Mumbai City FC is committed to nurturing and developing football talent across the city, ensuring the next generation of football stars receives the right platform to grow and showcase their skills. Building on its mission to invest in grassroots football, Mumbai City FC is proud to announce the commencement of Season 2 of the AIFF Blue Cubs League 2024-2025 powered by Reliance Foundation, which will take place from January 15, 2025, to March 9, 2025. The league will feature teams from various academies competing in three age groups: U9, U10, and U11. These young players will compete for the championship title, showcasing their skills and potential for a future in the sport. The U10 and U11 age groups will include teams from E7 Football Academy, Tipu Sultan FA, Bravo Football, Bravehearts FA, Mumbai City FC, Somaiya Sports Academy, BFC Soccer Schools, and Anstrengung United (7 teams in total). The U9 category will have an additional team, Homegrown Grasshoppers, bringing the total number of teams to 8 in this age group. The Mumbai City FC Blue Cubs League 2024-2025 will be hosted at the Wings Sports Centre, Bandra West, Mumbai. The league, held in affiliation with the Mumbai Football Association (MFA), Western India Football Association (WIFA)and All India Football Federation (AIFF), will run from January 15, 2025, to March 9, 2025. Kandarp Chandra – CEO, Mumbai City, commented: “Grassroots football development remains a priority for us at Mumbai City FC, and the Blue Cubs League is a key part of our efforts. We’re excited to see young players compete, grow, and showcase their talents this year. Their enthusiasm and commitment inspire us, and we’re proud to support the next generation of footballers. This league will be key in shaping their future in the sport. We thank MFA, WIFA, AIFF for their continued support in making this initiative a success." This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
16 January,2025 02:00 PM IST | Mumbai | AgenciesManvir Singh and Remsanga scored a goal each in injury time as Mohammedan SC came from behind to hold Chennaiyin FC to a 2-2 draw in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season at the Kishore Bharati Stadium on Wednesday night. Laldinpuia Pachua opened the scoring for Chennaiyin FC in the 10th minute before Lukas Brambilla doubled the lead in the 49th minute. Manvir Singh brought Mohammedan SC back into the game in added time (90+5’) before Remsanga found the equaliser (90+12’) late in the game. However, Connor Shields with two sensational assists, now leads the assists charts this season (8). It was a slow start, with both teams looking to settle their nerves before making those extravagant passes. Mohammedan SC looked a very upbeat unit, with Mirjalol Kasimov playing a more attacking role in the absence of Alexis Gomez. The Uzbek midfielder ventured forward and combined well with Carlos Franca. He also tried his luck from long range but failed to test Mohammed Nawaz in goal. Despite the good start, the home team found themselves trailing in the 10th minute when Connor Shields’s delivery from a flag kick found Laldinpuia in the penalty area, completely unmarked. The defender calmly headed it past Padam Chhetri in goal to hand the Marina Machans an early lead against the run of play. The goal gave that extra bit of confidence to Chennaiyin FC as they moved the ball better than before. In the 20th minute, Mohammedan SC almost found the equaliser when Franca powered through Elsinho with a marauding run, driving into the penalty area. However, the Brazilian’s subsequent effort was slightly off target. Andrey Chernyshov’s men got another opportunity in the 28th minute when Nawaz recklessly brought down Remsanga in the penalty area. It was a golden chance for the hosts to claw their way back into the game but Nawaz redeemed himself by denying Kasimov from the spot. It was also their third missed spot-kick of the ongoing season. The first half ended with a sensational opportunity for Chennaiyin FC to double the lead when Lukas Brambilla unleashed Wilmar Jordan Gil through on goal. With only the goalkeeper to beat, the Colombian hammered it on target but Padam was positioned correctly to deny him the goal. Chernyshov bolstered his forward line by bringing on Adison Singh to facilitate Franca at the start of halftime. Meanwhile, Laldinliana Renthlei came on for Ankit Mukherjee for the visitors. Chennaiyin FC started the second half with a lot more intensity and they latched onto Kasimov’s indecisiveness to open up the Mohammedan SC backline. Shields recycled the possession before releasing Brambilla, who drove into the box before slotting it past Padam to double the lead in the 49th minute. It was a feisty second half with plenty of tackles flying in from both teams. Mohammedan SC moved the ball slowly, failing to challenge Chennaiyin FC’s backline. On the other hand, the early goal in the second period allowed the visitors to take their foot off the pedal. The hosts had an opportunity to get back in the game when Kasimov’s long pass was headed into the penalty box by Florent Ogier. The ball reached Joe Zoherliana but the defender’s subsequent effort trembled the crossbar on its way out. The Black and Whites continued squandering chances when Franca glided past defenders on the left flank before drilling a cross into the penalty area. Vanlalzuidika Chhakchhuak arrived in time but his shot was a whisker away from goal. Intending to close out the game, Owen Coyle brought on Daniel Chima Chukwu and Vignesh Dakshinamurthy replacing Brambilla and Bikash Yumnam. The final ten minutes of the regulation time saw Mohammedan SC throw bodies forward with the intention of breaking down the Chennaiyin FC backline. They were eventually rewarded when two substitutes Makan Winkle Chothe and Manveer Saini combined with the latter hammering home the goal in added time following a fine touch in the penalty area. The hosts had an inspiring finish with a flurry of attacks and they eventually breached the Chennaiyin FC backline when Laldinpuia clipped Manvir in the penalty box awarding a penalty to Mohammedan SC. Laldinpuia received marching orders for his reckless challenge, reducing the visitors to 10 men. But things took a dramatic turn for Chennaiyin FC when Remsanga stepped up and converted from the spot (90+12) to hand the hosts a memorable draw at home. Mohammedan SC will next travel to Mumbai to lock horns with Mumbai City FC on January 26 whereas Chennaiyin FC will return home to host Mohun Bagan Super Giant on January 21. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
16 January,2025 12:44 PM IST | Kolkata | IANSArsenal reignited their Premier League title challenge with a stirring fightback to beat Tottenham 2-1 in the north London derby on Wednesday. Mikel Arteta's side were rocked by Son Heung-min's early opener at the Emirates Stadium. But they seized the bragging rights against their bitter rivals thanks to Dominic Solanke's own goal and Leandro Trossard's strike just before half-time. Arsenal's first win in four games in all competitions lifted them within four points of leaders Liverpool, who were held to a 1-1 draw by Nottingham Forest on Tuesday. Liverpool's game in hand on Arsenal still makes them title favourites, but the Gunners are at least applying some pressure on Arne Slot's men. Beaten 2-0 by Newcastle in the League Cup semi-final first leg last week and eliminated from the FA Cup third round by 10-man Manchester United on penalties on Sunday, Arsenal were desperate for a response and Tottenham once again proved their ideal opponents. Questions have been asked of Arteta's ability to add more silverware to the 2020 FA Cup, which remains the only trophy of a reign that started in 2019. With Bukayo Saka already sidelined due to hamstring surgery, Gabriel Jesus's potentially season-ending knee injury had added to Arteta's woes. But Arsenal have now won seven and drawn one of their last eight league games against Tottenham. It was another painful blow for under-fire Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou, whose team are just eight points above the relegation zone. Postecoglou must find a solution to the inconsistency that saw them beat Liverpool 1-0 in the League Cup semi-final first leg before needing extra-time to see off fifth tier Tamworth in the FA Cup third round. Tottenham are without a win in their last five league games, losing four of those to drop to 13th place. Raheem Sterling wasted a golden opportunity to put Arsenal ahead in the opening moments when his heavy touch allowed Djed Spence to clear after the winger raced through on goal. Looking wracked with nerves, Tottenham keeper Antonin Kinsky was fortunate not to gift a goal to Arsenal on his Premier League debut after taking too long to clear, with Kai Havertz unable to apply the finishing touch. Son strikes Tottenham hit back with a burst of pressure that produced the opener in the 25th minute. When Arsenal could only clear a corner to the edge of the area, Son smashed a shot that glanced off William Saliba as it flashed past David Raya. The South Korean's goal lifted him to fourth place in the all-time north London derby scoring charts with eight, behind Harry Kane's 14 and 10 each for Emmanuel Adebayor and Bobby Smith. But Arteta's men recovered their composure to wrestle back control in controversial fashion before half-time. They won a 40th minute corner that replays showed should have been a goal-kick because it ricocheted off Trossard and took full advantage. Declan Rice's delivery was misjudged by Kinsky and Gabriel's header back into the six-yard box went in via a hefty deflection off the unlucky Solanke. It was the fourth time set-piece specialists Arsenal had scored from a corner against Tottenham since the start of last season. Postecoglou was furious with the decision to allow the corner, but there was worse to come for the Australian as Trossard put Arsenal ahead in the 44th minute. Thomas Partey started the move by robbing Yves Bissouma in midfield and picking out Martin Odegaard. The Arsenal captain's pass sent Trossard galloping into the penalty area for a fierce low drive that whistled over Kinsky's weak attempted save into the far corner. Arsenal remained on top after the interval, but the profligate Havertz headed wide from Odegaard's cross and nodded straight at Kinsky from Partey's delivery. Kinsky saved from Rice and Odegaard in the closing stages as Arsenal threatened to win at a canter, before Pedro Porro hit the post for Tottenham in a dramatic finale. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
16 January,2025 12:43 PM IST | London | AFPLamine Yamal put on a spectacular show as Barcelona sailed into the Copa del Rey quarter-finals with a dazzling 5-1 victory over Real Betis on Wednesday. Atletico Madrid joined them in the last eight with a 4-0 win at second division Elche, their 15th consecutive triumph across all competitions. Barca's 17-year-old starlet Yamal scored and helped create two more goals as Hansi Flick's side ran riot at the Olympic Stadium. Gavi sent Barcelona ahead early on, with Jules Kounde, Raphinha, Ferran Torres and Yamal helping the Catalans rack up an impressive win. After winning the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia last weekend by thrashing Real Madrid, Barca came into the cup clash with restored confidence, having stuttered in the final weeks of 2024. "We have to continue like this," said Barca defender Pau Cubarsi, also 17, who came through the club's youth academy with Yamal. "I've been enjoying watching him for many years, now the whole world is, and he deserves it all." Barca dominated from the off against Betis, despite the coach resting a couple of key players including striker Robert Lewandowski. Dani Olmo, whom Barcelona controversially obtained a temporary playing license for last week, started at false nine in place of the Polish veteran. The Spaniard helped create the opening goal at the sharp end of a neat team move, with Gavi tucking home in the second minute. Olmo fired over and hit the post during a particularly busy opening period for the former RB Leipzig playmaker. Kounde smashed in Barcelona's second after the sublime Yamal dinked a ball through to him on the right of the box. It was an area the Catalans exploited time after time, with Kounde's second goal from a similar position disallowed for a marginal offside. At the other end goalkeeper Inaki Pena made a fine save to deny Vitor Roque, on loan at Betis from Barcelona.- Gavi 'big talent' - Early in the second half Yamal, who taunted Betis' defence throughout, finished clinically after Frenkie De Jong lobbed the ball through to him on the right of the box, but it was disallowed for an offside in the build-up. Minutes later Barcelona scored their third anyway, with Yamal's surging run from deep in his own half ending up with his deflected effort falling to Raphinha, who struck. Barcelona netted their fourth when, again exploiting the same part of Betis' area, Olmo chipped a pass to substitute Ferran Torres to finish emphatically. Yamal finally got on the scoresheet himself after breaking in from the right wing and finishing at the near post. Roque pulled one back from the penalty spot in the final stages for Betis after Kounde stood on Jesus Rodriguez's foot in the penalty area. Gavi said after the game Yamal was the best player in the world after former Barca forward Lionel Messi, and Flick also praised the winger. "Gavi's very emotional, so I say also yes (he's the best)," joked Flick. "You can see it, in great matches you see big talent and he showed it many many times, he's on a good (path)." Yamal, who shone for Spain as they won Euro 2024 last summer, has nine goals and 13 assists across all competitions for Barcelona this season. Atletico coach Diego Simeone rested some of his regular starters, including Antoine Griezmann, as his team ran out comfortable winners at Elche to continue their winning streak. Alexander Sorloth struck twice for the Rojiblancos in the first half, and the visitors were further bolstered when Elche's Nico Fernandez was sent off early in the second half. Rodrigo Riquelme extended Atletico's lead with a fine strike from distance and Julian Alvarez rounded off the rout. On Thursday Spanish champions Real Madrid host Celta Vigo and cup holders Athletic Bilbao welcome Osasuna. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
16 January,2025 12:43 PM IST | Barcelona | AFPLiverpool’s charge towards the Premier League title was halted by a stubborn Nottingham Forest in a 1-1 draw on Tuesday while Manchester City’s resurgence came undone in a 2-2 draw at Brentford. Chris Wood fired Forest in front early on at a raucous City Ground, but Liverpool dominated almost the entire 97 minutes and got back on level terms thanks to substitute Diogo Jota’s goal with his first touch. Only a brilliant goalkeeping performance from Matz Sels denied the leaders victory, but the point maintained a six-point cushion over Forest for Arne Slot’s men, who also have a game in hand. Liverpool boss Arne Slot was very pleased with his team’s effort, despite not coming away with all three points. Slot happy despite 2-2 result “I could not have asked for more. Second half was outstanding. There are not many teams that can create so many chances against an opponent so defensively strong. Unfortunately we couldn’t get a second,” said Slot. Liverpool’s second consecutive league draw opens the door for Arsenal to cut the gap at the top to four points when they host Tottenham in the north London derby on Wednesday night. Meanwhile, any suggestion that Manchester City could get themselves back in the title race was ended after a late collapse in West London as Brentford struck twice in the final 10 minutes. Earlier, Phil Foden’s double had City on course for a fourth consecutive win after a run of just one victory in 13 games. Defence lets City down However, the English champions’ defending left much to be desired all night and they were duly punished as Yoane Wissa and Christian Norgaard netted for the Bees, despite Brentford wasting a host of good chances. Guardiola was left to lament the lack of physicality and height from his group of midfielders in the absence of Rodri, as both the goals they conceded stemmed from crosses into the box. Guardiola unimpressed “We are not [at our best] and we didn’t take the right decisions. At 2-0, we have to close it, but we don’t have those specific players to defend in the box, so we have to do it by controlling the ball,” said Guardiola. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
16 January,2025 06:59 AM IST | London | AgenciesRed Bull head of global football Jurgen Klopp slammed the Club World Cup on Tuesday, saying it is asking too much of overworked players. Despite Red Bull-backed Salzburg’s inclusion in FIFA’s expanded 32-team tournament in the United States next summer, Klopp said he doesn’t like the competition. “I think it’s useless. It doesn’t help if you have no summer break,” Klopp said, referring to players who played in the World Cup, European Championship, Copa America or other international competitions. “Who wins the tournament is the poorest winner of all time because he has to play the whole summer through and then the league starts again. We have now a lot of injuries in European football,” Klopp added. “We have to reduce the amount of games. That means in some leagues it would be better (if) you have 18 instead of 20. “That means in other competitions, you don’t add games.” Klopp, who was being presented in his new role by Red Bull, suggested fans should have the opportunity to watch other sports, too. “In Germany, you could watch handball. In Austria, you could watch skiing or whatever. You have other wonderful sports that you could watch in that time,” Klopp said. “You don’t have to fill each gap with football.” In November, soccer’s global players’ union warned that it could not rule out a players’ strike because of the number of games they have to play. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
16 January,2025 06:58 AM IST | Salzburg | AP | PTIManchester City have announced the passing of former captain and manager Tony Book aged 90. A true club legend, Tony made 315 appearances for City in total between 1966 and 1974, scoring five goals. Tony passed away peacefully on Monday and leaves behind his wife Sylvia, children Anthony and Tracey along with grandson Jake, and great-grandsons Ashley and Brody. “Everyone at Manchester City would like to send their heartfelt condolences to Tony’s family and friends at this very sad time. As a mark of respect, flags around the Etihad Stadium and City Football Academy are flying at half-mast. More tributes from the Club will follow in the coming days,” read the statement by the club. Also Read: Gujarat Titans kicks off second season of 'Junior Titans’ Appointed captain in 1967, Tony went on to lead City to a First Division title, an FA Cup, a League Cup, a European Cup Winners’ Cup and a Charity Shield title across what was a golden era of success. That alone would have cemented his standing as one of the Club’s all-time greats. However, Tony then further emphasised his unique place in City folklore by embarking on what was to prove a hugely successful spell as manager between 1974 and 1979. The highlight of his time in charge came in 1976 when Tony led City to League Cup glory at Wembley, with Skip also guiding City to runners-up position in Division One in the 1976/77 campaign. His enormous impact at the Club was further illustrated in the following decade when, by then serving as youth coach, he helped inspire City to a first-ever FA Youth Cup triumph in 1986. He was subsequently named an Honorary President as well as held down a role as Life President of the Official Supporters Club and remained a hugely popular member of the matchday legends at Etihad home games. “For nearly sixty years Tony helped to shape Manchester City. Not just in what he contributed as a player, captain, and manager, but in the way he conducted himself. His hopes and ambitions for his club were matched only by his incredible humility regarding his own significant achievements. “He will forever be remembered by our supporters as a man who helped to lay the foundations upon which unprecedented success could be built. A player and leader whose outstanding abilities not only helped return us to the peak of English football but also delivered our first ever European honour” read the statement by City Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
15 January,2025 06:11 PM IST | Manchester | IANSJithin M.S. scored the crucial goal as NorthEast United FC came from behind to hold FC Goa to a 1-1 draw in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium here on Tuesday. Mohammad Yasir had his fair share of luck when he handed the lead to the Gaurs but Jithin’ 76th minute strike saw the Highlanders split points. This was the 11th draw between these two teams, the most number of stalemates between two teams in ISL’s history. The Highlanders started the game on the front foot as the likes of Guillermo Fernandez and Alaaeddine Ajaraie were making some marauding runs whilst keeping the FC Goa defenders on their toes. However, the first real opportunity came to the Gaurs when Dejan Drazic found Armando Sadiku with a telling cross in the penalty area. But unfortunately, the Albanian’s header was not strong enough to trouble Gurmeet Singh in goal. Minutes later, Ajaraie almost opened the scoring when Buanthanglun Samte found him with a great long pass. The Moroccan was through on goal but his subsequent effort was tipped over the bar by Hritik Tiwari. Samte was enjoying a lot of space on the right flank and he unleashed some great crosses for Guillermo and Jithin MS. However, the NorthEast United FC forwards weren’t clinical enough to take their chances. Also Read: "How long will people talk about it?": Ravichandran Ashwin on playing farewell match for India Despite absorbing the pressure from the hosts for the majority of the first half, FC Goa finished the half on a strong note. Although they didn’t break the deadlock, they created a few chances and controlled the tempo of the game in midfield, putting the pressure back on the Highlanders. The spell almost resulted in a goal when Brison Fernandes displayed excellent skill to lose his marker in the penalty area before his effort rifled into the crossbar on its way out. NorthEast United FC started the second half with a lot of zeal just like they did in the first half. However, they lacked the cutting edge in the final third to break open FC Goa’s resolute backline. In the 59th minute, assistant coach Naushad Moosa decided to change the dynamics of the game as he brought on Nestor Albiach and Ninthoinganba Meetei in place of Guillermo and Muthu Mayakkannan. Nestor almost made an instant impact when he combined with Ajaraei for a give-and-go and Hrithik lost the ball in the crowd, creating an opening for the Spaniard. But Odei Onaindia cleared the dangerous ball away from the goal. FC Goa, completely against the run of play, broke the deadlock in the 65th minute when Jay Gupta unleashed a long ball into the penalty area which was brought down by Mohammed Yasir and played towards Brison. The youngster played it back to Yasir, who hammered it into the bottom right corner, handing an important lead to the Gaurs. The Highlanders bombarded the FC Goa penalty area with many long balls in search of securing the equaliser. However, their route one approach tonight worked in favour of the Gaurs as both Odei and Sandesh Jhingan looked pretty comfortable in clearing away the aerial balls or winning aerial duels against their NorthEast United FC counterparts. After getting frustrated with a sustained spell of long balls, the Highlanders decided to hit FC Goa on the counter. Ajaraie held the ball brilliantly before sending it to Jithin with a sensational through ball. The winger eventually slotted the ball past Hrithik in goal to bring the hosts back in the game in the 76th minute. Right after conceding the goal, Manolo Marquez unleashed Iker Guarrotxena and Ayush Chhetri replacing Sadiku and Brison to add more fresh legs in attack and midfield respectively. Both teams tried their luck in the final quarter but at the final whistle, there was nothing to separate them. NorthEast United FC will travel to Kerala to face the Kerala Blasters on January 18 whereas FC Goa will host East Bengal FC on January 19. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
15 January,2025 01:05 PM IST | Guwahati | IANSArsenal manager Mikel Arteta has flagged the “terrible consequences” of online abuse after Kai Havertz’s family was targeted on social media after Sunday’s FA Cup loss to Manchester United. Havertz missed chances during the game and failed to convert his penalty in the shootout as the Gunners crashed out. The Germany international and his family came in for stinging criticism. One online user wrote to Havertz’s wife Sofia: “I’m going to come to your house and slaughter your baby. I’m not joking just wait.” Another wrote: “I hope you have a miscarriage.” Sofia shared screenshots of the threats and wrote to her 500,000-plus followers on Instagram: “For anyone to think it’s OK to write something like this is so shocking to me. I hope you are so ashamed of yourself.” Arsenal have reported the abuse to the police and are working with a specialist data firm to try to identify the culprits. Also Read: Near-flawless Paolini eases into next round Arteta addressed the issue on Tuesday, on the eve of the north London derby against Tottenham. “It’s incredible, honestly. And we really have to do something about it, because accepting it and hiding it, has terrible consequences. It’s something we have to eradicate from the game, because it’s so cynical as well,” he told reporters. Arteta pointed out how the whole stadium was singing for Havertz after he scored in a 1-0 win against Ipswich less than three weeks ago. “So, where’s the perspective? We are all responsible for this narrative and cannot look elsewhere. It’s a serious matter. It affects him, it affects me, it affects everybody in the industry. We may accept it and say that it’s part of our job, yes, but there are certain limits, and the line has to be drawn,” he added. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
15 January,2025 08:23 AM IST | London | AgenciesNoah Sadaoui's late winner in the fifth minute of injury time helped Kerala Blasters FC defeat Odisha FC 3-2 in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Monday night. The Juggernauts are now winless in their last four games, and the Kochi-based team is now unbeaten (W5 D2) in all seven games that Noah has found the back of the net in ISL 2024-25, as the home team netted thrice in the final half-hour of the game on Monday night. The Juggernauts made a positive start in the fourth minute, opting for a relatively direct route to surprise the Kerala Blasters FC defence. Once inside the box, Dori aerially overpowered Pritam Kotal to make a headed pass for Jerry Mawihmingthanga, who was in the middle of the 18-yard area. Jerry covered a few crucial yards with a quick pace, made an impressive adjustment, and deposited the ball into the bottom right corner with a slightly high-footed shot to open the scoring. Odisha FC were equally effective at the back, making a coordinated effort to block Kwame Peprah’s shot from close range in the 36th minute. Noah Sadaoui shimmered into the box from the left flank before squaring up the delivery for Kwame, who tried to control, turn, and shoot, but was overpowered by the visitors’ backline. Also Read: James Anderson to play T20 cricket for Lancashire, signs one-year deal Peprah managed to pull an equaliser in his team’s favour in the 60th minute though. Korou Singh produced a creative through ball from the right flank that swung inside the Odisha FC defence. The pass was delivered at the perfect pace, but it was Peprah who outpaced Mourtada Fall and Rohit Kumar to get to the end of the pass and hammer it into the bottom left corner. Kerala Blasters FC stepped up the ante of their attacking moves thereafter. The entire frontline came to the fore to dissect the Odisha FC defence in the 73rd minute. Adrian Luna shifted to the right flank and curled in a cross for Noah Sadaoui on the far left post. Sadaoui produced his smarts, making a headed pass to Jesus Jimenez at the centre rather than going for the goal. Jimenez met the assist perfectly, booting the ball to the high centre of the net and getting the home side the lead. Odisha FC embraced a relentless look for a brief period following Jimenez’s strike. Diego Mauricio took a free-kick from the edge of the box down the centre, which was aimed perfectly at the top right corner, but saved in time by Sachin Suresh. The ball was cleared but met Saviour Gama outside the 18-yard box. Gama unleashed a powerful effort that had to be saved by the Kerala Blasters FC goalkeeper at the high centre of the goal. Dori immediately pounced upon the rebound, depositing the ball into the net from an extremely close distance to level the scores in the 80th minute. However, their momentum was disrupted by Carlos Delgado getting sent off in the 83rd minute for picking his second yellow card. Kerala Blasters FC capitalised on this one-man advantage, by outnumbering the Odisha FC defence in the final third. They kept chasing the winner deep inside the added time of the second half, with Noah delivering the finishing touch to enable them to get the three points from the night. Receiving a pass from Vibin Mohanan on the left side of the box, Noah perhaps understood the paucity of time in his hand and hurled a robust shot that had enough power to land onto the bottom right corner of the net despite being struck from an acute angle and taking a deflection. Regardless, it ensured a victory for the home side, taking them to the eighth place in the standings, with 20 points from their 16 matches so far. Kerala Blasters FC will play NorthEast United FC on January 18, whereas Odisha FC are set to lock horns with Bengaluru FC on January 22. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
14 January,2025 11:41 AM IST | Kochi | IANSDenmark football player Simon Kjaer disclosed his decision to hang up his boots in an interview on Monday, after 132 caps with the national side. Having come through FC Midtjylland, Kjaer has played for Palermo, Roma, and Sevilla, before joining AC Milan in 2020 and helping the Rossoneri win the Scudetto in 2022. At the national side, Kjaer made his debut for the senior team in 2009 and went on to play six international competitions including three editions of World Cup and three European Championships, reports Xinhua. The 35-year-old defender has been without a club since his contract with AC Milan expired last summer. The full interview will be released later this week, but the snippet revealed that the veteran had been thinking about the decision for a long time. Also Read: India captain Rohit Sharma wants to train with Mumbai Ranji team Despite not boasting a quite glorious career, Kjaer earned rave reviews in a European Championship fixture between Denmark and Finland in 2021. When Christian Eriksen collapsed on the ground, team captain Kjaer was the first one to check his condition before organizing his teammates to cover Eriksen for treatment. He was on the pitch when Eriksen collapsed suddenly after suffering cardiac arrest during their Euro 2020 opener against Finland. Kjaer was awarded the UEFA President's Award along with the medical team that took care of Eriksen on that fateful day. Born on March 26, 1989, in Horsens, Denmark, Simon Thorup Kjaer was named the 2007 Danish under-19 Talent of the Year and 2009 Danish Talent of the Year. He played 132 matches for Denmark, including participation in the FIFA World Cup in 2010, 2018, and 2022, and the UEFA European Championship in 2012, 2020 and 2024. Kjaer started playing football when he was four-year-old and soon joined a small-time club Lund IF near Horsens. He then moved to the youth team of Danish Superliga club FC Midtjylland (FCM) in 2004, where his father, Jorn Kjaer, was the club's equipment manager. From there his football journey took him to Palermo, Roma and Sevilla before ending at AC Milan. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
14 January,2025 11:21 AM IST | Copenhagen (Denmark) | IANSADVERTISEMENT
