4th Dr. T. Ao Memorial Football Tournament: Manipur champions!

Manipur beat rivals and defending champions Mizoram 4-3 on penalties at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong tonight to lift the trophy of the fourth edition of the Dr. T. Ao Memorial Football Tournament, which was played from March 18 to 27.


RESULTS

Group A
18-Mar-2013: Meghalaya 3-0 Arunachal Pradesh
18-Mar-2013: Assam 2-0 Nagaland
20-Mar-2013: Assam 0-2 Arunachal Pradesh
20-Mar-2013: Meghalaya 4-0 Nagaland
22-Mar-2013: Nagaland 1-2 Arunachal Pradesh
22-Mar-2013: Meghalaya 3-0 Assam

Group B
19-Mar-2013: Mizoram 4-3 Sikkim
19-Mar-2013: Manipur 1-1 Tripura
21-Mar-2013: Manipur 3-1 Sikkim
21-Mar-2013: Mizoram 3-0 Tripura
23-Mar-2013: Sikkim 2-2 Tripura
23-Mar-2013: Mizoram 0-0 Manipur

Semifinals
25-Mar-2013: Mizoram 1-0 Arunachal Pradesh
25-Mar-2013: Meghalaya 0-1 Manipur

3rd Place Playoff
26-Mar-2013: Meghalaya 6-2 Arunachal Pradesh

Final
27-Mar-2013: Mizoram 1-1,3-4 Manipur [penalties]

North East Lajong Super Series: Lajong surprise Wellington Phoenix, win Series!

Shillong Lajong FC are champions of the North East Lajong Super Series Cup after scoring a surprise 3-2 upset victory against Australian A-League side Wellington Phoenix from New Zealand in the finals at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Shillong this afternoon.

Wellington Phoenix went into the final infront of a large crowd in Shillong as the overwhelming favourites to win the final after a 3-0 win against United Sikkim FC and a 5-2 against Shillong Lajong FC in the round robin group stage.

The Kiwis had the perfect start as inform striker Jeremy Brockie gave them a 5th minute lead, but complacency allowed Lajong two quick goals within 5 minutes from Gbeneme Friday to turn things around for the local side. It stayed 2-1 for Lajong at the break.

Now it was a battle royale for the title with high voltage and high class football. Wellington Phoenix were not beaten yet as Paul Ifill equalised from the spot in the 63rd minute after a hand-ball from international Govin Singh.

The match seemed heading for extra-time when Boithang Haokip six minutes from time scored the winner for Shillong Lajong FC with their fans erupting in joy then many did not expect Lajong to beat their more mature rivals from Down Under.

North East Lajong Super Series - Fixtures

August 24: United Sikkim FC 0-3 Wellington Phoenix FC (Imphal, Manipur)
August 26: Shillong Lajong FC 2-5 Wellington Phoenix FC (Imphal, Manipur)
August 30: Shillong Lajong FC 3-0 United Sikkim FC (Shillong, Meghalaya)
September 1 - Final: Wellington Phoenix FC 2-3 Shillong Lajong FC (Shillong, Meghalaya)

North East Lajong Super Series: Lajong FC reach finals

Shillong Lajong FC beat Northeast rivals United Sikkim FC 3-0 in the third match of the North East Lajong Super Series Cup to reach the finals and will now take on A-League side Wellington Phoenix FC from New Zealand in Shillong on Saturday, September 1.

In a match-up of two I-League sides the more experienced Shillong Lajong FC got the better of United Sikkim FC through three goals from their new Nigerian striker Gbeneme Friday, who has scored all of Lajong's five goals in the series so far.

Lajong were in-charge from the start and went ahead in the 7th minute from a Gbeneme Friday strike, who doubled the lead in the 15th minute through a rebound follow a free-kick. United Sikkim had their problems with Gbeneme Friday and Lajong overall, but it stayed 2-0 for the home team at the break.

After the break United Sikkim were better in the game, but they couldn't score of their few chances while Gbeneme Friday sealed the match for Lajong FC with his third goal of the day.

The final of the series will be played between Wellington Phoenix FC and Shillong Lajong FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Shillong on Saturday, September 1 at 15.15 IST.


North East Lajong Super Series - Fixtures

August 24: United Sikkim FC 0-3 Wellington Phoenix FC (Imphal, Manipur)
August 26: Shillong Lajong FC 2-5 Wellington Phoenix FC (Imphal, Manipur)
August 30: Shillong Lajong FC 3-0 United Sikkim FC (Shillong, Meghalaya)
September 1 - Final: Wellington Phoenix FC - Shillong Lajong FC (Shillong, Meghalaya)

Wellington Phoenix beat Royal Wahingdoh 3-0 in friendly

Australian A-League side Wellington Phoenix FC from New Zealand took on local side Royal Wahingdoh FC in a friendly which Wellington won 3-0 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong this afternoon. Jeremy Brockie scored all three goals, his second hattrick of the Northeast tour.

After the two wins against United Sikkim FC (3-0) and Shillong Lajong FC (5-2) in the North East Lajong Super Series in Imphal, the Kiwis continued their impressive tour of India by beating Royal Wahingdoh FC 3-0 ahead of the final of the North East Lajong Super Series on Saturday, September against either United Sikkim FC or Shillong Lajong FC.

It was a tough game for the local Shillong Premier League champions, who had their chances; but Wellington were in control throughout the match.

The Kiwis got their goals through Jeremy Brockie who scored in the 29th, 47th and in the second half injury time. Brockie has now scored seven of the eight goals in the last couple of matches.

Tomorrow Shillong Lajong FC take on United Sikkim FC in the North East Lajong Super Series at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Shillong at 15.00 IST. The winner of the match will play the final of the North East Lajong Super Series against Wellington Phoenix FC on Saturday, September 1 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium at 15.15 IST.

VIDEO: Promos of North East Lajong Super Series

JPR Events are organising the North East Lajong Super Series in which I-League sides Shillong Lajong FC and United Sikkim FC will take on A-League side Wellington Phoenix from New Zealand. For the event the organisers have made a series of video promos!

North East Lajong Super Series: No match in Guwahati, shifted to Imphal

The opening match of the 2012 North East Lajong Super Series between United Sikkim FC and A-League side Wellington Phoenix from New Zealand was supposed to be played on Friday, August 24 in Guwahati, but due to the political unrest and sectarian violence in Assam the match has been shifted to the Manipuri capital Imphal.

This now means that Wellington Phoenix will now play both their matches against United Sikkim FC on August 24 and against Shillong Lajong FC on August 26 in Imphal, while the final round robin match between Shillong Lajong FC and United Sikkim FC will be played as scheduled on August 30 in Shillong as would the series final on September 1.


North East Lajong Super Series - Fixtures

August 24: United Sikkim FC - Wellington Phoenix (Imphal, Manipur)
August 26: Shillong Lajong FC - Wellington Phoenix (Imphal, Manipur)
August 30: Shillong Lajong FC - United Sikkim FC (Shillong, Meghalaya)
September 1: FINAL (Shillong, Meghalaya)


Wellington Phoenix squad

Goalkeepers
Glen Moss, Scott Basalaj

Defenders
Andrew Durante, Emmanuel 'Manny' Muscat, Benjamin Sigmund, Luke Rowe, Thomas Doyle, Alec Solomons

Midfielders
Leonadis Bertos, Jeremy Brockie, Cameron Lindsay, Tony Lochhead, Michael Boxall, Justin Gulley, Louis Fenton

Forwards
Paul Ifill, Alex Smith, Benjamin Totori, Thomas Biss, Tyler Boyd

Officials
Ricki Herbert (Head Coach), Jonathan Gould (Goalkeeping Coach), Chris Greenacre (Technique coach), Russel Gray (Team Manager), Wayne Roberts (Physio), David Dome (General Manager)

A-League side Wellington Phoenix to visit Indian Northeast

New Zealand-based Wellington Phoenix FC will be the first Australian A-League team to tour India when they participate in a pre-season cup in the Indian Northeast from August 24 to September 1. The team will be travelling from New Zealand to Weston, New South Wales in Australia to take on A-league rivals Newcastle Jets on August 18 before flying via New Delhi to the Northeast.

In the three team tournament Wellington Phoenix will face I-League sides Shillong Lajong FC and United Sikkim FC as other I-League sides turned down the offer to take part in the tournament, which has been named 'North East Lajong Super Series' and is being organised by JPR Events.

Wellington Phoenix will be led by the Kiwi 2010 FIFA World Cup and club coach Ricki Herbert, who has put together a squad of first team players and juniors. During the tour they will also interact and have coaching workshops with younger players from the region.


North East Lajong Super Series - Fixtures

August 24: United Sikkim FC - Wellington Phoenix (Guwahati, Assam)
August 26: Shillong Lajong FC - Wellington Phoenix (Imphal, Manipur)
August 30: Shillong Lajong FC - United Sikkim FC (Shillong, Meghalaya)
September 1: FINAL (Shillong, Meghalaya)


Wellington Phoenix squad

Goalkeepers
Glen Moss, Scott Basalaj

Defenders
Andrew Durante, Emmanuel 'Manny' Muscat, Benjamin Sigmund, Luke Rowe, Thomas Doyle, Alec Solomons

Midfielders
Leonadis Bertos, Jeremy Brockie, Cameron Lindsay, Tony Lochhead, Michael Boxall, Justin Gulley, Louis Fenton

Forwards
Paul Ifill, Alex Smith, Benjamin Totori, Thomas Biss, Tyler Boyd

Officials
Ricki Herbert (Head Coach), Jonathan Gould (Goalkeeping Coach), Chris Greenacre (Technique coach), Russel Gray (Team Manager), Wayne Roberts (Physio), David Dome (General Manager)

Photos: Panasonic Dream Camp in Shillong

Here photos from the inaugural Panasonic Dream Camp which was organised over the last couple of days in Shillong, Meghalaya.

Panasonic Dream Camp - Day Two

Yesterday marked the second and final day of the two-day Panasonic Dream Camp in Shillong. Like like on day one there were two training sessions on the artificial turf, a classroom session and a closing ceremony.

First training session - Defending
The morning session began at 8am with the focus on 'Defending'. This session comprised of small sided scenarios - 2 vs 2, 3 vs 3, 4 vs 4, Defensive positioning, basic principles of defending, and gradual progression. International defender Gouramangi Moirangthem Singh's valuable experience was used by the boys in following various defensive movements and covering opponents.

Classroom session
The classroom session saw India assistant coach Savio Medeira talk to the boys about Sports Nutrition and its benefits. This was followed by a look at a few goals from Indian team matches against Tajikistan and Syria in the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup and 2009 ONGC Nehru Cup.

Second training session - New Formation of 4-3-3
The evening session introduced the players to Indian football's new philosophy - the 4-3-3 formation, adapting to different field positions and play, movement off the ball, and defensive shape formations.

Closing Ceremony
At 7pm, the boys assembled at the hotel for the closing ceremony of the Panasonic Dream Camp. The function was also attended by B. Diengdoh (Meghalaya Football Association Vice-President), S.S. Rapthap (MFA Joint Secretary), and Sunesh Syiem (MFA Convenor, Youth Development Cell).

Libero Sports' Sukhvinder Singh one-by-one invited the representative from Panasonic India, B. Diengdoh, Savio Medeira and Gouramangi Moirangthem Singh to speak a few words to the kids. Certificates, group photographs and footballs were handed over to boys by the guests from MFA, coaching staff and AIFF players. The representative from Panasonic India handed over some mementos to the coaches and players and later on presented a signed shirt to MFA as a token of appreciation. This was followed by dinner.

Panasonic Dream Camp - Day One

Yesterday marked the first of the two-day Panasonic Dream Camp in Shillong. After the initial introductions, the first day primarily focused on a couple of training sessions on the FIFA Artificial Turf, one each in the morning and evening along with a classroom session at the hotel.

First training session - Passing
The morning session began at 8am with some light rain around, with the boys making full use of their rain-proof track-suit. The session mainly focused on 'Passing'. After going through some dynamic stretching initially, the boys participated in some passive training that included free movement and more touches on the ball. Later, the training became more active to encourage decision making with opponents and involving various match related scenarios and focussing on receiving the ball. The 90 minute training session ended with a fifteen minute 11 a-side match and cooling down exercises.

Classroom session
Between the two on-field training sessions there was a classroom session conducted for the participants to discuss various nuances of the game of football by showing them videos from the recently held EURO2012. The boys enjoyed some of the best goals of the tournament and learnt about the high standard of international football. The classroom session also included videos on best training practices involving some special drills used by coaches for youngsters around the world.

2nd training session - Dribbling
The evening session focused on 'Dribbling' and involved pretty much the same passive and active training drills, but with a new theme. More drills were 1 vs 1 oriented to place emphasis on dribbling. The session ended with a 3-team league where 9 a-side matches were conducted.

After-dinner entertainment
After dinner at 9pm, the boys were shown the football game from a Hollywood movie, 'Escape to Victory'. It was a perfect way to relax for them after a long hard day of training by entertaining themselves by watching some of their favourite actors and players in a football movie. Lights were off at 10pm ahead of second day of action.

Panasonic Dream Camp for aspiring Footballers

Panasonic India along with Libero Sports is organizing a three day dream camp from today onwards for aspiring footballers which would provide them an opportunity to learn what it takes to represent India as an international player. The camp is being held at Shillong, Meghalaya.

At this three day residential camp, 28 junior players within the age group of 12-15 years will get a first-hand experience of what goes on at a national team training camp. This will include intensive training sessions, cool downs, in-classroom learning, videos, social time and a number of other unique football experiences.

Team India assistant coach Savio Medeira along with coaches Francisco Bruto da Costa and John Kenneth Raj are overseeing the technical aspects of the camp, while international players Gouramangi Moirangthem Singh, Sushil Kumar Singh and Renedy Singh are involved in the camp sharing their knowledge and experience of the game with the Dream Camp participants. On completion of the camp the participants will receive certificates signed by Panasonic and the AIFF.

The participating players were nominated by the Meghalaya Football Association and two were players selected from a Panasonic Facebook campaign. The players are housed at The EeeCee Hotel and all training sessions are taking place at the FIFA Artificial Turf Pitch.

The technical plan is designed and executed by the Panasonic Dream Camp Technical Director, Savio Medeira. While off-pitch, the participants will engage in Q&A with the AIFF players and coaches, watch highlight DVDs, discuss their football dreams and gain invaluable insight on what it takes to represent India at the international level.

Talking about the dream camp Manish Sharma, Managing Director at Consumer Product Division, Panasonic India, said, "Panasonic has been playing a significant role in promoting football in India through its partnership with the All India Football Federation. This extraordinary Dream Camp would be a rewarding experience for the aspiring young footballers and give them a chance to get game tips from professional players. It will also seek to set participants up for future success and encourage the spirit of football in the country."

AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das said, "I thank Panasonic for its significant contribution in our efforts to improve football both on-field and off-field. The continuous support from a brand like Panasonic encourages and ensures interest in the game. We are pleased to be associated and supported by Panasonic to help promote and take Indian football to the next level."

Expressing his view on the Dream Camp, former India captain Renedy Singh, said, "This camp is a wonderful platform for the young aspiring players to learn football tactics from professionals and interact with them. This is a great opportunity made possible by Panasonic by organizing such football coaching camp. I am really looking forward to the two-day long fun-filled learning experience."

It is the first camp of its kind and if it is successful then such camps could be held in other cities of the country.

Royal Wahingdoh FC visited Germany in May 2012

Shillong-based I-League Division 2 side Royal Wahingdoh FC last month underwent a three week intensive training in Windeck-Dattenfeld, Germany under the watchful eyes of coach Volker Hofferbert, who has been appointed as the club coach a few days ago. The training of Hofferbert impressed the RWFC management, now he is in Shillong to coach the team.

The 18 member RWFC contingent were in Germany from 4 to 25 May and during this time played three friendly games against Germania Windeck (1st & 2nd team) and SV Eitorf. The RWFC players comprised a mix of juniors and seniors players as part of the clubs aim of exposure for their players.

RWFC also visited the fan project of Bundesliga side 1.FC Köln (FC Cologne) and shared in the excitement with fans during FC Cologne's final home match versus FC Bayern Munich. Sadly though for FC Cologne, the 1-4 loss meant a double blow as they failed to avoid relegation apart from already having to lose Lukas Podolski to FC Arsenal.

The team visited the Bodelschwingh Gymnasium in Windeck-Herchen where they interacted with the school students and also had a training demonstration apart from a lovely music concert at the same venue. The Mayor of Windeck also paid a visit to the team and wished them success in the training as well in their future.

Sightseeing tours to Cologne and Bonn also permitted the footballers from India to see a different world and interact with the as they termed 'friendly Germans'.

Royal Wahingdoh appoint German Volker Hofferbert as new coach

I-League Divison 2 side Royal Wahingdoh FC based in Shillong a few days ago appointed 63 year old German Volker Hofferbert as their new head coach, who will guide them through the 2012/13 season with Carlton Chapman continuing in his role as assistant coach while Maipuri L. Nandakumar Singh has also joined the teams coaching staff.

While the aim for the season remains promotion to the I-League, under the new coach Hofferbert Royal Wahingdoh FC made a successful start into the 2012 Shillong Premier League which kicked-off today with a 1-0 victory against Nangkiew Irat. Jackichand Singh scored the winner a minute from time off a penalty.

63 year old Volker Hofferbert brings a wealth of experience from around the world to Shillong having coached in Brazil, Iceland, Indonesia, Laos, Mexico, Romania and Yemen besides having been a professor at the Cologne Sports University in Germany.

The signing of Hofferbert follows a visit by Royal Wahingdoh FC in May 2012 to Germany in which the clubs team had trained for the first time on European soil.

Jaago Re Inter Milan Soccer Stars: Shillong school win!

The national finals of the fifth season of the all-India Tata Tea Jaago Re Inter Milan Soccer Stars was held in Shillong with local side O.M. Roy Memorial Secondary School winning the final 2-0 against HRDC Army Boys School from Lucknow at the Polo grounds.

This season Italian giants Internazionale Milan were the new partners of Tata Tea Jaago Re Soccer Stars program. In the national finals the top 16 schools from across India took part after 15 zonal qualification tournaments were held with over 7,000 childen from 700 schools taking part.

Obadaiah Bareh of O.M. Roy Memorial Secondary School, Shillong was named as the 'Most Valuable Player' of the tournament and also finished as the top scorer of the national finals. The Best Goalkeeper award went to Amit Khawas of HRDC Army Boys School, Lucknow; while the Skill's contest was won by Yami Longvah of the Shillong Academy H.S.S, Shillong.

In total 38 children have been identified from all the tournaments by head scout Jamshid Nassiri and his scouting team for the coaching camp with local and Inter Milan coaches. 16 children would be chosen from this group to represent India in an international youth tournament in Milan, Italy.

Shillong Lajong's I-League status in danger?

Is the place of promoted Shillong Lajong FC in next seasons I-League in danger?

This is the threat which has come from the Asian Football Confederation's inspection team after they visited Shillong. The AFC team made it a point to say that Shillong's Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium was not up to the mark to host professional league football matches. The problems starts with the ground condition and continues with the lack of proper dressing rooms, medical room, doping testing centre plus lack of VIP stands and press box.

The AFC has given Shillong Lajong FC and the state of Meghalaya two months to put things in order, but the state government fears it will not be able to comply due to shortage of funds and the monsoon season.

Earlier numerous players from visiting teams amongst them Baichung Bhutia had criticized the ground conditions in Shillong during the 2nd Division I-League, which had been made worse by rains. Many had said the same as the AFC officials.

The four member AFC team and I-League CEO Sunando Dhar were on an inspection in Shillong following a visit to Goa were they inspected the facilities and club set-up of Sporting Clube de Goa. The assessment of the two promoted clubs where done by the AFC to ensure that these clubs comply with the AFC's Club Licensing criteria.

What the AFC would recommend if the conditions in Shillong aren't improved in the next couple of months is not known. It could be Lajong having to play their home matches elsewhere or the club being denied a place in the I-League.

I-League 2: A look back...

Shillong Lajong FC and Sporting Clube de Goa have topped the final round of the 2nd Division I-League and have gained promotion the premier division of the I-League. Interestingly these two sides had been relegated last year and now go up again, on both occasions together.

On Saturday the 2nd Division ended after 24 matches in the final which followed the 21 games in each of the three preliminary round groups. A total of 75 matches were played involving 23 teams in a rather tournament like format.

And after all the controversies surrounding Lajong FC striker Tuboi's registration, the terrible ground conditions, the allegations of favouring the local Shillong sides, this seasons second Division is finally over.

I would hope that the AIFF structure the 2nd Division from next season onwards more like a league and not leave it like a tournament at the moment.


2nd Division I-League - Final Round Tables & Results

#- Team----------------------------- P W-D-L GF-GA GDF PTS
1. Shillong Lajong FC (Meghalaya) -- 7 5-1-1 12-06 +06 16
2. Sporting Clube de Goa ----------- 7 4-2-1 11-06 +05 14
3. Vasco Sports Club (Goa) --------- 7 4-1-2 13-08 +05 13
4. Ar-Hima FC (Meghalaya) ---------- 7 3-2-2 11-08 +03 11
5. United Sikkim FC ---------------- 7 2-4-1 09-09 +-0 10
6. Royal Wahingdoh FC (Meghalaya) -- 7 1-2-4 12-13 -01 05
7. Md. Sporting Club (West Bengal) - 7 1-1-5 04-09 -05 04
8. Southern Samity (West Bengal) --- 7 1-1-5 04-17 -13 04

Round 1
25-Apr-2011: Royal Wahingdoh FC 2-3 Ar-Hima FC
25-Apr-2011: Southern Samity 0-3 Shillong Lajong FC
26-Apr-2011: Sporting Clube de Goa 1-1 United Sikkim FC
26-Apr-2011: Vasco SC 2-1 Mohammedan Sporting Club

Round 2
28-Apr-2011: Shillong Lajong FC 1-0 Ar-Hima FC
28-Apr-2011: Southern Samity 0-1 Mohammedan Sporting Club
29-Apr-2011: Royal Wahingdoh FC 0-0 United Sikkim FC
29-Apr-2011: Vasco SC 3-0 Sporting Clube de Goa

Round 3
01-May-2011: Ar-Hima Club 2-0 Mohammedan Sporting Club
01-May-2011: Shillong Lajong FC 2-2 United Sikkim FC
02-May-2011: Royal Wahingdoh FC 2-3 Vasco SC
02-May-2011: Southern Samity 1-1 Sporting Clube de Goa

Round 4
04-May-2011: Mohammedan Sporting Club 0-1 United Sikkim FC
04-May-2011: Ar-Hima FC 0-2 Sporting Clube de Goa
05-May-2011: Shillong Lajong FC 2-1 Vasco SC
12-May-2011: Southern Samity 1-6 Royal Wahingdoh FC

Round 5
07-May-2011: Sporting Clube de Goa 1-0 Mohammedan Sporting Club
07-May-2011: Royal Wahingdoh FC 0-2 Shillong Lajong FC
08-May-2011: Southern Samity 1-2 United Sikkim FC
08-May-2011: Vasco SC 1-1 Ar-Hima FC

Round 6
10-May-2011: Southern Samity 1-0 Vasco SC
10-May-2011: Royal Wahingdoh FC 2-2 Mohammedan Sporting Club
11-May-2011: Sporting Clube de Goa 3-1 Shillong Lajong FC
11-May-2011: United Sikkim FC 2-2 Ar-Hima FC

Round 7
13-May-2011: Southern Samity 0-3 Ar-Hima FC
13-May-2011: Mohammedan Sporting Club 1-0 Shillong Lajong FC
14-May-2011: Royal Wahingdoh FC 0-2 Sporting Clube de Goa
14-May-2011: Vasco SC 3-1 United Sikkim FC

I-League 2 - Round 7: Lajong & Sporting Clube qualify

The seventh and final Round of matches of the 2nd Division I-League 2010/11 were played on May 13/14 in Shillong. The much-expected close final round matches were non-starters as Shillong Lajong FC and Sporting Clube de Goa both won their matches to ensure they would return together to the I-League a year after they had gone down together.


Round 7 Match by Match Short Review
13-May-2011: Southern Samity 0-3 (0-3) Ar-Hima FC
Ar-Hima FC kept their slim hopes of promotion alive with a 3-0 win against a tired Southern Samity, who had only played yesterday the postponed game against Royal Wahingdoh SC. Ar-Hima FC now have 11 points from seven games with a goal difference of plus three. Southern Samity meanwhile finish last with only four points from the same number of matches.
For Ar-Hima Emmanuel Inioyoh once more was the danger man as he scored in the 7th and then again 43rd minute. Zico Zoremsanga would score the second goal in the 12th minute in-between. After the break Ar-Hima couldn't add to their goal tally.

13-May-2011: Mohammedan Sporting Club 0-1 (0-0) Shillong Lajong FC
Shillong Lajong FC scored a lone goal victory against Mohammedan Sporting Club to ensure that they will top the final round of the 2nd Division I-League to gain promotion to the top tier. Lajong finished on 16 points from seven matches, while Mohammedan Sporting gained only four points from the same number of games.
Lajong didn't put too much of an effort into the game in the first session, while Mohammedan Sporting didn't look like a side ready to create an upset. The hero of the day was P.C. Lahlimthara Mahlima with a 53rd minute strike which caused wild jubilation amongst the partisan Shillong crowd. At the final whistle it was clear that Lajong had come back into the I-League fold after a years absence.

14-May-2011: Royal Wahingdoh FC 0-2 (0-2) Sporting Clube de Goa
Sporting Clube de Goa scored a vital 2-0 win against Royal Wahingdoh FC to ensure their return to the I-League. The Goans finished on 14 points from seven matches, while Royal Wahingdoh only on five points from seven matches after they had won all their preliminary round matches.
Sporting Clube had their promotion sealed within the first 15 minutes. First a N. Samananda Singh header went into goal in the 4th minute, while Portuguese striker Eldon Maquemba doubled the lead in the 15th minute and it would remain this way until the end.

14-May-2011: Vasco SC 3-1 (2-1) United Sikkim FC
Vasco SC defeated United Sikkim FC 3-1 in their final game of the season, but the win wasn't enough to give the Goans a place in next seasons I-League. Vasco finished their engagements on 13 points in third place, while newcomers USFC finished fifth on 10 points also from seven matches.
Vasco made a quick start with Joy Ferrao's 2nd minute and Koko Sakibo's 7th minute goal. It looked all over for USFC with not many minutes gone, but they fought back with their Liberian John D. Menyongar scoring from the spot in the 28th minute. But Vasco would ensure victory with a late Koko Sakibo goal, but it wasn't enough.

2nd Division I-League heading for an interesting finish

Over the next couple of days we will get to know which two clubs will get promoted to the I-League. At the moment last years relegated sides Shillong Lajong FC and Sporting Clube de Goa are in the drivers seat to go back up, but the beautiful game can be crazy at times so anything seems possible for the five contenders who can still get promoted.

Lajong FC go into the last round of matches in the pole position with 13 points, but a loss against Mohammedan Sporting Club and victory to Sporting Clube de Goa and either of Vasco SC/United Sikkim FC could jeopadize the local sides chances, but a draw would see them through.

Sporting Clube de Goa are second with 11 points and need a victory against Royal Wahingdoh FC to ensure their return to the I-League. A draw or loss could allow Vasco SC or United Sikkim FC to sneak past the Flaming Orange.

Vasco SC and United Sikkim FC are on 10 points, they face each other in a do-or-die match; but their progress depends first on the games outcome and then what the two sides above them do.

Ar-Hima FC have outside chances to get into the I-League. They are on eight points and face Southern Samity. Only if they get a big win, Sporting Clube lose and Vasco SC draw United Sikkim FC they could cause a major upset like they did in the preliminary stage when they also went through on the last day on goal difference.

The teams fighting for promotion are worried out the rains and the terrible ground conditions. 24 matches have been played so far under unacceptable field conditions and something would have to be changed by the AIFF next season.


Final & 7th Round of matches
13-May-2011: Southern Samity - Ar-Hima FC
13-May-2011: Royal Wahingdoh FC - Sporting Clube de Goa
14-May-2011: Mohammedan Sporting Club - Shillong Lajong FC
14-May-2011: Vasco SC - United Sikkim FC

I-League 2 - Round 6: No decisions yet in promotion race

The sixth Round of matches of the 2nd Division I-League 2010/11 were played on May 10/11 in Shillong. The two sides who will get promoted will be decided on the last match day with Shillong Lajong FC having the best chances, while Sporting Clube de Goa, Vasco SC and United Sikkim FC are also in the fray for a place in next years premier division of the I-League, while Ar-Hima FC have slim outside chances.

Round 6 Match by Match Short Review
10-May-2011: Southern Samity 1-0 (0-0) Vasco SC
Vasco SC suffered a major set-back in their quest for promotion when they lost 0-1 to Southern Samity. Though winning their first game Kolkata side are out of the promotion race with only four points from five matches, while Vasco remain on 10 points from six games.
Vasco initially had more of the exchanges, but lost seasoned Remus Gomes due to a red card in the 27th minute, but Southern Samity couldn't take advantage of it as the Goans were determined to get those three points. Things did not change after the break, but the Kolkata side would take a surprise lead in the 71st minute through a Francis Xavier shot. And more was in store with Vasco's Jerose Oliveira also send off in the 79th minute and then Suman Datta of Southern Samity was send off with three minutes to go.

10-May-2011: Royal Wahingdoh FC 2-2 (0-0) Mohammedan Sporting Club
Royal Wahingdoh FC and Mohammedan Sporting Club played out a two-all draw which ended the chances of both sides of promotion. Mohammedan Sporting moved to four points from six matches, while Royal Wahingdoh are now bottom of the league with only two points from five matches.
The more experienced Mohammedan Sporting were the better of the two sides on display, but they couldn't score in the first session. And then Musibau Olenrewaju Adebayo gave Royal Wahingdoh a surprise 73rd minute lead, but only three minutes later Suraj Mondal equalised for the Kolkata giants and Suraj then even gave them an 88th minute lead. It seemed Royal Wahingdoh where beaten but Musibau Olenrewaju Adebayo gave the Shillong side a point with a late minute equaliser.

11-May-2011: Sporting Clube de Goa 3-1 (1-0) Shillong Lajong FC
With their third win in a row Sporting Clube de Goa moved into second spot, this time a 3-1 win against league leaders Shillong Lajong FC to keep the promotion race wide open until the last match day. Shillong Lajong FC stay top of the league with 13 points, while Sporting Clube now have 11 points with both teams having played six matches.
It seems Sporting Clube have found their form at the right time and today they were too good for the local giants. Adil Khan gave the Goans a 27th minute lead which they took into the break and thereafter Mauricio Freeman Peixoto would double the lead in the 48th minute and Portuguese striker Eldon Maquemba made it 3-0 in the 63rd minute. Lajong could only get a consulation goal when P.C. Lahlimthara Mahlima scored in the 71st minute from the spot.

11-May-2011: United Sikkim FC 2-2 (0-2) Ar-Hima FC
United Sikkim FC scored a hard earned two-all draw against Ar-Hima FC to keep their promotion ambitions intact, while Ar-Hima FC have very slim changes left to go through. USFC join Vasco on 10 points from six matches with these two sides meeting in their final game, while Ar-Hima FC moved to eight points from the same number of games.
Initially it was United Sikkim which where looking to score, but against the run of play Ar-Hima's Stephanfiel Lanong would strike twice in the 30th and 36th minute with the match looking to go the Shillong sides way.
United Sikkim coach Stanley Rozario changed his formation after the break as defender Baichung Bhutia was send back into his usual position of striker to strengthen the attack. And it paid off as Baichung would reduce the deficit in the 63rd minute with his good friend and old team mate Renedy Singh, who came on as a substitute, equalising in the 69th minute.

I-League 2 - Round 5: Lajong on course, 2nd place up for grabs

The fifth Round of matches of the 2nd Division I-League 2010/11 were played on May 7/8 in Shillong. Lajong FC looks to be on their way back to the I-League while the second place is hard fought over by Vasco SC, United Sikkim FC and Sporting Clube de Goa with outside chances to Ar-Hima FC.


Round 5 Match by Match Short Review
07-May-2011: Sporting Clube de Goa 1-0 (1-0) Mohammedan Sporting Club
Sporting Clube de Goa kept their hopes of returning to the I-League alive with a 1-0 win against Mohammedan Sporting Club, who look to be out of the promotion race. Sporting Clube now have eight points from five matches, while Mohammedan Sporting stay on three from the same number of games.
Defender N. Samananda Singh would score the lone goal of the match in the 18th minute for the Flaming Orange to seal the three points.

07-May-2011: Royal Wahingdoh FC 0-2 (0-1) Shillong Lajong FC
Shillong Lajong FC took a giant step towards regaining their position in the I-League with a hard fought 2-0 win against local rivals Royal Wahingdoh FC. Lajong now are on 13 points from five matches and are close to promotion, while Royal Wahingdoh FC are only on a point from four matches and are virtually out of the promotion chase.
It was house full at the Polo Ground in Shillong with two local favourites taking on each other and there where expectations of a high voltage clash; but it was mainly one sided with Boithang Haokip the hero as he scored in the 33rd and 51st minute to seal the game for Lajong, who had more chances to score.

08-May-2011: Southern Samity 1-2 (1-1) United Sikkim FC
United Sikkim FC scored a vital 2-1 victory against Southern Samity to move closer to the promotion places. USFC are now on nine points from five matches, while Southern Samity stay at the bottom of the table with only a point from four matches.
Southern Samity took a surprise 14th minute lead through a free-kick from their Brazilian striker Edmilson Marques Pardal and it was only in the 40th minute that United Sikkim equalised through an inform Beingaichho Beokhokhai. It was mostly United Sikkim in the second session and their second goal came off captain John D. Menyongar in the 85th minute to give the Snow Lions the victory.

08-May-2011: Vasco SC 1-1 (1-0) Ar-Hima FC
Vasco SC were held to a one-all draw by Ar-Hima FC which keeps the distance between the two sides in the promotion race. Both sides have now played five matches with Vasco SC in second place with 10 points while Ar-Hima FC have seven point.
The Goans took an 18th minute lead through their Nigerian defender Julius Irabor Akpele, but after taking the lead against the home side they pulled back and allowed Ar-Hima FC space to combine but they would only be able to score through midfielder Emannuel Inioyoh in the 75th minute though they had chances to win this game and put real pressure on Vasco in the promotion race.