VIDEO: Pailan Arrows 1-2 Salgaocar FC - Goals!

Here the goals from yesterday's match between Pailan Arrows and Salgaocar FC at the Saltlake Stadium, which the Goans in the end won 2-1.

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: Dempo 0-2 Pailan Arrows - Goals!

Reigning I-League champions Dempo SC suffered a surprise 0-2 loss to the youngsters of the Pailan Arrows yesterday evening at the Tilak Maidan. Here the Pailan Arrows goals!

Young Pailan Arrows score a surprise 2-0 win away to champions Dempo

Pailan Arrows notched their most significant victory since the young guns were brought together as they beat reigning champions Dempo SC 2-0 at the Tilak Maidan in Vasco on Saturday night. Arthur Papas' young but energetic side gave an excellent account of themselves as goals from Holicharan Narzary and Alwyn George in either half did the job.

The defending champions have now lost an incredible five matches in a row, their worst run since the start of the I-League and the worst performance by any team in the last five rounds.

Pailan Arrows got a dream start when Holicharan Narzary put the visitors ahead, thanks to some smart thinking. Narzary's initial header came of the post in the second minute itself but he still showed great presence of mind as he sneaked into the Dempo area and tapped the ball past Dempo goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani for the opening goal.

But the opening goal woke up Dempo as the defending champions did not seem rattled. They tried to stitch passes together and get back into the groove but the central midfield pairing of Peter Carvalho and Climax Lawrence never got going forcing coach Armando Colaco to replace Lawrence with Godwin Franco in the first half itself. Even that did not help.

At the other end, Pailan Arrows were piling on the pressure. Their quick runs gave the Dempo defenders a harrowing time with Cresson Antao and Rowilson Rodrigues working overtime to keep the attacks at bay.

In the second session, Nigerian striker Koko Sakibo and captain Clifford Miranda tried to work their magic and came close to scoring. But when Cresson Antao was booked for the second time in the 54th minute, Dempo's fate was sealed as they were down to 10 men.

Dempo substitutes Joy Ferrao and John Meyongar combined to bring Dempo on level terms but goalkeeper Shayan Roy proved equal to the challenge. And when Dempo were surging ahead in search of the equaliser, Pailan Arrows caught them on the break. This time it was Seiminlen Doungel who sent a delightful cross from the left for Alwyn George to head home the second goal.

It was a hard victory for Pailan Arrows but entirely deserving, and that too against the defending champions.

(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.

117th IFA Shield: Complete Results!

The 117th edition of the 'NVD' IFA Shield was played from March 3 to 20 in Kolkata and Siliguri with Prayag United SC lifting the trophy for the first time with a 1-0 victory in the final against East Bengal Club.


RESULTS

Group A - Siliguri
03-Mar-2013: East Bengal Club 1-0 Pailan Arrows (2.30pm)
05-Mar-2013: Prayag United SC 5-0 Pailan Arrows (2.30pm)
06-Mar-2013: East Bengal Club 2-1 ONGC (2.30pm)
08-Mar-2013: East Bengal Club 2-0 Prayag United SC (6.00pm)
09-Mar-2013: Pailan Arrows 1-2 ONGC (2.30pm)
11-Mar-2013: Prayag United SC 2-1 ONGC (2.30pm)

Group B
05-Mar-2013: Mohun Bagan AC 3-0 Pune FC (Kalyani 3.00pm)
07-Mar-2013: Deportivo Saprissa B 0-0 Pune FC (Saltlake, 3.00pm)
08-Mar-2013: Mohun Bagan AC 5-1 United Sikkim FC (Kalyani, 3.00pm)
10-Mar-2013: Mohun Bagan AC 0-1 Deportivo Saprissa B (Kalyani 3.00pm)
10-Mar-2013: Pune FC 6-1 United Sikkim FC (Saltlake, 3.00pm)
12-Mar-2013: Deportivo Saprissa B 3-1 United Sikkim FC (Saltlake, 3.00pm)

Semifinals
15-Mar-2013: Deportivo Saprissa B 1-2 Prayag United SC (Kalyani 3.00pm)
17-Mar-2013: East Bengal Club 1-1,4-2 Mohun Bagan AC [penalties] (Saltlake, 5.30pm)

Final
20-Mar-2013: Prayag United SC 1-0 East Bengal Club (Saltlake, 5.30pm)

117th IFA Shield: ONGC replace Muktijoddha Sangsad KC

I-League side ONGC have come in as a replacement for Bangladesh side Muktijoddha Sangsad KC in Group A of the 117th 'NVD' IFA Shield which is being played from March 3 to 19 in Kolkata and Siliguri.

In Group A, which is being played in Siliguri, East Bengal Club take on ONGC, Prayag United SC and Pailan Arrows; while in Group B Mohun Bagan AC, Pune FC, Deportivo Saprissa from Costa Rica and United Sikkim FC face each other in Kalyani and the Saltlake Stadium.

The tournament winner would receive Rs 2,5 Million (25 lakhs), while the runners-up would get Rs 1,5 Million (15 lakhs) and the losing semifinalists Rs 500,000 (5 lakhs). In individual prizes, the Man of the Match in the group stage would get Rs 5,000 and the Man of the Match in the semifinals and final Rs 10,000. The Player of the Tournament would receive Rs 25,000 and the Best Coach Rahim Saheb Award would get Rs 100,000 (1 lakh).

NewsTime Bangla is the television partner of the 117th IFA Shield and will be showing matches of the tournament live.


FIXTURES & RESULTS

Group A - Siliguri
03-Mar-2013: East Bengal Club 1-0 Pailan Arrows (2.30pm)
05-Mar-2013: Prayag United SC - Pailan Arrows (2.30pm)
06-Mar-2013: East Bengal Club - ONGC (2.30pm)
08-Mar-2013: East Bengal Club - Prayag United SC (5.30pm)
09-Mar-2013: Pailan Arrows - ONGC (2.30pm)
11-Mar-2013: Prayag United SC - ONGC (2.30pm)

Group B
05-Mar-2013: Mohun Bagan AC - Pune FC (Kalyani 3.00pm)
07-Mar-2013: Deportivo Saprissa - Pune FC (Saltlake, 3.00pm)
08-Mar-2013: Mohun Bagan AC - United Sikkim FC (Kalyani, 3.00pm)
10-Mar-2013: Mohun Bagan AC - Deportivo Saprissa (Kalyani 3.00pm)
10-Mar-2013: Pune FC - United Sikkim FC (Saltlake, 3.00pm)
12-Mar-2013: Deportivo Saprissa - United Sikkim FC (Saltlake, 3.00pm)

Semifinals
1?-Mar-2013: Winner Group A - Runners-Up Group B
1?-Mar-2013: Winner Group B - Runners-Up Group A

Final
1?-Mar-2013: Winner SF1 - Winner SF2

117th IFA Shield: Adjustment in Groups & Fixtures

The Indian Football Association has released a revised with for the groups and fixtures for the 117th 'NVD'IFA Shield which will kick-off on March 3, but the date of the final continues to be open due to continental obligations of East Bengal Club and if they make it to the shield semifinals and/or final, then only will those matches be finalised with the final then likely on March 19.

United Sikkim FC and Pailan Arrows have changed their groups, while matches have been adjusted due to other commitments of participating teams.

In Group A, which will be played in Siliguri, East Bengal Club take on Muktijoddha Sangsad KC from Bangladesh, Prayag United SC and Pailan Arrows; while in Group B Mohun Bagan AC, Pune FC, Deportivo Saprissa from Costa Rica and United Sikkim FC face each other in Kalyani and the Saltlake Stadium.

The tournament winner would receive Rs 2,5 Million (25 lakhs), while the runners-up would get Rs 1,5 Million (15 lakhs) and the losing semifinalists Rs 500,000 (5 lakhs). In individual prizes, the Man of the Match in the group stage would get Rs 5,000 and the Man of the Match in the semifinals and final Rs 10,000. The Player of the Tournament would receive Rs 25,000 and the Best Coach Rahim Saheb Award would get Rs 100,000 (1 lakh).

NewsTime Bangla is the television partner of the 117th IFA Shield and will be showing numerous matches live.


FIXTURES

Group A - Siliguri
03-Mar-2013: East Bengal Club - Pailan Arrows (2.30pm)
05-Mar-2013: Prayag United SC - Pailan Arrows (2.30pm)
06-Mar-2013: East Bengal Club - Muktijoddha Sangsad KC (2.30pm)
08-Mar-2013: East Bengal Club - Prayag United SC (5.30pm)
09-Mar-2013: Pailan Arrows - Muktijoddha Sangsad KC (2.30pm)
11-Mar-2013: Prayag United SC - Muktijoddha Sangsad KC (2.30pm)

Group B
05-Mar-2013: Mohun Bagan AC - Pune FC (Kalyani 3.00pm)
07-Mar-2013: Deportivo Saprissa - Pune FC (Kalyani, 3.00pm)
08-Mar-2013: Mohun Bagan AC - United Sikkim FC (Kalyani, 3.00pm)
10-Mar-2013: Mohun Bagan AC - Deportivo Saprissa (Kalyani 3.00pm)
10-Mar-2013: Pune FC - United Sikkim FC (Saltlake, 3.00pm)
12-Mar-2013: Deportivo Saprissa - United Sikkim FC (Saltlake, 3.00pm)

Semifinals
1?-Mar-2013: Winner Group A - Runners-Up Group B
1?-Mar-2013: Winner Group B - Runners-Up Group A

Final
1?-Mar-2013: Winner SF1 - Winner SF2

117th IFA Shield: Change in Fixtures, United Sikkim FC replace Mumbai FC

The Indian Football Association has released an updated fixtures list for the 117th IFA Shield which will kick-off on March 3, but the date of the final continues to be open due to continental obligations of East Bengal Club and if they make it to the shield semifinals and/or final, then only will those matches be finalised with the final then likely on March 19.

Also Mumbai FC had to opt out of the tournament due to unavoidable circumstances and their place has been taken by another I-League side in United Sikkim FC.

In Group A, which will be played in Siliguri, East Bengal Club take on Muktijoddha Sangsad KC from Bangladesh, United Sikkim FC and Prayag United SC; while in Group B Mohun Bagan AC, Pune FC, Pailan Arrows and Deportivo Saprissa from Costa Rica face each other in Kalyani and the Saltlake Stadium.

The tournament winner would receive Rs 2,5 Million (25 lakhs), while the runners-up would get Rs 1,5 Million (15 lakhs) and the losing semifinalists Rs 500,000 (5 lakhs). In individual prizes, the Man of the Match in the group stage would get Rs 5,000 and the Man of the Match in the semifinals and final Rs 10,000. The Player of the Tournament would receive Rs 25,000 and the Best Coach Rahim Saheb Award would get Rs 100,000 (1 lakh).

NewsTime Bangla is the television partner of the 117th IFA Shield and will be showing numerous matches live.


FIXTURES

Group A - Siliguri
03-Mar-2013: East Bengal Club - United Sikkim FC (2.30pm)
05-Mar-2013: Prayag United SC - United Sikkim FC (2.30pm)
06-Mar-2013: East Bengal Club - Muktijoddha Sangsad KC (2.30pm)
08-Mar-2013: East Bengal Club - Prayag United SC (5.30pm)
09-Mar-2013: United Sikkim FC - Muktijoddha Sangsad KC (2.30pm)
11-Mar-2013: Prayag United SC - Muktijoddha Sangsad KC (2.30pm)

Group B
04-Mar-2013: Deportivo Saprissa - Pune FC (Kalyani, 3.00pm)
05-Mar-2013: Mohun Bagan AC - Pailan Arrows (Kalyani, 3.00pm)
07-Mar-2013: Mohun Bagan AC - Pune FC (Kalyani 3.00pm)
08-Mar-2013: Deportivo Saprissa - Pailan Arrows (Saltlake, 3.00pm)
10-Mar-2013: Mohun Bagan AC - Deportivo Saprissa (Kalyani 3.00pm)
10-Mar-2013: Pune FC - Pailan Arrows (Saltlake, 3.00pm)

Semifinals
1?-Mar-2013: Winner Group A - Runners-Up Group B
1?-Mar-2013: Winner Group B - Runners-Up Group A

Final
1?-Mar-2013: Winner SF1 - Winner SF2

117th IFA Shield: Change in Fixtures, Mumbai FC replace Shillong Lajong

The Indian Football Association has released an updated fixtures list for the 117th IFA Shield which will now kick-off a day earlier on March 3, but the date of the final continues to be open due to continental obligations of East Bengal Club and if they make it to the shield semifinals and/or final, then only will those matches be finalised with the final then likely on March 19.

Also Shillong Lajong FC had to opt out of the tournament due to unavoidable circumstances and their place has been taken by another I-League side in Mumbai FC.

In Group A, which will be played in Siliguri, East Bengal Club take on Muktijoddha Sangsad KC from Bangladesh, Mumbai FC and Prayag United SC; while in Group B Mohun Bagan AC, Pune FC, Pailan Arrows and Deportivo Saprissa from Costa Rica face each other in Kalyani and the Saltlake Stadium.

The tournament winner would receive Rs 2,5 Million (25 lakhs), while the runners-up would get Rs 1,5 Million (15 lakhs) and the losing semifinalists Rs 500,000 (5 lakhs). In individual prizes, the Man of the Match in the group stage would get Rs 5,000 and the Man of the Match in the semifinals and final Rs 10,000. The Player of the Tournament would receive Rs 25,000 and the Best Coach Rahim Saheb Award would get Rs 100,000 (1 lakh).

NewsTime Bangla is the television partner of the 117th IFA Shield and will be showing numerous matches live.


FIXTURES

Group A - Siliguri
03-Mar-2013: East Bengal Club - Mumbai FC (2.30pm)
05-Mar-2013: Prayag United SC - Mumbai FC (2.30pm)
06-Mar-2013: East Bengal Club - Muktijoddha Sangsad KC (2.30pm)
08-Mar-2013: East Bengal Club - Prayag United SC (5.30pm)
09-Mar-2013: Mumbai FC - Muktijoddha Sangsad KC (2.30pm)
11-Mar-2013: Prayag United SC - Muktijoddha Sangsad KC (2.30pm)

Group B
04-Mar-2013: Deportivo Saprissa - Pune FC (Kalyani, 3.00pm)
05-Mar-2013: Mohun Bagan AC - Pailan Arrows (Kalyani, 3.00pm)
07-Mar-2013: Mohun Bagan AC - Pune FC (Kalyani 3.00pm)
08-Mar-2013: Deportivo Saprissa - Pailan Arrows (Saltlake, 3.00pm)
10-Mar-2013: Mohun Bagan AC - Deportivo Saprissa (Kalyani 3.00pm)
10-Mar-2013: Pune FC - Pailan Arrows (Saltlake, 3.00pm)

Semifinals
1?-Mar-2013: Winner Group A - Runners-Up Group B
1?-Mar-2013: Winner Group B - Runners-Up Group A

Final
1?-Mar-2013: Winner SF1 - Winner SF2

117th IFA Shield Fixtures are out!

The 117th edition of the IFA Shield will kick-off on March 4 with the date of the final kept open due to continental obligations of East Bengal Club and if they make it to the semifinals and/or final, then only will those matches be fixed with a delayed final likely on March 19.

In Group A, which will be played in Siliguri, East Bengal Club take on Muktijoddha Sangsad KC from Bangladesh, Shillong Lajong FC and Prayag United SC; while in Group B Mohun Bagan AC, Pune FC, Pailan Arrows and Deportivo Saprissa from Costa Rica face each other in Kalyani and the Saltlake Stadium.

The tournament winner would receive Rs 2,5 Million (25 lakhs), while the runners-up would get Rs 1,5 Million (15 lakhs) and the losing semifinalists Rs 500,000 (5 lakhs). In individual prizes, the Man of the Match in the group stage would get Rs 5,000 and the Man of the Match in the semifinals and final Rs 10,000. The Player of the Tournament would receive Rs 25,000 and the Best Coach Rahim Saheb Award would get Rs 100,000 (1 lakh).

NewsTime Bangla is the television partner of the 117th IFA Shield and will be showing numerous matches live.


FIXTURES

Group A - Siliguri
04-Mar-2013: East Bengal Club - Shillong Lajong FC (2.30pm)
05-Mar-2013: Prayag United SC - Muktijoddha Sangsad KC (2.30pm)
07-Mar-2013: Prayag United SC - Shillong Lajong FC (2.30pm)
07-Mar-2013: East Bengal Club - Muktijoddha Sangsad KC (6.30pm)
09-Mar-2013: East Bengal Club - Prayag United SC (3.00pm)
10-Mar-2013: Shillong Lajong FC - Muktijoddha Sangsad KC (2.30pm)

Group B
05-Mar-2013: Deportivo Saprissa - Pune FC (Kalyani, 3.00pm)
06-Mar-2013: Mohun Bagan AC - Pailan Arrows (Kalyani, 3.00pm)
08-Mar-2013: Mohun Bagan AC - Pune FC (Kalyani 3.00pm)
08-Mar-2013: Deportivo Saprissa - Pailan Arrows (Saltlake, 3.00pm)
10-Mar-2013: Mohun Bagan AC - Deportivo Saprissa (Kalyani 3.00pm)
10-Mar-2013: Pune FC - Pailan Arrows (Saltlake, 3.00pm)

Semifinals
1?-Mar-2013: Winner Group A - Runners-Up Group B
1?-Mar-2013: Winner Group B - Runners-Up Group A

Final
1?-Mar-2013: Winner SF1 - Winner SF2

I-League - Round 20: No wins for top teams

The twenteenth round of the 2012/13 I-League was played on February 9/10 across the country with 15 goals scored across seven matches as East Bengal stay a point clear of Churchill Brothers, but having played two matches more.

Much was expected, but also feared from the seasons return I-League derby, but in the end things stayed calm on and off the field. The red-and-gold looked the mature team, having more of the ball but the green-and-maroon's Odafe had the best chance of the match as his shot hit the post in the first session. It ended goalless, which doesn't really help any of the two teams causes - title race and relegation battle.

Churchill Brothers had the chance to go further clear at the top after knowing that East Bengal had been held by Mohun Bagan to a goalless draw, but the Goans were held to a two-all draw by Prayag United SC in a high voltage match as the Red Machines are winless in three matches. They twice went ahead through Akram Moghrabi and Beto, but Ranty and Mohammed Rafique equalised for the Kolkata side.

Air India once more beat Dempo SC to move to 18 points from 17 matches as they are in 12th spot which Mohun Bagan are eyeing. The Airmen went 2-0 up in the second session through goals from Prakash Thorat and Ezeh Nna Henry with John D. Menyongar only able to reduce the deficit for the Goans.

Meanwhile in the Maha-derby between Mumbai FC and Pune FC, the away side at home PFC won 3-0 against their rivals MFC from the state capital, who use their Balewadi Sports Complex as their home ground with the Cooperage Ground still under redevelopment. Two goals from James Moga and another from new Indian international Izumi Arata made it a clear affair in the second session.

United Sikkim FC once more dropped points late, today a 90th minute winner for ONGC through Liberian Eric Brown which leaves USFC in 13th spot with only 12 points from 20 matches while the Oilmen further strengthened their position in the mid-table region.


Round 20 Stats

09-February-2013: Salgaocar SC 2-0 Shillong Lajong FC (Mapusa)
Goals: 1-0 Josimar da Silva Martins (23'), 2-0 Randeep Singh (39')

09-February-2013: Mumbai FC 0-3 Pune FC (Pune)
Goals: 0-1,0-2 James Moga (56',71'), 0-3 Izumi Arata (83')

09-February-2013: Mohun Bagan AC 0-0 East Bengal Club (Kolkata)
Goals: none

10-February-2013: Pailan Arrows 0-2 Sporting Clube de Goa (Kolkata)
Goals: 0-1 Ogba Kalu Nnanna (63'), 0-2 Victorino Fernandes (87')

10-February-2013: United Sikkim FC 0-1 ONGC (Gangtok)
Goals: 0-1 Eric Brown (90')

10-February-2013: Churchill Brothers SC 2-2 Prayag United SC (Mapusa)
Goals: 1-0 Akram Moghrabi (28'), 1-1 Ranti Martins Soleye (45+1'), 2-1 Roberto Mendes Silva (61' pen), 2-2 Mohammed Rafique (64')

10-February-2013: Air India 2-1 Dempo SC (Pune)
Goals: 1-0 Prakash Thorat (51'), 2-0 Ezeh Nna Henry (59'), 2-1 John D. Menyongar (83')

I-League - Round 19: East Bengal go top as Churchill Bros lose

The nineteenth round of the 2012/13 I-League was played on February 1/2 across the country with 22 goals scored across seven matches as East Bengal go top of the league with 39 points, a point clear of Churchill Brothers but having played two matches more.

Churchill Brothers SC have lost their momentum as they suffered a surprise 0-1 loss to Sporting Clube de Goa in a local derby with Rovan Pereira scoring the winner in the 84th minute for the Flaming Orange.

Meanwhile East Bengal utilised their chance as they overcame Pailan Arrows 2-1 at Kalyani Stadium to go top of the league. After an early set-back through a Allwyn George goal, the red-and-gold hit back with a quick equaliser through Chidi Edeh and then a first half winner through Lalrindika Ralte.

Prayag United are closing in on the top sides with a convincing 4-1 away win to Air India as winger Vineeth C.K., who has got his first India call-up for next weeks friendly against Palestine, scored a hattrick for the Kolkata side with Ranty Martins Soleye having opened the scoring and the Airmen's Elijah Obagbemiro Junior reducing the deficit.

Bottom of the table Mohun Bagan returned to winning ways with a 3-1 win against ONGC, who are now coached by former Mariners coach Santosh Kashyap. Goals from Tolgay, Jewel Raja and Odafe won it for the green-and-maroon, but they stay bottom of the league with only five points to their name.


Round 19 Stats

01-February-2013: Sporting Clube de Goa 1-0 Churchill Brothers SC (Mapusa)
Goals: 1-0 Rovan Pereira (84')

02-February-2013: Air India 1-4 Prayag United SC (Mumbai)
Goals: 0-1 Ranty Martins Soleye (30'), 0-2,0-3,0-4 Vineeth C.K. (36',37',47'), 1-4 Elijah Obagbemiro Junior (72')

02-February-2013: Pailan Arrows 1-2 East Bengal Club (Kalyani)
Goals: 1-0 Alwyn George (2'), 1-1 Edeh Chidi (7' pen), 1-2 Lalrindika Ralte (32')

01-February-2013: Mohun Bagan AC 3-1 ONGC (Kalyani)
Goals: 1-0 Tolgay Ozbey (10'), 2-0 Jewel Raja Sheikh (63'), 3-0 Odafa Okolie (71'), 3-1 Surabuddin Mollick (83')

02-February-2013: Dempo SC 2-2 Mumbai FC (Mapusa)
Goals: 0-1,0-2 Evans Quao (40',67'), 1-2,2-2 Peter Carvalho (86',89')

02-February-2013: Shillong Lajong FC 2-1 United Sikkim FC (Shillong)
Goals: 0-1 Linekar Machedo (66'), 1-1 P.C. Lahlimthara Mahlima (81', 2-1 Taisuke Matsugae (90')

02-February-2013: Pune FC 0-2 Salgaocar SC (Pune)
Goals: 0-1,0-2 Francis Fernandes (2',45')

I-League - Round 18: Churchill Bros held, East Bengal beat Pune FC

The eighteenth round of the 2012/13 I-League was played from January 24 to 28 across the country with only 15 goals scored across seven matches as Churchill Brothers SC continue to lead in the league table.

But Churchill Brothers winning run came to an end as they were held to a goalless draw by Munbai FC at the Balewadi Sports Complex in Pune, which allowed East Bengal to reduce the gap at the top with a crucial 2-1 away win against Pune FC, who with this loss are for the moment out of the title race.

Dempo SC meanwhile remain third with 34 points, but needed an injury time equaliser from Peter Carvalho to equalise against an inform ONGC, who had gone ahead through former international Jatin Singh Bisht as they remain undefeated under Santosh Kashyap.

Meanwhile at the other end of the table Mohun Bagan AC gained only their second point from 13 matches as Ranty Martins Soleye scored a late equaliser for Prayag United SC in the small Kolkata derby at the Kalyani Stadium after Tolgay Ozbey had given the green-and-maroon the lead with his first goal of this I-League campaign.

The goal of Round 18 was scored by India defender Anwar for United Sikkim FC, who surprised all with his skill in his side-volley goal but it wasn't enough for USFC to get all three points against the Pailan Arrows, who equalised just three minutes from time through substitute Tirthankar Sarkar.


Round 18 Stats

27-January-2013: Dempo SC 1-1 ONGC (Mapusa)
Goals: 0-1 Jatin Singh Bisht (37'), 1-1 Peter Carvalho (90+1')

24-January-2013: Mumbai FC 0-0 Churchill Brothers SC (Mumbai)
Goals: none

27-January-2013: Prayag United SC 1-1 Mohun Bagan AC (Kalyani)
Goals: 0-1 Tolgay Ozbey (49'), 1-1 Ranty Martins Soleye (89')

28-January-2013: Sporting Clube de Goa 2-0 Salgaocar FC (Mapusa)
Goals: 1-0 Ogba Kalu Nnanna (60'), 2-0 Angel Berlanga (67')

28-January-2013: Pailan Arrows 1-1 United Sikkim FC (Kolkata)
Goals: 0-1 Anwar (74'), 1-1 Tirthankar Sarkar (87')

25-January-2013: Pune FC 1-2 East Bengal Club (Pune)
Goals: 0-1,1-2 Chidi Edeh (6',75' pen), 1-1 Izumi Arata (16')

28-January-2013: Shillong Lajong FC 2-2 Air India (Shillong)
Goals: 0-1 Ezeh Nna Henry (16'), 1-1,2-2 Sho Kamimura (16',90+3'), 1-2 Prakash Thorat (64')

A Sunday afternoon at the Saltlake Stadium

Currently I am in Kolkata and on Sunday afternoon I went to the Saltlake Stadium to watch the I-League game between Pailan Arrows and Shillong Lajong FC. I won't talk about the match, which was very scrappy at best but rather write about things around it which I saw and observed.

I thought I was late when I came to the ground around 1.45 pm, but at the time the stadium was close to empty. The good thing was that there was enough security from police and a private agency checking everyone who was coming into the ground or trying to sneak in.

I went up the two floors, but at that time even the press box was just having one colleague inside, so I decided to go across to the VVIP box, where I saw India coach Wim Koevermans standing alone outside.

My thought was simple, watch some I-League football and enjoy a good chit-chat. Wim and I were joined by East Bengal coach Trevor James Morgan and his clubs new Australian recruit Andrew Barisic in the VVIP. We did talk a lot, but that remains private then that was and is not intended for the general public.

A few hundred spectators did turn-up for the match and some colleagues did fill the press box before kick-off, but in one of the large venues around the world, the atmosphere simply cannot be created which would push the players to greater heights.

The game was that way, but I at least had an interesting afternoon at the Saltlake Stadium, watching and talking football, while not having to report about it...

Prathamesh Maulingkar: We owe everything to Arrows!

Pailan Arrows and Under-22 India centre-back Prathamesh Maulingkar aims to make the most out of his stint with Pailan Arrows as he moves to Dempo SC on a loan. In an interview with AIFF Media, Prathamesh speaks his heart out about his sting with Arrows, its impact, contribution of Arrows to Indian football, Coach Arthur Papas, his Dempo SC's childhood heroes and much more.


How do you reflect back on your journey with the Arrows?

It's about an initiative by All India Football Federation which invested in a rookie, trained, taught and guided him mature and made them footballers. It is because of Arrows, I am what I am today. There's no other way other than thanking them from the bottom of my heart. Thank you so much!


What was most memorable?

It's impossible to pin point one single incident. Everything has been so memorable, every moment. Like as it happens with all, I faced ups and lows in my career. But I was never dropped. Whenever I hit a low, I was taken special care of. In fact, not only me, but all of us!

The management could have easily dropped me from their plans but didn't. Rather, they invested and backed me to the hilt. That sort of confidence was so much essential for a young player like me. Or should I reiterate, for all of us. It helped us to showcase our talent.


Which aspect of Arrows will you carry with you?

The discipline! Indian Arrows and Pailan Arrows have been like an Academy. It stays the perfect stage to groom a player. We have developed our habits from it and learnt everything from there. It helped us to mature fast.


There are a lot of ex-Arrows boys who are big names in Indian football. How do you describe that?

That was bound to happen. The Arrows were formed at a stage when we had nowhere to go. It was the transition phase, a phase which has killed the motivation of so many youngsters just for the lack of an opportunity to play.

In 2010 when Arrows were formed, some of us may have been roped in by clubs but it was on open secret they won't ever get a chance to play. Ever! In such a situation, Arrows gave us the perfect platform to play in the I-League. What more can you ask for? We were all U-19 boys at that time but we got to play regularly. And we played well, that too being a team without any foreign recruits.

Jeje Lalpekhlua, Lalrindika Ralte, Raju Gaikwad, Jewel Raja Shaikh, Manandeep Singh, Bikramjit Singh, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, and we all, owe it to the Arrows. It shaped our careers.


What stayed your turning point?

I was a junior player when I first joined Arrows and obviously, I was not the first choice. But I waited for my chance. The U-22 AFC Qualifiers gave me a lot of confidence. It was my first International Tournament and when Coach Arthur Papas put his faith in me, I had to pay him back.

Playing against Iraq, UAE, Oman, Lebanon and other teams gave me a lot of confidence. It changed me as a player.


There has been a shift in the Coaching philosophy in Arrows. How do you describe that?

It wasn't easy. In fact, when (Arthur) Papas took over and showed to us what he wanted, we found it hard to believe we could play that way. If you look at the earlier years, though we performed well, we were groomed in a different fashion. Hence, we had our apprehensions.

But we realised fast Papas was stressing on the basics and henceforth, adapting was no more a problem. He stresses on modern-day football and we are enjoying it. I can tell you, we are getting better day by day. The football which we play is a breath of fresh air.


What do you except from defending champions Dempo SC?

The gesture from Arrows floored me. The moment I received an offer from Dempo SC, they realised it will benefit me in the long run (at this stage) and responded fast and released me. I need to thank them for that too.

From my side, all I can say is that I'm ready for the next step. I will carry my experience and work culture and blend them with the Dempo philosophy.

I know, I may not get a start immediately but I will wait for my chance and prove myself whenever I get it. It’s a dream come true to be playing alongside Mahesh Gawli, Sameer Naik and Climax Lawrence, all of whom have been my childhood heroes.

(Interview & Photo courtesy AIFF Media)

I-League - Round 1: A high scoring start to the season!

The 2012/13 season of the I-League kicked-off on October 6 with four matches across India with three further matches on October 7/8 and the 14 team league will run 26 rounds until late-April 2013.

The I-League kicked-off with a bang as 26 goals were scored in only seven matches at an average of 3,71 goals per match. Interestingly three of those matches ended in 3-2 home victories though there was a goalless draw amongst the games between Sporting Clube de Goa and East Bengal Club which spoiled the stats, while big spending Prayag United SC went top of the league after Round 1 following a 5-1 trashing of Air India.

The positive surprise of the opening round were newly promoted United Sikkim FC, who infront of their home fans at the Paljor Stadium in Gangtok scored a 3-2 comeback victory against 2010/11 I-League champions Salgaocar SC.

The negative one of the opening round goes to Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan AC who continued their poor run of form under new coach Santosh Kashyap as they suffered a 0-2 away loss to Shillong Lajong FC.


Round 1 Stats

06-October-2012: United Sikkim FC 3-2 Salgaocar SC (Gangtok)
Goals: 0-1 Ángel Guirado Aldeguer (50'), 1-1 Salau Nuruddin Olawale (52') , 1-2 Milagres Gonsalves (56'), 2-2 Lineker Machado (64'), 3-2 Sandesh Jhingan (75')

06-October-2012: Pailan Arrows 3-2 Mumbai FC (Kolkata)
Goals: 1-0,3-2 Holicharan Narzary (34',76'), 1-1 N.D. Opara (39'), 1-2 Sargolsem James Singh (45'), 2-2 Ongnam Milan Singh (50')

06-October-2012: Dempo SC 2-1 Churchill Brothers SC (Margao)
Goals: 1-0,2-1 Ryuji Sueoka (2',74'), 1-1 Roberto Mendes Silva (47')

06-October-2012: Shillong Lajong FC 2-0 Mohun Bagan AC (Shillong)
Goals: 1-0 Boithang Haokip (63'), 2-0 Lalramluaha Hmar (90')

07-October-2012: Sporting Clube de Goa 0-0 East Bengal Club (Margao)
Goals: none

07-October-2012: Prayag United SC 5-1 Air India (Kolkata)
Goals: 1-0,2-1,3-1 Ranty Martins Soleye (13',32',57'), 1-1 Micky Fernandes (23'), 4-1 Asif K. (65'), 5-1 C.K. Vineeth (80')

08-October-2012: Pune FC 3-2 ONGC (Pune)
Goals: 1-0 Pune FC 3 Jeje Lalpekhlua (22'), 2-0 Singam Subash Singh (47'), 2-1 Jatin Singh Bisht (55'), 2-2 Katsumi Yusa (62'), 3-2 Shanmugham Venketesh (72')

VIDEOs: I-League match highlights from Saturday

The 6th edition of the I-League kicked-off yesterday with four matches across the country. Here are the match highlights, especially the goals, from Bengali sports program XtraTime!

Shillong Lajong FC 2-0 Mohun Bagan AC


Pailan Arrows 3-2 Mumbai FC


Dempo SC 2-1 Churchill Brothers SC, United Sikkim FC 3-2 Salgaocar FC

I-League 2012/13: Complete Fixtures

The I-League 2012/13 is set to kick-off in a couple of days on October 6 with matches across India and the 14 team league will run 26 rounds until late-April 2013. But we will only get to know when the league will finish once next years AFC Cup fixtures for Dempo SC and East Bengal Club are released.


FIXTURES

Round 1
06-Oct-2012: United Sikkim FC - Salgaocar SC (Gangtok)
06-Oct-2012: Pailan Arrows - Mumbai FC (Kolkata)
06-Oct-2012: Shillong Lajong FC - Mohun Bagan AC (Shillong)
06-Oct-2012: Dempo SC - Churchill Brothers SC (Margao)
07-Oct-2012: Sporting Clube de Goa - East Bengal Club (Margao)
07-Oct-2012: Prayag United SC - Air India (Kolkata)
08-Oct-2012: Pune FC - ONGC (Pune)

Round 2
11-Oct-2012: United Sikkim FC - East Bengal Club (Gangtok)
11-Oct-2012: Pune FC - Mumbai FC (Pune)
11-Oct-2012: Churchill Brothers SC - ONGC (Margao)
11-Oct-2012: Pailan Arrows - Air India (Kolkata)
12-Oct-2012: Shillong Lajong FC - Salgaocar SC (Shillong)
12-Oct-2012: Sporting Clube de Goa - Dempo SC (Margao)
12-Oct-2012: Mohun Bagan AC - Prayag United SC (Kolkata)

Round 3
26-Oct-2012: ONGC - Prayag United SC (Delhi)
27-Oct-2012: Churchill Brothers SC - Mumbai FC (Vasco)
27-Oct-2012: East Bengal Club - Pune FC (Kolkata)
28-Oct-2012: United Sikkim FC - Dempo (Gangtok)
28-Oct-2012: Salgaocar SC - Pailan Arrows (Vasco)
28-Oct-2012: Shillong Lajong FC - Sporting Clube de Goa (Shillong)
28-Oct-2012: Air India - Mohun Bagan AC (Pune)

Round 4
03-Nov-2012: East Bengal Club - Dempo SC (Kolkata)
03-Nov-2012: Mumbai FC - Salgaocar SC (Pune)
03-Nov-2012: United Sikkim FC - Pailan Arrows (Gangtok)
04-Nov-2012: ONGC - Air India (Delhi)
04-Nov-2012: Mohun Bagan AC - Sporting Clube de Goa (Kolkata)
04-Nov-2012: Pune FC - Churchill Brothers SC (Pune)
04-Nov-2012: Shillong Lajong FC - Prayag United SC (Shillong)

Round 5
09-Nov-2012: Churchill Brother SC - Salgaocar SC (Vasco)
09-Nov-2012: Mumbai FC - Sporting Clube de Goa (Pune)
09-Nov-2012: Pailan Arrows - Pune FC (Kolkata)
09-Nov-2012: ONGC - Mohun Bagan AC (Delhi)
10-Nov-2012: Prayag United SC - United Sikkim FC (Kolkata)
10-Nov-2012: Dempo SC - Shillong Lajong FC (Vasco)
10-Nov-2012: Air India - East Bengal Club (Pune)

Round 6
16-Nov-2012: ONGC - Dempo SC (Delhi)
17-Nov-2012: Churchill Brothers SC - East Bengal Club (Vasco)
17-Nov-2012: Mumbai FC - Shillong Lajong FC (Pune)
17-Nov-2012: Mohun Bagan AC - Salgaocar SC (Kolkata)
18-Nov-2012: Sporting Clube de Goa - United Sikkim FC (Vasco)
18-Nov-2012: Pailan Arrows - Prayag United SC (Kolkata)
18-Nov-2012: Pune FC - Air India (Pune)

Round 7
23-Nov-2012: Prayag United SC - Salgaocar SC (Kolkata)
23-Nov-2012: Sporting Clube de Goa - Pailan Arrows (Vasco)
24-Nov-2012: Shillong Lajong FC - Churchill Brothers SC (Shillong)
24-Nov-2012: Pune FC - United Sikkim FC (Pune)
24-Nov-2012: Dempo SC - Air India (Vasco)
24-Nov-2012: East Bengal Club - ONGC (Kolkata)
25-Nov-2012: Mumbai FC - Mohun Bagan AC (Pune)

Round 8
27-Nov-2012: East Bengal Club - Salgaocar SC (Kolkata)
27-Nov-2012: Air India - United Sikkim FC (Pune)
27-Nov-2012: Sporting Clube de Goa - Pune FC (Vasco)
28-Nov-2012: Shillong Lajong FC - Pailan Arrows (Shillong)
28-Nov-2012: Prayag United SC - Churchill Brothers SC (Kolkata)
28-Nov-2012: Dempo SC - Mohun Bagan AC (Vasco)
28-Nov-2012: Mumbai FC - ONGC (Pune)

Round 9
01-Dec-2012: Pailan Arrows - ONGC (Kolkata)
01-Dec-2012: Salgaocar SC - Dempo SC (Vasco)
01-Dec-2012: Shillong Lajong FC - East Bengal Club (Shillong)
02-Dec-2012: United Sikkim FC - Churchill Brothers SC (Gangtok)
02-Dec-2012: Sporting Clube de Goa - Air India (Vasco)
02-Dec-2012: Prayag United SC - Mumbai FC (Kolkata)
02-Dec-2012: Pune FC - Mohun Bagan AC (Pune)

Round 10
08-Dec-2012: United Sikkim FC - Shillong Lajong FC (Gangtok)
08-Dec-2012: Pailan Arrows - Churchill Brothers SC (Kolkata)
08-Dec-2012: Dempo SC - Prayag United SC (Vasco)
08-Dec-2012: ONGC - Sporting Clube de Goa (Pune)
09-Dec-2012: East Bengal Club - Mohun Bagan AC (Kolkata)
09-Dec-2012: Salgaocar SC - Pune FC (Vasco)
09-Dec-2012: Air India - Mumbai FC (Pune)

Round 11
14-Dec-2012: Salgaocar SC - ONGC (Vasco)
15-Dec-2012: Mohun Bagan AC - Pailan Arrows (Kolkata)
15-Dec-2012: Mumbai FC - United Sikkim FC (Mumbai)
15-Dec-2012: Dempo SC - Pune FC (Vasco)
16-Dec-2012: East Bengal Club - Prayag United SC
16-Dec-2012: Air India - Shillong Lajong FC (Pune)
16-Dec-2012: Churchill Brothers SC - Sporting Clube de Goa (Vasco)

Round 12
22-Dec-2012: Salgaocar SC - Sporting Clube de Goa (Vasco)
22-Dec-2012: ONGC - Shillong Lajong FC (Mumbai)
22-Dec-2012: Pailan Arrows - Dempo SC (Kolkata)
22-Dec-2012: Pune FC - Prayag United SC (Pune)
23-Dec-2012: Churchill Brothers SC - Air India (Vasco)
23-Dec-2012: Mohun Bagan AC - United Sikkim FC (Kolkata)
23-Dec-2012: Mumbai FC - East Bengal Club (Mumbai)

Round 13
29-Dec-2012: ONGC - United Sikkim FC (Mumbai)
29-Dec-2012: Shillong Lajong FC - Pune FC (Pune)
29-Dec-2012: Churchill Brothers SC - Mohun Bagan AC (Vasco)
29-Dec-2012: Prayag United SC - Sporting Clube de Goa (Kolkata)
30-Dec-2012: Salgaocar SC - Air India (Vasco)
30-Dec-2012: East Bengal Club - Pailan Arrows (Kolkata)
30-Dec-2012: Mumbai FC - Dempo SC (Mumbai)

Round 14
04-Jan-2013: Churchill Brothers SC - Shillong Lajong FC (Vasco)
04-Jan-2013: Prayag United SC - Dempo SC (Kolkata)
05-Jan-2013: Salgaocar SC - East Bengal Club (Vasco)
05-Jan-2013: Air India - Sporting Clube de Goa (Mumbai)
05-Jan-2013: Mohun Bagan AC - Mumbai FC (Kolkata)
05-Jan-2013: United Sikkim FC - Pune FC (Gangtok)
06-Jan-2013: ONGC - Pailan Arrows (Mumbai)

Round 15
08-Jan-2013: Sporting Clube de Goa - Shillong Lajong FC (Vasco)
08-Jan-2013: Air India - Salgaocar SC (Mumbai)
08-Jan-2013: Mohun Bagan AC - Dempo SC (Kolkata)
09-Jan-2013: United Sikkim FC - Mumbai FC (Gangtok)
09-Jan-2013: Churchill Brothers SC - Pailan Arrows (Vasco)
09-Jan-2013: ONGC - East Bengal Club (Mumbai)
09-Jan-2013: Prayag United SC - Pune FC (Kolkata)

Round 16
12-Jan-2013: Air India - Pailan Arrows (Mumbai)
12-Jan-2013: Sporting Clube de Goa - Prayag United SC (Vasco)
12-Jan-2013: Mohun Bagan AC - Pune FC (Kolkata)
13-Jan-2013: Shillong Lajong FC - Dempo SC (Shillong)
13-Jan-2013: East Bengal Club - Mumbai FC (Kolkata)
13-Jan-2013: ONGC - Salgaocar SC (Mumbai)
13-Jan-2013: Churchill Brothers SC - United Sikkim FC (Vasco)

Round 17
19-Jan-2013: Dempo SC - United Sikkim FC (Vasco)
19-Jan-2013: Mumbai FC - Prayag United SC (Mumbai)
19-Jan-2013: East Bengal Club - Churchill Brothers SC (Kolkata)
20-Jan-2013: Pailan Arrows - Shillong Lajong FC (Kolkata)
20-Jan-2013: Salgaocar SC - Mohun Bagan AC (Vasco)
20-Jan-2013: Pune FC - Sporting Clube de Goa (Pune)
20-Jan-2013: Air India - ONGC (Mumbai)

Round 18
27-Jan-2013: Dempo SC - ONGC (Vasco)
27-Jan-2013: Mumbai FC - Churchill Brothers SC (Mumbai)
27-Jan-2013: Prayag United SC - Mohun Bagan AC (Kolkata)
28-Jan-2013: Sporting Clube de Goa - Salgaocar SC (Vasco)
28-Jan-2013: Pailan Arrows - United Sikkim FC (Kolkata)
28-Jan-2013: Pune FC - East Bengal Club (Pune)
28-Jan-2013: Shillong Lajong FC - Air India (Shillong)

Round 19
02-Feb-2013: Sporting Clube de Goa - Churchill Brothers SC (Vasco)
02-Feb-2013: Air India - Prayag United SC (Mumbai)
02-Feb-2013: Pailan Arrows - East Bengal Club (Kolkata)
03-Feb-2013: Mohun Bagan AC - ONGC (Kolkata)
03-Feb-2013: Dempo SC - Mumbai FC (Vasco)
03-Feb-2013: Shillong Lajong FC - United Sikkim FC (Shillong)
03-Feb-2013: Pune FC - Salgaocar SC (Pune)

Round 20
09-Feb-2013: Salgaocar SC - Shillong Lajong FC (Vasco)
09-Feb-2013: Mumbai FC - Pune FC (Mumbai)
09-Feb-2013: Mohun Bagan AC - East Bengal Club (Kolkata)
10-Feb-2013: Pailan Arrows - Sporting Clube de Goa (Kolkata)
10-Feb-2013: United Sikkim FC - ONGC (Gangtok)
10-Feb-2013: Churchill Brothers SC - Prayag United SC (Vasco)
10-Feb-2013: Air India - Dempo SC (Mumbai)

Round 21
23-Mar-2013: Pailan Arrows - Mohun Bagan AC (Kolkata)
23-Mar-2013: ONGC - Churchill Brothers SC (Mumbai)
23-Mar-2013: Salgaocar SC - Mumbai FC (Vasco)
24-Mar-2013: East Bengal Club - Air India (Kolkata)
24-Mar-2013: Dempo SC - Sporting Clube de Goa (Vasco)
24-Mar-2013: Pune FC - Shillong Lajong FC (Pune)
24-Mar-2013: United Sikkim FC - Prayag United SC (Gangtok)

Round 22
27-Mar-2013: Salgaocar SC - Churchill Brothers SC (Vasco)
27-Mar-2013: Mumbai FC - Pailan Arrows (Mumbai)
27-Mar-2013: Prayag United SC - East Bengal Club (Kolkata)
28-Mar-2013: Mohun Bagan AC - Shillong Lajong FC (Kolkata)
28-Mar-2013: Sporting Clube de Goa - ONGC (Vasco)
28-Mar-2013: Pune FC - Dempo SC (Pune)
28-Mar-2013: United Sikkim FC - Air India (Gangtok)

Round 23
04-Apr-2013: Salgaocar SC - Prayag United SC (Vasco)
05-Apr-2013: Dempo SC - Pailan Arrows (Vasco)
06-Apr-2013: Churchill Brothers SC - Pune FC (Vasco)
07-Apr-2013: Sporting Clube de Goa - Mohun Bagan AC (Vasco)
07-Apr-2013: East Bengal Club - United Sikkim FC (Kolkata)
07-Apr-2013: Mumbai FC - Air India (Mumbai)
07-Apr-2013: Shillong Lajong FC - ONGC (Shillong)

Round 24
12-Apr-2013: Prayag United SC - Pailan Arrows (Kolkata)
13-Apr-2013: Salgaocar SC - United Sikkim FC (Vasco)
13-Apr-2013: Mohun Bagan AC - Air India (Kolkata)
14-Apr-2013: Churchill Brothers SC - Dempo SC (Vasco)
14-Apr-2013: East Bengal Club - Sporting Clube de Goa (Kolkata)
14-Apr-2013: ONGC - Pune FC (Mumbai)
14-Apr-2013: Shillong Lajong FC - Mumbai FC (Shillong)

Round 25
19-Apr-2013: Prayag United SC - Shillong Lajong FC (Kolkata)
20-Apr-2013: Air India - Pune FC (Mumbai)
20-Apr-2013: Pailan Arrows - Salgaocar SC (Kolkata)
21-Apr-2013: Dempo SC - East Bengal Club (Vasco)
21-Apr-2013: Mohun Bagan AC - Churchill Brothers SC (Kolkata)
21-Apr-2013: ONGC - Mumbai FC (Mumbai)
21-Apr-2013: United Sikkim FC - Sporting Clube de Goa (Gangtok)

Round 26
27-Apr-2013: Prayag United SC - ONGC (Kolkata)
27-Apr-2013: Air India - Churchill Brothers SC (Mumbai)
27-Apr-2013: Sporting Clube de Goa - Mumbai FC (Vasco)
28-Apr-2013: East Bengal Club - Shillong Lajong FC (Kolkata)
28-Apr-2013: Dempo SC - Salgaocar SC (Vasco)
28-Apr-2013: Pune FC - Pailan Arrows (Pune)
28-Apr-2013: United Sikkim FC - Mohun Bagan AC (Gangtok)

34th Federation Cup - Day 5: Dempo qualify for semis, Group C wide open

The 34th edition of the Federation Cup entered match day three for the Group A teams, while for the Group C teams it was the second round today. In Group A favourites Dempo SC topped the group and moved into the semifinals, while in Group C three teams still have a chance to reach the semifinals.


Group A

Pailan Arrows 2-1 Shillong Lajong FC - Goals: 1-0 Holicharan Narzary (17'), 1-1 Ebi Theophilus Sukore (21'), 2-1 Prabir Das (67')

After two draws the Pailan Arrows, the AIFF Developmental side, finished their 34th Federation Cup engagements with a 2-1 victory against Shillong Lajong FC at the JRD Sports Complex to finish second behind Dempo SC.

Holicharan Narzary scored off a rebound to give the Arrows a 17th minute, but the joy was short-lived as four minutes later Lajong striker Ebi Sukore equalised. It remained 1-1 at the break.

Post the breather the Arrows looked much more threatening in the final third. With Alwyn George now in the picture, the Arrows caused a lot of trouble for the Lajong back four. Their attacks stemmed from the flanks and in the 67th minute Prabir Das met one such floater from the left wing to give Arrows the much needed advantage. It stayed 2-1 until the end.


Mumbai FC 0-4 Dempo SC - Goals: 0-1 Clifford Miranda (23'), 0-2,0-3,0-4 Koko Sakibo (43',79',90')

Former champions Dempo SC booked their ticket to the semifinals of the 34th Federation Cup after handing Mumbai FC a 4-0 trashing in the final Group A match at the Keenan Stadium in Jamshedpur.

Clifford Miranda opened the scoring for the Goans in the 23rd minute of a Koko Sakibo pass in the 23rd minute to score his third in as many matches. Then the Nigerian doubled the lead with two minutes to go in the first session. Sakibo would complete his hattrick with two late goals in the 79th and 90th minute to seal Dempo's passage into the semifinals.

The Goans topped their group with seven points from three matches and now await the winner of Group D which will be decided between Salgaocar FC and Pune FC tomorrow.


Group C

Kalighat Milan Sangha 2-3 Sporting Clube de Goa - Goals: 0-1 Mackroy Peixoto (12'), 1-1,2-3 Iyikwobe Christopher Chizoba (38',72'), 1-2,1-3 Dawson Fernandes (43',45+1')

Sporting Clube de Goa scored a 3-2 win against newcomers Kalighat Milan Sangha at the Kanchenjunga Stadium in Siliguri. With the win Sporting Clube moved to four points, while Kalighat MS remain without a point.

Sporting Clube de Goa took a 12th minute lead through a Mackroy Peixoto goal, but Kalighat Milan Sangha hit back with Iyikwobe Christopher Chizoba equalising in the 38th minute. Their joy was short-lived as Dawson Fernandes scored two goals in three minutes in the 43th and 45th+1 minute to give Sporting Clube a comfortable 3-1 half-time lead.

But the Goans made the match unnecessarily exciting in the second session as they allowed Kalighat MS back into the game as Iyikwobe Christopher Chizoba scored his second of the afternoon in the 72nd minute. It remained tense until the end with Sporting Clube winning the match 3-2 to move tofour points from to matches and with a real chance to qualify for the semifinals.


East Bengal Club 2-1 ONGC - Goals: 0-1 Katsumi Yusa (9'), 1-1 Chidi Edeh (45+2'), 2-1 Manandeep Singh (82')

Kolkata giants East Bengal Club scored a 2-1 victory against a 10-men ONGC in their Federation Cup Group C match at the Kanchenjunga Stadium in Siliguri.

East Bengal, who had been held to a 1-1 draw against Sporting Clube de Goa in the first round, paid the price of a slow start as ONGC impressed with speedy attacks through the flanks, one of which fetched them the ninth-minute lead when Katsumi Yusa slotted home making the most of a sharp pass from right-half Sorabuddin Mollick. But East Bengal reorganised its midfield thereafter, attacked and found the equaliser off a Chidi Edeh free-kick in the first half injury-time.

East Bengal emerged a transformed unit after the break and put pressure on ONGC, but the Oilmen put a strict vigil at the back and managed to hold off the East Bengal attacks till Yusa’s expulsion in the 78th minute. Manandeep Singh, who came in for Subodh Kumar in the 73rd minute, played the role of a super-sub to give East Bengal the winner in the 82nd minute and three crucial points in the fight for a semifinal spot.