2nd Division I-League's Final Round: 1st Leg Results

The 2nd Division I-League's Final Round is being played as a double header in Bangalore with Langsning FC, Rangdajied United FC, Mohammedan Sporting Club, Bhowanipore Club, Southern Samity and Mumbai Tigers FC participating.

After the first-leg Mohammedan Sporting Club lead with 10 points ahead of Bhowanipore Club and Mumbai Tigers FC on 9 points.


Final Round Results

30-Mar-2013: Southern Samity 1-1 Rangdajied United FC
30-Mar-2013: Langsning FC 0-1 Mumbai Tigers FC
31-Mar-2013: Mohammedan Sporting Club 0-0 Bhowanipore Club
02-Apr-2013: Bhowanipore Club 1-0 Rangdajied United FC
02-Apr-2013: Mumbai Tigers FC 3-0 Southern Samity
03-Apr-2013: Mohammedan Sporting Club 2-1 Langsning FC
05-Apr-2013: Langsning FC 3-3 Bhowanipore Club
05-Apr-2013: Southern Samity 0-1 Mohammedan Sporting Club
06-Apr-2013: Rangdajied United FC 3-1 Mumbai Tigers FC
08-Apr-2013: Bhowanipore Club 3-2 Mumbai Tigers FC
08-Apr-2013: Mohammedan Sporting Club 1-0 Rangdajied United FC
09-Apr-2013: Langsning FC 2-0 Southern Samity
11-Apr-2013: Mumbai Tigers FC 1-1 Mohammedan Sporting Club
11-Apr-2013: Southern Samity 2-2 Bhowanipore Club
12-Apr-2013: Rangdajied United FC 2-4 Langsning FC

2nd Division I-League: Fixtures of Final Phase 2nd-Leg

The 2nd Division I-League's Final Round is being played as a double header in Bangalore with Langsning FC, Rangdajied United FC, Mohammedan Sporting Club, Bhowanipore Club, Southern Samity and Mumbai Tigers FC in action. The first-leg ended today with the second-leg to be played from April 15 to 28.


Final Round - 2nd-Leg Fixtures

15-Apr-2013: Rangdajied United FC - Bhawanipore Club
15-Apr-2013: Langsning FC - Mohammedan Sporting Club
16-Apr-2013: Southern Samity - Mumbai Tigers FC
18-Apr-2013: Mohammedan Sporting Club - Southern Samity
18-Apr-2013: Bhawanipore Club - Langsning FC
19-Apr-2013: Mumbai Tigers FC - Rangdajied United FC
21-Apr-2013: Bhawanipore Club - Southern Samity
21-Apr-2013: Mohammedan Sporting Club - Mumbai Tigers FC
22-Apr-2013: Langsning FC - Rangdajied United FC
24-Apr-2013: Mumbai Tigers FC - Langsning FC
24-Apr-2013: Rangdajied United FC - Southern Samity
25-Apr-2013: Bhawanipore Club - Mohammedan Sporting Club
27-Apr-2013: Rangdajied United FC - Mohammedan Sporting Club
27-Apr-2013: Mumbai Tigers FC - Bhawanipore Club
28-Apr-2013: Southern Samity - Langsning FC

2nd Division I-League: 2nd Leg of Final Round also to be played in Bangalore

The second-leg of the 2nd Division I-League originally planned to be played in Kerala will now be also played at the Bangalore Football Stadium due to the pullout of the Kerala Football Association from hosting the second-leg.

The AIFF and I-League had looked at alternatives like Delhi, Chennai and Kalyani; but due to logistical issues the second-leg like the first-leg would now be played in Bangalore.

The first-leg of the final round of the 2nd Division I-League is currently being played at the artificial turf of the Bangalore Football Stadium and the six clubs - Langsning FC, Rangdajied United FC, Mohammedan Sporting Club, Bhowanipore Club, Southern Samity, Mumbai Tigers FC - will stay in the Garden City to decide which two teams gain promotion to the top tier of the I-League.

The first-leg will end on April 12 with the AIFF hoping to start the second-leg on April 15 or 16 with the 2nd Division set to finish on April 28.

VIDEO: Md Sporting 1-0 Southern Samity, Langsning FC 3-3 Bhowanipore Club

Here the XtraTime report on yesterday's 2nd Division I-League matches played at the Bangalore Football Stadium, which had ended Mohammedan Sporting Club 1-0 Southern Samity, and Langsning FC 3-3 Bhowanipore Club.

2nd Division I-League's Final Round starts tomorrow in Bangalore

The 2nd Division I-League's Final Round will be played as a double header in Bangalore and Kerala and it will see Langsning FC, Rangdajied United FC, Mohammedan Sporting Club, Bhowanipore Club, Southern Samity and Mumbai Tigers FC in action. The first-leg will be played from tomorrow until April 12 in Bangalore.

The six teams in the final round of the 2nd Division I-League qualified from the 26 team, three group preliminary round which was held earlier this month.


Final Round Fixtures

30-Mar-2013: Langsning FC - Mumbai Tigers FC
30-Mar-2013: Southern Samity - Rangdajied United FC
31-Mar-2013: Mohammedan Sporting Club - Bhowanipore Club
02-Apr-2013: Bhowanipore Club - Rangdajied United FC
02-Apr-2013: Mumbai Tigers FC - Southern Samity
03-Apr-2013: Mohammedan Sporting Club - Langsning FC
05-Apr-2013: Langsning FC - Bhowanipore Club
05-Apr-2013: Southern Samity - Mohammedan Sporting Club
06-Apr-2013: Rangdajied United FC - Mumbai Tigers FC
08-Apr-2013: Bhowanipore Club - Mumbai Tigers FC
08-Apr-2013: Mohammedan Sporting Club - Rangdajied United FC
09-Apr-2013: Langsning FC - Southern Samity
11-Apr-2013: Mumbai Tigers FC - Mohammedan Sporting Club
11-Apr-2013: Southern Samity - Bhowanipore Club
12-Apr-2013: Rangdajied United FC - Langsning FC

2nd Division I-League: Six teams qualify from Preliminary Round

The preliminary round of the 2nd Division I-League ended earlier today with a couple of matches at the Bangalore Football Stadium with Kolkata side Southern Samity the sixth and final team making it to the final round of the 2nd Division.

The 2nd Division I-League's Final round will be played as a double header in Bangalore and Kerala and it will see Langsning FC, Rangdajied United FC, Mohammedan Sporting Club, Bhowanipore Club, Southern Samity and Mumbai Tigers FC in action.

From Group A played in Singrauli, Madhya Pradesh; Shillong sides Langsning FC (20 pts) and Rangdajied United FC (18 pts) qualified ahead of DSK Shivajians FC (17 pts) from Pune with Kenkre FC (Mumbai), KGF Academy (Bangalore), Delhi United Soccer Club, George Telegraph SC (Kolkata), Samaleshwari Sporting Club (Orissa) and Kohima Komets (Nagaland) finishing behind them.

Group B was played in Indore, Madhya Pradesh with Kolkata sides Mohammedan Sporting Club (20 pts) and Bhowanipore Club (19 pts) making the final round ahead of Shillong's Royal Wahingdoh FC (16 pts), Aryan Club (Kolkata), Aizwal FC (Mizoram), Josco FC (Kerala), PIFA (Mumbai), Green Valley SC (Guwahati) and Simla Youngs FC (Delhi).

Bangalore hosted Group C from which Kolkata's Southern Samity (17 pts) and Mumbai Tigers FC (16 pts) qualified ahead of Goa's Vasco SC (16 pts), Kalighat Milan Sangha (Kolkata), South United FC (Bangalore), Hindustan FC (Delhi), Eagles FC (Kerala) and Luangmual FC (Mizoram).

25th Airlines Gold Cup: Semifinals & Final postponed

The 25th edition of the Airlines Gold Cup kicked-off in Kolkata on August 2 with the final slated for August 11, but with the Saltlake Stadium not being available today and on Wednesday the organisers are forced to postpone the semifinals and final of the tournament. The new dates will be announced in the coming days.

The participating Kolkata clubs are using the tournament as preparations for the upcoming Calcutta Premier Division. The big attraction in this edition are giants Mohun Bagan AC, who last played in the tournament in 2005.

The tournament has also Mohammedan Sporting Club, George Telegraph SC, Kalighat Milan Sangha, Bhowanipore Club, Southern Samity, Techno Aryan Club and Janbazar SC in action. The pre-quarterfinals and quarterfinals were played at the Mohun Bagan ground while the semifinals and final are slated to be played at the Saltlake Stadium.


FIXTURES & RESULTS

Pre-Quarterfinals
02-Aug-2012: Janbazar SC 0-4 Bhowanipore Club (Mohun Bagan ground)
03-Aug-2012: Techno Aryan Club 3-0 Southern Samity (Mohun Bagan ground)

Quarterfinals
04-Aug-2012: Kalighat Milan Sangha 2-3 Bhowanipore Club (Mohun Bagan ground)
05-Aug-2012: George Telegraph SC 4-2 Techno Aryan Club [penalties] (Mohun Bagan ground)

Semifinals
??-Aug-2012: Mohammedan Sporting Club - Bhowanipore Club (Saltlake Stadium)
??-Aug-2012: Mohun Bagan AC - George Telegraph SC (Saltlake Stadium)

Final
??-Aug-2012: Winner SF 1 - Winner SF 2 (Saltlake Stadium)

25th Airlines Gold Cup, Kolkata - Fixtures

The 25th edition of the Airlines Gold Cup will be played in Kolkata from August 2 to 11, which the local clubs will use as preparations for the upcoming Calcutta Premier Division. The big attraction in this edition will be Mohun Bagan AC, who will be playing in the tournament for the first-time since 2005.

The tournament will also see Mohammedan Sporting Club, George Telegraph SC, Kalighat Milan Sangha, Bhowanipore Club, Southern Samity, Techno Aryan Club and Janbazar SC in action. The pre-quarterfinals and quarterfinals will be played at the Mohun Bagan ground while the semifinals and final will be held at the Saltlake Stadium.


FIXTURES

Pre-Quarterfinals
02-Aug-2012: Janbazar SC - Bhowanipore Club (Mohun Bagan ground)
03-Aug-2012: Techno Aryan Club - Southern Samity (Mohun Bagan ground)

Quarterfinals
04-Aug-2012: Kalighat Milan Sangha - Winner Match 1 (Mohun Bagan ground)
05-Aug-2012: George Telegraph SC - Winner Match 2 (Mohun Bagan ground)

Semifinals
06-Aug-2012: Mohammedan Sporting Club - Winner Match 3 (Saltlake Stadium)
08-Aug-2012: Mohun Bagan AC - Winner Match 4 (Saltlake Stadium)

Final
11-Aug-2012: Winner SF 1 - Winner SF 2 (Saltlake Stadium)

116th IFA Shield: Starts tomorrow, Brazilian side taking part

The 116th edition of the IFA Shield will be played from March 3 to 16 in Kolkata. Rose Valley will be the title sponsor with NewsTime Bangla set to show the tournament live which will be inaugurated by the West Bengal Sports Minister Madan Mitra tomorrow.

But the tournament will have to do without local giants Mohun Bagan AC (as reported IFA Shield 2012: Mohun Bagan might skip the tournament), who have opted out of the tournament; but the star attraction of this edition will be a reserve side from Brazilians Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas from Rio de Janeiro.

The champions would receive a record Rs 2 Million (20 lakh) with the runners-up receiving Rs 1,5 Million (15 lakhs), while the two semifinalists would both get Rs 500,000. The best player of the tournament would get Rs 25,000 and the Sailen Manna Trophy, while the best coach would get Rs. 50,000 and the Sir Rahim Trophy.

The IFA Shield preliminary round will see 12 teams divided into four groups of three teams each. Group A contains East Bengal Club, Shillong Lajong FC and Bhowanipore Club; Group B will see Botafogo BFR (BRAZIL), Chirag United Kerala and Southern Samity in action; Group C is made-up of Pune FC, Pailan Arrows and Ar-Hima FC; while Group D has Prayag United SC, Mumbai FC and Techno Aryan Club.


GROUPS & FIXTURES

Group A
East Bengal Club, Shillong Lajong FC, Bhowanipore Club

03-Mar-2012: East Bengal Club - Bhowanipore Club (Saltlake Stadium; 15.00 IST)
05-Mar-2012: Shillong Lajong FC - Bhowanipore Club (East Bengal Ground, Maidan; 15.00 IST)
09-Mar-2012: East Bengal Club - Shillong Lajong FC (Saltlake Stadium; 15.00 IST)

Group B
Botafogo BFR (BRAZIL), Chirag United Kerala, Southern Samity

04-Mar-2012: Chirag United Kerala - Southern Samity (Howrah Maidan; 15.00 IST)
09-Mar-2012: Botafogo BFR - Chirag United Kerala (Howrah Maidan; 15.00 IST)
11-Mar-2012: Botafogo BFR - Southern Samity (Saltlake Stadium; 15.00 IST)

Group C
Pune FC, Pailan Arrows, Ar-Hima FC

04-Mar-2012: Pune FC - Pailan Arrows (East Bengal Ground, Maidan; 15.00 IST)
06-Mar-2012: Pune FC - Ar-Hima FC (Howrah Maidan; 15.00 IST)
10-Mar-2012: Ar-Hima FC - Pailan Arrows (Howrah Maidan; 15.00 IST)

Group D
Prayag United SC, Mumbai FC, Techno Aryan Club

05-Mar-2012: Mumbai FC - Techno Aryan Club (Howrah Maidan; 15.00 IST)
07-Mar-2012: Prayag United SC - Mumbai FC (Saltlake Stadium; 15.00 IST)
10-Mar-2012: Prayag United SC - Techno Aryan Club (Saltlake Stadium; 15.00 IST)

Semifinals
12-Mar-2012: Winner Group A - Winner Group C (Saltlake Stadium, 14.30 IST)
13-Mar-2012: Winner Group B - Winner Group D (Saltlake Stadium, 14.30 IST)

Final
16-Mar-2012: Winner SF 1 - Winner SF 2 (Saltlake Stadium, 14.30 IST)

33rd Federation Cup - Qualifiers: Md Sporting & Royal Wahingdoh move on

Mohammedan Sporting Club and Royal Wahingdoh FC have qualified for the quarterfinal league stage of the 33rd Federation Cup. The two sides won their respective groups in the qualifiers held from September 8 to 13 in Kolkata.

The quarterfinal league of the 33rd Federation Cup (India's version of the FA Cup) will be played from September 17 to 29 simultaneously in Kolkata and Pune with the semifinals and final to be played at the Saltlake Stadium in Kolkata.

For Royal Wahingdoh FC qualifying for the main phase of the tournament is the biggest success for the Shillong club. Former India captain Charlton Chapman is coaching a young, talented side who had raised eyebrows in last seasons 2nd Division I-League by reaching the final round. But now in the Quarterfinal League Group A they face record champions Mohun Bagan AC, big spending Goans Churchill Brothers SC and local rivals Shillong Lajong FC. A real test how far the team has come in the last few months, then beating United Sikkim FC and Southern Samity in their group is a good step forward.

For Mohammedan Sporting Club making the quarterfinal stage isn't something new. The former Fed Cup champions won their group with identical 1-0 wins against Ar-Hima FC and Vasco SC. But if the fallen giants can resurrect their image in their Quarterfinal League Group C will have to be seen as teams like defending champions East Bengal Club, Dempo SC and Pune FC will be tough opposition.


The Qualifiers

Group A
08-Sep-11: Mohammedan Sporting Club 1-0 Ar-Hima FC
10-Sep-11: Ar-Hima FC 0-0 Vasco SC
12-Sep-11: Mohammedan Sporting Club 1-0 Vasco SC

Group B
09-Sep-11: Southern Samity 0-1 Royal Wahingdoh FC
09-Sep-11: United Sikkim FC 3-2 ONGC
11-Sep-11: Royal Wahingdoh FC 1-0 United Sikkim FC
11-Sep-11: ONGC 1-2 Southern Samity
13-Sep-11: Royal Wahingdoh FC 3-1 ONGC
13-Sep-11: United Sikkim FC 1-0 Southern Samity

33rd Federation Cup: Royal Wahingdoh win, top group

Royal Wahingdoh FC won their final Group B qualifier 3-1 against Mumbai's ONGC at the Howrah Maidan in Kolkata today to make the quarterfinal group stage of the 33rd Federation Cup on their debut. The Shillong side topped their group with three wins from as many matches, while United Sikkim FC finished second after a 1-0 win against Southern Samity, who finished third ahead of win- and pointless ONGC.

Royal Wahingdoh took an early 10th minute lead through a Bhawar Beekay goal and doubled their advantage when Jacki Chand Singh scored in the 35th minute. The 2-0 lead was a perfect cushion at the break, but Jacki Chand Singh added a third five minutes after the restart to ensure that Royal Wahingdoh would win the game and progress. ONGC could only reduce the deficit through a late Joel Sequeira goal.

"The boys played some wonderful football. We deserve to be in the main phase," coach Carlton Chapman said. "The boys are a talented lot and it would be a learning experience for us in the main phase of the Federation Cup," added the former India captain.

The win meant that Royal Wahingdoh top Group B to upset pre-qualifier favourites United Sikkim FC and Southern Samity. But now they will face much tougher opposition in the quarterfinal league Group A in Pune in record champions Mohun Bagan AC, Goan giants Churchill Brothers SC and local rivals Shillong Lajong FC.

In the day's other game United Sikkim FC won 1-0 against Southern Samity at the Mohun Bagan ground in a match which had become inconsequential due to the other games result. The USFC winner came late through Ayeni Bidemi Daniel, but with Royal Wahingdoh winning it only meant that United Sikkim FC finished second in the group.

33rd Federation Cup: Royal Wahingdoh take big step towards qualification

Royal Wahingdoh FC took a giant step towards qualification to the quarterfinal league of the 33rd Federation Cup with a lone goal victory against another débutante United Sikkim FC in the ongoing Group B qualifiers. The Shillong side got the better of their Northeastern rivals at the Mohun Bagan ground on the Kolkata Maidans, while in another group match Southern Samity beat Mumbai's ONGC 2-1 to stay in contention to move on.

African striker Nurain Kareem Omolaja scored the only goal of the match in the 10th minute of the game for Royal Wahingdoh SC with United Sikkim FC on the hunt for the equaliser throughout the game thereafter, but their players be it Sushil Kumar Singh, Thoi Singh, Babatunde and Ayeni Bidemi Daniel wasted numerous scoring chances.

In the days other match local side Southern Samity overcame I-League relegated ONGC 2-1 at the Howrah Maidan. The goals for Southern Samity were scored by midfielder Jamir Ali Mondal and Brazilian striker Edmilson Marques Pardal, while ONGC reduced the deficit in the last minute of the game through Kenistan C.

With their second win in the qualifiers Royal Wahingdoh are now on top with six points followed by United Sikkim and Southern Samity, who both have three points while ONGC remain without a point. In the final Group B matches Royal Wahingdoh SC only need a point against eliminated ONGC to move on, while United Sikkim FC and Southern Samity face each other with only the winner of this tie having a theoretical chance to get to the tournaments next stage.

33rd Federation Cup: Qualifiers start tomorrow

The 33rd Federation Cup, India's version of the FA Cup, starts with the qualifiers which will begin tomorrow in Kolkata with seven teams taking part. Up for grabs are two spots in the quarterfinal league along with the 14 I-League teams, which will be played from September 17 to 29 in Kolkata and Pune.

The opening game will see local side Mohammedan Sporting Club taking on Ar-Hima FC from Shillong. All seven participating teams come into the tournament with different levels of preparations, then while some have been training for weeks others go into the Fed Cup qualifiers rather unprepared, so pedigree and old results might count little.

Group A comprises of local Kolkata giants Mohammedan Sporting, Ar-Hima FC from Shillong and Goan side Vasco SC. It could be an even affair with both Mohammedan Sporting and Vasco losing some of their key players in the transfer market, while Ar-Hima FC made some clever buys over the summer as they will want to push for I-League promotion at the end of the season. My favourites due to the group being played in Kolkata are Mohammedan Sporting, who should be able to use the home advantage.

Meanwhile Group B will see local side Southern Samity take on Royal Wahingdoh FC from Shillong, United Sikkim FC and Mumbai-based ONGC. This also looks an even group, but if one goes through the list of summer signings then aspiring debutants United Sikkim FC look like the strongest on paper compared to their rivals. Southern Samity surely have the home advantage knowing the conditions in Kolkata well, but ONGC and Royal Wahingdoh FC will also try to make their mark in the tournament.


The Qualifiers

Group A
08-Sep-11: Mohammedan Sporting Club - Ar-Hima FC
10-Sep-11: Ar-Hima FC - Vasco SC
12-Sep-11: Mohammedan Sporting Club - Vasco SC

Group B
09-Sep-11: Southern Samity - Royal Wahingdoh FC
09-Sep-11: United Sikkim FC - ONGC
11-Sep-11: Royal Wahingdoh FC - United Sikkim FC
11-Sep-11: ONGC - Southern Samity
13-Sep-11: Royal Wahingdoh FC - ONGC
13-Sep-11: United Sikkim FC - Southern Samity

33th Federation Cup: Qualifiers in Kolkata

The 33rd Federation Cup, India's version of the FA Cup, will begin on September 8 with seven teams taking part in the qualifiers for the Federation Cup proper. The final Round of 16 teams is likely to begin on September 17.

The seven teams are the I-League relegated ONGC plus six teams from the 2nd Division I-League's final round. The seven teams have been divided into two groups of three and four teams each and only the winners will move on into the next round. Both the qualification groups will be played in Kolkata.

Group A comprises of local giants Mohammedan Sporting, Ar-Hima FC from Shillong and Goan side Vasco SC, while Group B will see local side Southern Samity take on Royal Wahingdoh FC from Shillong, United Sikkim FC and Mumbai-based ONGC.


The Qualifiers

Group A
08-Sep-11: Mohammedan Sporting Club - Ar-Hima FC
10-Sep-11: Ar-Hima FC - Vasco SC
12-Sep-11: Mohammedan Sporting Club - Vasco SC

Group B
09-Sep-11: Southern Samity - Royal Wahingdoh FC
09-Sep-11: United Sikkim FC - ONGC
11-Sep-11: Royal Wahingdoh FC - United Sikkim FC
11-Sep-11: ONGC - Southern Samity
13-Sep-11: Royal Wahingdoh FC - ONGC
13-Sep-11: United Sikkim FC - Southern Samity

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.

I-League 2 - Round 4: Lajong now top

The fourth Round of matches of the 2nd Division I-League 2010/11 were played on May 4/5 in Shillong. Lajong are now top of the league with 10 points after beating league leaders Vasco SC, who are second with nine points.


Round 4 Match by Match Short Review
04-May-2011: Mohammedan Sporting Club 0-1 (0-1) United Sikkim FC
United Sikkim FC scored their first win in the final phase of the 2nd Division I-League, a crucial 1-0 win against Mohammedan Sporting Club which keeps them in the promotion race. While USFC move to six points from four matches, Mohammedan Sporting stay on three points from the same number of games with their chances of promotion diminishing,
USFC captain John D. Meyongar from Liberia scored the only goal of the match in the 39th minute, while Mohammedan Sporting lost Mumtaz Akhtar in the second session due to a red card.

04-May-2011: Ar-Hima FC 0-2 (0-2) Sporting Clube de Goa
Sporting Clube de Goa are back in the promotion race after their first win, a 2-0 against local side Ar-Hima FC. Sporting Clube de Goa moved to four points from four matches, while Ar-Hima FC stay on six points also from four games.
The Goans got onto the score-sheet early with Lairenjam Bisheshwor Singh giving them a 12th minute lead while Jovel Martins doubled the lead in the 22nd minute. The local side did try to get back into the match, but Ar-Hima FC could not score on this day.

05-May-2011: Shillong Lajong FC 2-1 (1-0) Vasco SC
In a top of the table clash Shillong Lajong FC beat Vasco 2-1 to go top in the final round of the 2nd Division I-League. Lajong now have 10 points from four matches, while Vasco stay on nine from the same number of games.
The local side where the better of the two sides, but they had to wait until injury time of the first session when striker Saikhohao Tuboi gave them the lead off a Mashangva Genius Zenith cross. Vasco came back strongly in the second session and got the equaliser through Joy Ferrao in the 61st minute, but soon thereafter the Goans were reduced to 10 men when goalkeeper Milagrio Medeira received his marching orders for handling the ball outside the 18 yard box. This gave Lajong the final chance for a push to win and they got the winner in the 86th minute of Aibor Khonjee from another Mashangva Genius Zenith cross.

05-May-2011: Southern Samity - Royal Wahingdoh FC
Match abandoned due to heavy rains in Shillong, to be now played on May 12.