: East Bengal Club - ONGC (7 pm)
25-Sep-2012: ONGC - Sporting Clube de Goa (3 pm)
25-Sep-2012: East Bengal Club - Kalighat Milan Sangha (7 pm)

Group D (Jamshedpur)
Salgaocar FC, Pune FC, Prayag United SC, United Sikkim FC

20-Sep-2012: Salgaocar FC - Prayag United SC (JRD, 3 pm)
20-Sep-2012: Pune FC - United Sikkim FC (Keenan, 3 pm)
22-Sep-2012: Prayag United SC - Pune FC (Keenan, 3 pm)
22-Sep-2012: United Sikkim FC - Salgaocar FC (JRD, 3 pm)
24-Sep-2012: Prayag United SC - United Sikkim FC (Keenan, 3 pm)
24-Sep-2012: Pune FC - Salgaocar FC (JRD, 3 pm)

Semifinals
26-Sep-2012: Winner Group A - Winner Group D
27-Sep-2012: Winner Group B - Winner Group C

Final
30-Sep-2012: Winner SF1 - Winner SF2

34th Federation Cup: Weather to play spoilsport in Siliguri & Jamshedpur?

The 34th Federation Cup is set to played from September 19 to 30 simultaneously in Siliguri (West Bengal) and Jamshedpur (Jharkhand), but the late monsoon could cause problems to the scheduling of the tournament.

The Kanchenjunga Stadium in Siliguri is set to host two matches a day for six days, while the JRD Sports Complex and Keenan Stadium in Jamshedpur a match a day each.

Authorities in Siliguri along with players who have prior experience at the venue say that two games a day with the possibility of rains in the coming days could cause a lot of problems, e.g. making the ground slushy and heavy which could be factor regarding quality football and then teams will be playing three matches in only five days which increases the risk of injury.

In Jamshedpur the JRD Sports Complex has already hosted six matches in the qualifiers and on some days it rained which has affected the quality of the pitch. Six more matches and one hopes the rains stay away.

The Nehru Cup a few weeks ago showed what rains can do to a tournament and football matches, only there are many more matches at the Federation Cup and there aren't really any breaks in which postponed matches could be played.

One hopes the weather gods are in support of the Federation Cup...

Pune FC announce Federation Cup squad

I-League side Pune FC have named their final 20 players squad ahead of the final round of the Federation Cup in which the Maharashtra side have been drawn in Group D alongside defending champions Salgaocar SC, Prayag United SC and newcomers United Sikkim FC with the matches to be played in Jamshedpur.

The club will have to do without goalkeeper Abhra Mondal, defender Othallo Tabia along with midfielders Sukhwinder Singh and youngster Nikhil Kadam who are all recovering from injuries; but new signings like Japanese Daisuke Nishiguchi and James Moga from South Sudan are part of the squad.

Pune FC open their campaign against United Sikkim FC (September 20), then play against Prayag United SC (September 22) and in their final group game they face title holders Salgaocar SC (September 24).


PUNE FC

Goalkeepers
Shahinlal Meloly, Amrinder Singh

Defenders
Ramu Srikanth, Caitano Costa, Zomingliana Ralte, Anes Edathodika, Chika Wali, Gurjinder Kumar Singh, Nallappan Mohanraj

Midfielders
Shanmugam Venkatesh, Karma Tsewang, Velington Rocha, Douhou Sey Djidja Pierre, Mumtaz Akhtar, Izumi Arata, Asim Hassan, Daisuke Nishiguchi

Forwards
James Moga, Jeje Lalpekhlua, Singam Subash Singh

Officials
Derrick Pereira (Coach), Norbert Gonsalves (Assistant Coach), Dr Ashok Kumar (Manager), Tariq Shaikh (Physio), Sujay Sharma (Analyst), Prashant Naidu (Equipment In-Charge)

34th Federation Cup - Qualifiers: Md Sporting & Kalighat MS qualify!

The qualifiers for the 34th Federation Cup were held from September 11 to 16 at the JRD Sports Complex in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand with only six teams taking part as the I-League relegated Chirag United Kerala opted out.

In the end Kolkata sides Mohammedan Sporting Club and Kalighat Milan Sangha qualified for the quarterfinal league stage meaning that the final round of 16 would see a record six clubs from Kolkata in action, while the other clubs mostly disappointed with their display.

In Group 1 Mohammedan Sporting Club, Aizawl FC and HAL SC faced each other with the group winners Mohammedan Sporting Club qualifying for the tournament proper in which they would as Qualifier 1 play in Group B alongside Churchill Brothers SC, Air India and Mohun Bagan AC.

In Group 2 Kalighat Milan Sangha, Royal Wahingdoh FC and Vasco SC faced each other with the group winners Kalighat Milan Sangha qualifying for the tournament proper in which they would as Qualifier 2 play in Group C alongside Sporting Clube de Goa, ONGC and East Bengal Club.


QUALIFYING FIXTURES

Group 1
Mohammedan Sporting Club, Aizawl FC, HAL SC

11-Sep-2012: Mohammedan Sporting Club 6-1 Aizawl FC
13-Sep-2012: Aizawl FC 5-1 HAL SC
15-Sep-2012: HAL SC 0-4 Mohammedan Sporting Club

Group 2
Kalighat Milan Sangha, Royal Wahingdoh FC, Vasco SC

12-Sep-2012: Kalighat Milan Sangha 6-0 Royal Wahingdoh FC
14-Sep-2012: Vasco SC 1-4 Kalighat Milan Sangha
16-Sep-2012: Vasco SC 2-4 Royal Wahingdoh FC

Salgaocar FC name preliminary 34th Federation Cup squad

Defending champions Salgaocar FC have named a 25 players strong preliminary squad ahead of 34th Federation Cup in which the Goans have been drawn in Group D along with Pune FC, Prayag United SC and United Sikkim FC and will play in Jamshedpur.

Salgaocar SC open their campaign against Prayag United SC (September 20), then face newcomers United Sikkim FC (September 22) and play their final group game against Pune FC (September 24).

Salgaocar coach Karim Bencharifa talkin about his teams group said, "Prayag United is the hot team at the moment because of their high budget and the star players they have recruited this year. We did play Pune FC in a friendly match and we could see their strength. Plus United Sikkim is the dark horse of the group as they are very unknown to us and that is what will make them dangerous and unpredictable."


SALGAOCAR FOOTBALL CLUB

Goalkeepers
Karanjit Singh, Vinay Singh, Pawan Kumar

Defenders
Luciano Sobrosa, Rahul Kumar, Collin Abranches, Nicolau Colaco, Augustinho Fernandes, Karan Atwal

Midfielders
Rocus Lamare, Quinton Jacobs, Randeep Singh, Royston D'Souza, Gilbert Olivera, Rosario Mendes, Francis Fernandes, Beevan D'Mello, Anthony D'Souza, Fulganco Cardozo, Brian Mascarenhas

Forwards
Sean Daniel Rooney, Ángel Guirado Aldegue, Milagres Gonsalves, Mohammad Dada Nabeel, Sandesh Gadkari

Officials
Karim Bencherifa (Head Coach), Sanjiv Nagvekar (Manager), Peter Vales (Assistant Coach), Virender Singh (Goalkeeper Coach), J. Dilip Kumar (Physio)

Dempo SC name 34th Federation Cup squad

I-League champions Dempo SC have named their final 20 players squad ahead of 34th Federation Cup in which the Goans have been drawn in Group A along with Mumbai FC, Pailan Arrows and Shillong Lajong FC to be played in Jamshedpur.

The Dempo SC squad has a familiar look with 19 of the 20 players having played for the club last season with only Japanese recruit Ryuji Sueoka new to the squad. The new signing Rohan Ricketts, an ex-English Premier League player, is missing from the squad due to work permit issues and he would join Dempo's after the Fed Cup.

Dempo SC open their campaign against Pailan Arrows (September 19), then face Shillong Lajong FC (September 21) and play their final group game against Mumbai FC (September 23).


DEMPO SPORTS CLUB

Goalkeepers
Subhasish Roy Chowdhury, Laxmikant Kattimani, Tyson Caiado

Defenders
Valeriano Rebello, Mahesh Gawli, Creson Antao, Rowilson Rodrigues, Samir Naik, Debabrata Roy, Shallum Pires

Midfielders
Anthony Pereira, Climax Lawrence, Godwin Diogo Franco, Peter Carvalho, Clifford Miranda, Romeo Fernandes

Forwards
Koko Sakibo, Ryuji Sueoka, Joaquim Abranches, Clifton Gonsalves

Officials
Armando Colaco (Chief Coach)

United Sikkim FC announce Federation Cup squad

Promoted I-League side United Sikkim FC have named their final 20 players squad ahead of their debut in the final round of the Federation Cup in which the Northeast side have been drawn in Group D alongside defending champions Salgaocar SC, Prayag United SC and Pune FC which will have its matches in Jamshedpur.

USFC open their campaign against Pune FC (September 20), then face title holders Salgaocar SC (September 22) and play their final group game against Prayag United SC (September 24).

For United Sikkim FC's young squad under coach Philippe de Ridder the Federation Cup is a good test to see where the team stands ahead of the start of the I-League next month. The squad includes co-owner Baichung Bhutia, who will be seen in action in the Fed Cup for his side.


UNITED SIKKIM FC

Goalkeepers
Yoon Tae, Monotosh Ghosh

Defenders
Mashangva Genius Zenith, Munmun Timothy Lugun, Anwar, Míchael Steven Rodríguez Gutiérrez, Sandesh Jhinjan, Rahul Jaiswal, Mobin Rai

Midfielders
Nim Tshering Lepcha, Ashish Chettri, Sogan Kokou, Shahensha Ansari, Raju Debnath, Lineker Machado, Shabbir Ali

Forwards
Baichung Bhutia, Budhiram Tudu, Tenzing Tsephel Bhutia, Nima Tamang

Officials
Phillippe de Ridder (Chief Coach), Syed Altafuddin Ahmed (Manager), Miss Sheril Lepcha (Physio), Ranjit Das (Masseur)

34th Federation Cup: Jamshedpur replaces Ranchi, to host Groups A & D!

Though the All India Football Federation has not officially confirmed the move of shifting the Group A and D matches from Ranchi to Jamshedpur, the step is a forgone conclusion after venues in Ranchi were found unsuitable for the tournament and time is running out for the federation.

The eight clubs of Group A and D besides marketing and broadcasting partners IMG-Reliance have been intimidated by the AIFF about the move to shift matches from Ranchi to Jamshedpur with no other workable option left to the federation.

Now the JRD Tata Sports Complex in Jamshedpur will not only host the qualifiers, which kick-off later today but also the quarterfinal league matches for the Group A (Dempo SC, Pailan Arrows, Mumbai FC, Shillong Lajong FC) and Group D (Salgaocar SC, Prayag United SC, Pune FC, United Sikkim FC) along with the first semifinal.

Also with Jamshedpur's JRD Tata Sports Complex and other venues in the city not having any floodlighting this means that matches would have to be played in the afternoon, maybe even mid-day kick-offs with two matches a day set to be played for six days though there are said to be plans to play at two venues.

34th Federation Cup: Could Jamshedpur replace Ranchi?

As I reported a couple of days back (
34th Federation Cup: Ground problems in Ranchi? ) this years Federation Cup is facing problems at one of its venues, Ranchi and it seems that these problems cannot be solved over the next week and the All India Football Federation is forced to scout for alternative venue for India's premier league-cum-knockout tournament.

Sources within the AIFF say that the JRD Tata Sports Complex in Jamshedpur could be the saviour in such a difficult situation, but the steel city has a major drawback and that is the lack of a floodlighting system at the multi-purpose venue.

This would mean two afternoon matches for the Groups A (Dempo SC, Pailan Arrows, Mumbai FC, Shillong Lajong FC) and D (Salgaocar SC, Prayag United SC, Pune FC, United Sikkim FC) instead of at least some evening kick-offs for some of the matches.

But there is also an advantage which is the fact that the Federation Cup qualifiers are being held in Jamshedpur and therefore the ground and other facilities will be ready for use, but for participating teams it would mean changing travel plans to reach Jamshedpur instead of Ranchi.

Another alternative venue to host eight teams and 13 matches over seven match days seems unlikely to be found at such short notice, which raises questions if the national body was unaware of the ground situation in Ranchi and only woke-up to the problems at the last moment.