Churchill Brothers beat Mohun Bagan 2-0, take big step towards I-League title

I-League leaders Churchill Brothers SC scored a vital 2-0 away win against Mohun Bagan AC at the Kalyani Municipal Stadium this afternoon to take a giant step towards regaining the I-League title. The Red Machines are now on 51 points from 24 matches, eight ahead of East Bengal and Pune FC but the duo have played a match less.

Churchill Brothers match winner was their Gabonese striker Henry Antchouet, who scored both the goals in the first session - 19th and 34th minutes to win the match for them.

Meanwhile Mohun Bagan's five match unbeaten run - four wins and a draw, came to a premature end against a better opponent and their fight for survival in the relegation battle continues as they stay in 12th spot with 22 points from 22 games.

Churchill Brothers took a 19th minute lead when Sunil Chhetri lay the ball perfectly for Henry Antchouet and the striker placed the ball to the right of keeper Shilton Pal. And in the 34th minute Henry was at it again this time latching on to a Sandip Nandy goal-kick, which he easily collected, beat Nirmal Chettri and placed past Shilton Pal.

At the other end Mohun Bagan did have their chances, but former Churchill Brothers striker Odafe Onyeka Okolie could not score against his former side as his few good efforts were either wide or saved by a very strong Sandip Nandy in goal.

In the end Churchill Brothers won 2-0 and moved closer to the title.

VIDEO: Prayag United 2-0 Shillong Lajong - Goals!

Here is the video footage of the Prayag United goals from their 2-0 victory against Shillong Lajong FC on Friday afternoon at the Kalyani Municipal Stadium.

VIDEO: Mohun Bagan vs Churchill Brothers Preview

Here the lengthy News Time Bangla video preview of the Mohun Bagan vs Churchill Brothers match tomorrow at the Kalyani Municipal Stadium.

I-League: Churchill Brothers face Mohun Bagan on way to title

Relegation fighting Mohun Bagan AC host I-League leaders Churchill Brothers SC tomorrow afternoon at the Kalyani Municipal Stadium in a match which is crucial for both sides with their different ambitions, the green-and-maroon want to stay in the league while the Red Machines look to regain the title.

And with three matches remaining for Churchill Brothers, they twice will face Mohun Bagan - tomorrow and then the postponed tie at home on May 7 - before they know their fate; while Mohun Bagan have five matches to play before the end of the season.

"This match is very crucial for us. We have to keep the winning momentum to ensure more points and our survival in the tournament," Mohun Bagan coach Karim Bencherifa said ahead of his team's meeting with the Goa giants. Mohun Bagan have won four and drawn one in their last five appearances in a good run of form without which relegation would have been certain.

"A win tomorrow will be a big step towards ensuring our ejection from the relegation zone," Karim said looking at Mohun Bagan's position in the league standings. Mohun Bagan are currently placed 12th with 22 points from 21 matches.

"We will be missing defender Celestine Anyichie because of suspension. We play as a team and will find the right replacement. We hope to put up a good performance as there are no major injury worries," Karim said. "Churchill Brothers have a good lead and enjoy a good chance of winning the title. We have to stick to our objective and play our own game to keep our successful form intact," Karim added.

But Churchill Brothers have arrived in Kolkata without the injured midfielders Bikramjit Singh and Tomba Singh while their goalkeeper Felix D'Souza has a thigh injury and Brazilian playmaker Roberto Mendes Silva (Beto) is also recovering from an injury but he practiced with the team.

"We will take a call on Beto tomorrow before the match. The rest of the team is fine and we will play for full points to better the chances of winning the title," Churchill Brothers technical director Subhas Bhowmick said. Churchill Brothers are top of the I-League with 48 points from 23 matches.

But Bhowmick knows what to expect from Mohun Bagan. "Their strikers Tolgay (Ozbey) and Odafe (Onyeka Okolie) are in good form and that has helped the team do well in the last few rounds. So the pressure will be on us as we have to maintain the top position in the league table and get closer to title."

A lot is at stake for both sides, so a great Sunday afternoon match can be expected.

VIDEO: Prayag United 4-1 Pailan Arrows - Goals!

Yesterday Prayag United SC scored an impressive 4-1 victory against the young Pailan Arrows at the Kalyani Municipal Stadium. Here come all the five goals!

VIDEO: Mohun Bagan 3-2 Mumbai FC - Goals!

Mohun Bagan on Wednesday scored a very late injury-time winner to beat Mumbai FC 3-2 at the Kalyani Municipal Stadium after the Mumbai side had come back to level at 2-2 after being two goals down. Here the video of all the goals.

Relegation fighting Mohun Bagan upbeat against Mumbai FC

Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan AC will look at the morale-boosting 5-1 win against Sporting Clube de Goa in the previous round when they take on Mumbai FC in a rescheduled Round 14 match of the I-League at the Kalyani Stadium later today.

The success of the lethal attacking pair of Odafe Onyeka Okolie and Tolgay Ozbey – who scored three and two in realizing the big win hardly two days ago – is doubling the confidence of their Moroccan coach Karim Bencherifa.

"They always had good understanding and that has been proved once again," Karim said about the two strikers.

"We earned successive wins in our last two outings and that has enhanced the confidence of the players. But have to keep working hard as we are yet to be safely out of the relegation zone," Karim said ahead his team's match against Mumbai FC.

Mohun Bagan beat two Goa heavyweights in Dempo SC (2-1) and Sporting Clube (5-1), which has given Karim the confidence to look for more.

"Our objective will be to clear out of the relegation zone and to realize that we need more good wins," Karim said looking at Mohun Bagan's current position. Mohun Bagan, who have been asked to start afresh after being penalized of all their points earned in the first 10 rounds, are placed 13th with 16 points from 19 matches while Mumbai FC are sixth with 30 points from 22 rounds.

"Our opponents are a strong side and have done well so far. But I would like to focus on our own game and hope we play true to our potential," Karim said.

Meanwhile Mumbai FC coach Khalid Jamil said, "They have a good attack with strikers like Odafa and Tolgay. We have a plan in place for them and will try to stick to it."

Mumbai FC beat vity rivals Air India in Pune in the previous round after a spate of losses and draws, and Jamil banked on the latest success of his team in hoping for a repeat of the positive result.

"Mohun Bagan have the home advantage and are a strong side but we hope to continue with the momentum and give a good fight to our opponents," Jamil said.

(Report & Photo courtesy AIFF Media)

VIDEO: Prayag United 2-2 East Bengal - Goals!

East Bengal Club were held to a two-all draw by Prayag United SC earlier today in Kalyani. Here the video of all the four goals scored on the day!

East Bengal squander two goal lead, only draw against Prayag United

Kolkata giants East Bengal Club dropped two vital points in their quest to bring the title back to the City of Joy as their city rivals Prayag United SC came back from two goals down to draw two-all at the Kalyani Municipal Stadium.

East Bengal stay second with 42 points from 22 matches, two behind league leaders Churchill Brothers SC; while Prayag United SC are back in fourth with 35 points from 22 matches.

The first session was a tactical affair with some rough tackles here and there. It was Chidi Edeh who gave the red-and-gold a 41st minute lead when he got a long ball forward on the right, beat Bello Rasaq and his firce shot could not be kept out by keeper Sangram Mukherjee as the ball hit both posts before going in.

After the break things got even better for East Bengal as in the 49th minute they earned a penalty as Sangram Mukherjee hacked down an onrushing Ishfaq Ahmed making a clumsy effort at clearing the ball. Striker Manandeep Singh placed the ball nicely to the other side of the keeper to give East Bengal a comfortable 2-0 lead.

But their goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu spilled a straight forward collection of a Carlos Hernandez shot and let the ball slip home when he tried to block the powerful longranger in the 63rd minute. Suddenly Prayag United were in the game and they found the equaliser only three minutes later. Carlos sent a perfect through, that caught the East Bengal defence napping and released Ranty Martins Soleye free inside the box. The Nigerian made the most of the opportunity and fired the ball past a stranded Gurpreet.

East Bengal tried to regain the lead but failed in their bid as Sangram saved a 70th minute effort from Chidi while an open Ishfaq chip went wide of an open goal in the 82nd minute. And then in the last attack of the game Chidi scored, but the referee wrongly called an offside which would have been East Bengal's winner and ensured the crucial three points.

(Photo courtesy AIFF Media)

I-League: East Bengal needs three points against Prayag United

Tomorrow afternoon when Prayag United SC host East Bengal Club in a Round 22 match of the I-League at the Kalyani Municipal Stadium it comes just nine days after the Men in Purple won 1-0 against the red-and-gold in the final of the 117th IFA Shield.

But that was the IFA Shield, now it is back to the I-League where East Bengal Club are three points behind league leaders Churchill Brothers but have played the same number of matches. A win tomorrow will be vital to keep the pressure on the Goans ahead of the final rounds of the I-League.

"The two matches are different for they were played in different tournaments so the two cannot be compared. But tomorrow's match is crucial as it is important for us to win and remain in the run for the title," East Bengal coach Trevor James Morgan said.

Meanwhile Prayag United coach Eelco Schattorie said, "Just because we beat them in the (IFA) Shield final does not mean we have all the advantage. We played better on that day and won. We have to repeat the good showing once again to repeat the success."

And Prayag United have been a tough opponent for the red-and-gold, who in recent I-League matches have found their form and have moved into fourth position just ahead of Pune FC on goal difference and behind champions Dempo SC.

"Prayag United are a strong side with good players like Carlos Hernandez and Ranty Martins. We have plans in place for our opponents and hope they will come good this time," Morgan added.

The game will also be a match-up between two of the best I-League strikers with Prayag's Ranty Martins Soleye taking on East Bengal's Chidi Edeh.

"They have good players and we do not have specific plan to mark anyone in particular. We will play to our plan and try to make the most of it," Eelco added.

A good Kolkata derby is on the cards with a lot at stake.

Mohun Bagan held to 2-2 draw by Shillong Lajong

Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan AC were held to a two-all draw by Shillong Lajong FC in a match against relegation of the I-League Round 22 at the Kalyani Stadium this afternoon. The Mariners twice took the lead, but on both occasions the team from the Northeast equalised.

The first session did not see much action as both sides took a defensive approach. Mohun Bagan had the first opportunity in the first quarter that saw Syed Rahim Nabi missing a header from close range, while Lajong FC also had their share of chances. The first attempt, coming in the 37th minute off their young Portuguese striker Edinho Junior, which was tipped over by Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Shilton Pal. Lajong FC's Japanese midfielder Taisuke Matsugane missed another sitter when a Mohun Bagan defender failed to clear a midfield floater giving the former an open chance in the 43rd minute.

Mohun Bagan returned with more purpose after the break and found the lead in the 51st minute when Tolgay Ozbey showed his class after being set free by a nice through from his strike partner C.S. Sabeeth. But before the green-and-maroon could settle down, a brilliant swerving shot from Boithang Haokip restored parity.

Mohun Bagan continued to attack and restored the lead through substitute Manish Maithani, who came after the break for Sushant Mathew. The Mohun Bagan midfielder scored from a nice long-ranger on the hour mark renewing the home side's hopes of a win and the necessary three points.

But the doggedness, that marked Shillong Lajong FC's performance in the match, came to the visitors' aid as they found the equaliser yet once again.

P.C. Lahlimthara Mahlima, who replaced Eugeneson Lyngdoh Mawphlang in the 74th minute, nodded home the Lajong goal just three minutes after coming on when his midfield colleague Boithang Haokip set up a fine floater on the Mohun Bagan goalmouth. The match ended two-all.

After the draw Mohun Bagan have 10 points from 17 matches while Lajong FC had 21 from 22 matches with the fight for survival still on for both sides.

(Report & Photo courtesy AIFF Media)

VIDEO: Pailan Arrows 2-3 Mohun Bagan Goals!

Here the videos of the goals from the Pailan Arrows vs Mohun Bagan match yesterday at the Kalyani Stadium. The green-and-maroon won 3-2 to keep their I-League survival fight alive.

VIDEO: Deportivo Saprissa B 1-2 Prayag United

Here the News Time Bangla report on yesterday's first semifinal of the 117th IFA Shield in which Prayag United SC upset Costa Rican side Deportivo Saprissa B 2-1 to reach the tournament final.

VIDEO: Mohun Bagan vs D. Saprissa B preview

Here is the XtraTime match preview for today's Mohun Bagan AC vs Deportivo Saprissa B group match in the 117th IFA Shield at the Kalyani Stadium with statements from both sides.

VIDEO: Mohun Bagan vs United Sikkim highlights

Here are the XtraTime match highlights from yesterday's Mohun Bagan AC vs United Sikkim FC group match in the 117th IFA Shield at the Kalyani Stadium with statements from Karim Bencharifa.

VIDEO: Mohun Bagan vs Pune FC preview

For Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan AC, the 117th IFA Shield starts today with a match against Pune FC at the Kalyani Stadium this afternoon. Here the ABP Ananda preview!

I-League: Prayag United set to make Kalyani Stadium their home venue

I-League side Prayag United SC are considering to play their remaining matches in the I-League at the Kalyani Stadium, which has been a winning venue for them as they scored wins against champions Dempo SC and Pune FC besides drawing unusual big crowds.

Prayag United SC are currently number three in the pecking order of the Kolkata sides in the I-League behind East Bengal Club and Mohun Bagan AC, even down to number four if 2nd Division Mohammedan Sporting Club side are counted regarding their fan base.

But while the men in purple, who are a side full of stars for Indian standards, play infront of near empty galleries at the 120,000 capacity Saltlake Stadium, Prayag United have been able to draw good crowds in Kalyani, which is about 90 minutes away from Kolkata.

Prayag United's Kolkata derby against Mohun Bagan AC on Sunday is set to be played at Kalyani Stadium, which is likely to see a capacity crowd. Surely a good reason to shift to a good venue, where crowds come and attend matches.

Under-20 I-League: Pune FC champions, Stats & Facts

The Final Round of the Under-20 I-League was played from May 6 to 19 in Kalyani, West Bengal with Pune FC winning their first-ever title with an unbeaten run throughout the tournament, nine wins-in-a-row; while Mumbai FC finished runners-up.

The six participation teams had qualified from the preliminary phase ( Under-20 I-League: Six Teams qualify for Final Round! ), which was played across three different venues – Kalyani, Mumbai and Goa. From Group A Prayag United and Shillong Lajong FC, from Group B Pune FC and Mumbai FC, while from Group C Churchill Brothers SC and Dempo SC had qualified for the final phase.


FIXTURES & RESULTS

06-May-2012: Shillong Lajong FC 2-3 Mumbai FC
06-May-2012: Churchill Brothers SC 0-3 Pune FC
07-May-2012: Prayag United SC 0-1 Dempo SC

09-May-2012: Churchill Brothers SC 1-2 Shillong Lajong FC
09-May-2012: Mumbai FC 3-1 Pune FC
10-May-2012: Pune FC 3-1 Dempo SC

12-May-2012: Shillong Lajong FC 0-0 Prayag United SC
12-May-2012: Dempo SC 1-3 Churchill Brothers SC
13-May-2012: Pune FC 4-0 Mumbai FC

15-May-2012: Pune FC 2-0 Shillong Lajong FC
15-May-2012: Dempo SC 1-7 Mumbai FC
16-May-2012: Prayag United SC 2-2 Churchill Brothers SC

18-May-2012: Shillong Lajong FC 3-1 Dempo SC
18-May-2012: Pune FC 3-1 Prayag United SC
19-May-2012: Mumbai FC 5-1 Churchill Brothers SC

Under-20 I-League: Final Round from May 6

The Final Round of the Under-20 I-League will be played from May 6 to 19 in Kalyani, West Bengal with the six teams who qualified from the preliminary phase, which was played across three different venues – Kalyani, Mumbai and Goa. From Group A Prayag United and Shillong Lajong FC, from Group B Pune FC and Mumbai FC, while from Group C Churchill Brothers SC and Dempo SC qualified for the final phase.

Here the fixtures and results from the preliminary round: Under-20 I-League: Six Teams qualify for Final Round!


FIXTURES

06-May-2012: Shillong Lajong FC - Mumbai FC
06-May-2012: Churchill Brothers SC - Pune FC
07-May-2012: Prayag United SC - Dempo SC

09-May-2012: Churchill Brothers SC - Shillong Lajong FC
09-May-2012: Mumbai FC - Pune FC
10-May-2012: Pune FC - Dempo SC

12-May-2012: Shillong Lajong FC - Prayag United SC
12-May-2012: Dempo SC - Churchill Brothers SC
13-May-2012: Pune FC - Mumbai FC

15-May-2012: Pune FC - Shillong Lajong FC
15-May-2012: Dempo SC - Mumbai FC
16-May-2012: Prayag United SC - Churchill Brothers SC

18-May-2012: Shillong Lajong FC - Dempo SC
18-May-2012: Pune FC - Prayag United SC
19-May-2012: Mumbai FC - Churchill Brothers SC

Under-20 I-League: Six Teams qualify for Final Round!

The Under-20 I-League kicked-off on April 16 and ended yesterday with the preliminary phase played across three different venues – Kalyani, Mumbai and Goa. The top two teams from the three groups qualify for the final phase which is slated to be held later in Kalyani, West Bengal. From Group A Prayag United and Shillong Lajong FC, from Group B Pune FC and Mumbai FC, while from Group C Churchill Brothers SC and Dempo SC qualified for the final phase.


FIXTURES & RESULTS

Group A - Kalyani
East Bengal Club, Mohun Bagan AC, Prayag United SC, Shillong Lajong FC

17-Apr-2012: Mohun Bagan AC 1-0 Shillong Lajong FC
17-Apr-2012: East Bengal Club 0-1 Prayag United SC
19-Apr-2012: Shillong Lajong FC 1-0 East Bengal Club
19-Apr-2012: Prayag United SC 1-0 Mohun Bagan AC
21-Apr-2012: Prayag United SC 0-1 Shillong Lajong FC
21-Apr-2012: Mohun Bagan AC 0-3 East Bengal Club


Group B - Mumbai
Air India; Chirag United Kerala; HAL, Bangalore; Mumbai FC; Pune FC

18-Apr-2012: Air India 2-0 Chirag United Kerala
18-Apr-2012: Mumbai FC 1-0 HAL, Bangalore
20-Apr-2012: Pune FC 5-1 HAL, Bangalore
20-Apr-2012: Mumbai FC 3-0 Chirag United Kerala
23-Apr-2012: HAL, Bangalore 0-3 Chirag United Kerala
23-Apr-2012: Pune FC 4-1 Air India
25-Apr-2012: Air India 0-2 Mumbai FC
25-Apr-2012: Chirag United Kerala 0-2 Pune FC
27-Apr-2012: HAL, Bangalore 1-0 Air India
27-Apr-2012: Pune FC 3-2 Mumbai FC


Group C - Goa
Churchill Brothers SC, Dempo SC, Salgaocar SC, Sporting Clube de Goa

16-Apr-2012: Dempo SC 5-1 Churchill Brothers SC
17-Apr-2012: Sporting Clube de Goa 7-0 Salgaocar SC
21-Apr-2012: Dempo SC 1-1 Salgaocar SC
22-Apr-2012: Sporting Clube de Goa 1-2 Churchill Brothers SC
25-Apr-2012: Dempo SC 1-1 Sporting Clube de Goa
26-Apr-2012: Salgaocar SC 0-1 Churchill Brothers SC