Chirag United Kerala 2-1 Prayag United: Nizam Packeer Ali's Side Register Their First Home Win Of The Season

A brace from Nigerian striker David Sunday earns the Kerala based outfit three vital points....

Chirag United Kerala registered just their second win of this I-League season when they overcame Prayag United 2-1 in a round 10 encounter at the University Stadium in Trivandrum.

David Sunday scored once in each half including the winner in the 69^th minute after Yusif Yakubu had scored the equalizer for the Kolkatan outfit in the 49^th minute.

Nizam Packeer Ali made the bold decision of leaving his star winger Shahbaz Saleel on the bench and handed Usman Ashik his full league debut, while Prayag United replaced their unavailable captain Lal Kamal Bhowmick with Jayanta Sen in their starting lineup.

Right from the kick-off the home side went on the attack and created several opportunities with the debutant Usman being particularly impressive, as he created a couple of chances for his teammates and himself was handed three presentable chances to open the scoring. He however failed to put the ball past the rival goalkeeper Abhijit Mondal twice and hit the woodwork with his third.

David Sunday was then guilty of missing a gilt-edged chance when with just the keeper to beat, the striker could not even hit the target.

However just as it looked that Chirag United would go into the half with nothing to show for their superiority, the Nigerian striker redeemed himself as he collected a sloppy backpass from Arnab Mondal and confidently chipped over the keeper to score his first goal of the season and the home side’s first for the game.

Prayag United though equalized just four minutes into the second half as their hosts failed to deal with a long throw by Sukhen Dey. The ball fell kindly for Yakubu who tapped it in for his seventh goal of the season.
The game then seemed headed for a draw until Sunday yet again took full advantage of yet another sloppy backpass by Mondal and scored what turned out to be the winner.

Yakubu had a chance to strike back immediately as he was brilliantly setup by Josimar but his shot came off the woodwork.

That turned out to be the last real chance for the Kolkatan outfit as Packeer Ali’s men held on for their first home victory of the season.

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I-League Special: Strengths, Weaknesses And Keys - Where Does The 'Big 6' Of Indian Football Stand?

As the new season of I-League dawns upon us, Goal.com's Debjit Lahiri takes a look on where the teams stand with their strengths and weaknesses...

By Debjit Lahiri

AIFF

It's the new beginning. The start of India's elite most league dawns upon us! Yes, you guessed it right, the much anticipated I-League is now just less than 24 hours away.

With the country's best 14 teams all geared up to lock horns in the most grandest of stage in Indian Football, all we could expect is yet another action packed season thrills, spills and 'desi football'.

Don't Miss

So,without further ado, we at Goal.com drop in a brief look into the 'Big 6' of Indian Football, in terms of where they stand, their strengths and weaknesses and the key personnel in their line-up. Here we go..

SALGAOCAR SC | THE DEFENDING CHAMPIONS

The champions and the holders of the I-League will be upbeat after their recent triumph in the Federation Cup and will do all they can to retain their coveted title. Strengths: Organized team with a stable unit in all the departments. Master tactician Karim Bencherifa at helm. A sound off-field structure;away from unnecessary controversies that may affect the team morale. Weakness: From underdogs to favourites, Can the pressure weigh them down this season? Key Players: Karanjit Singh, Luciano Sabrosa, Ryuji Sueoka, Gilbert Oliviera, Rocus Lamare

EAST BENGAL | THE RED AND GOLD BRIGADE

The Runners-Up of last season, East Bengal will be eager to go one better this time. It has been some time, since the national title has come to the big boys of Bengal, and it is the red and gold brigade who look likelier to end the drought. Strengths: Once again an organized team, be it defence, attack or midfield, with the core of the team mostly intact from last season. Trever Morgan's calming influence might well be a big factor. The massive home support of passionate fans should help the side to motivate. Weakness: However, over-expectations from fans can also be a burden. Over-dependency on Mehtab Hussain in the midfield. The goal-keeping section being shaky. Key Players: Mehtab Hussain,Tolgay Ozbey,Robin Singh,Uga Okpara, Reisangmi Vashum

DEMPO SC | THE 'TEAM CONSISTENT'

Arguably the most consistent team in the I-League over the past five years, the Goans are all set to reassert their claim on the I-League title. Strengths: An exceptionally strong set of Indian players, with vast international experience. The return of coach Armando Colaco from national duty. Having won the league twice in four years, they are well equipped to handle the pressure at the top most level. Weakness: Slightly dicey set of foreign players and NO BETO. A poor Federation Cup in the run up to the I-League, might well hinder their confidence Key Players: Mahesh Gawli, Ranti Martins, Peter Carvalho, Anthony Pereira, Climax Lawrence.

CHURCHILL BROTHERS | GOAN DYNAMITES

The 2009-10 champions have done some good bit of business after their disappointing last season, and with an inspirational Durand Cup win under their belt a week ago, the Goan giants are ready to go that extra mile this time around. Strengths: A strong set of foreign players, most notably BETO. Manuel Gomes, a coach with vast experience in Europe, including in clubs like Benfica, will be an asset. Weakness: With an extensive re-building done with the team, the players may take time to settle and gel in. The departure of Odafa Okolie might just dent the attacking edge of the team. Key Players: Henry Antchouet,Roberto Mendes Silva, Steven Dias, Antun Kovacic, Gouramangi Moirangthem.

MOHUN BAGAN AC | THE MARINERS

The big boys from Kolkata has had a rough run lately,which has also seen their former coach Steve Darby resign, but counting out Mohun Bagan is like bringing about one's own peril! Strengths: Star-studded line up with a lot of big names who on their days are the best in the game. The massive home support to pump the team up. A lethal attacking line-up that can give any defence in the league nightmares Weakness: To many off-field problems and controversies! The team morale is definitely down. A shaky defensive line-up. Too much of expectations from fans as well as the board weighing down the players. The risk of ending up as 'paper tigers' ! Key Players: Odafa Okolie, Jose Ramirez Baretto, Sunil Chhetri, Syed Rahim Nabi, Manish Maithani.

PUNE FC | THE RED LIZARDS

The new boys in the town, Pune FC is one of the best run sides in the league and gives the I-League a fresh new perspective. A team on the rise, they are the ultimate 'dark horses' for the title! Strengths: Solid goalkeeping and defensive unit. Abundance of exciting young prospects who can make it big this time around. Weakness: Lack of experience and depth in the line-up. Comparatively less used to long enduring title races and their long term sustainability could be exploited. Although they have finished in the top 3 earlier, the final push may be a bit difficult for them. Key Players: Anas Edathodika, Jeje Lalpekhlua ,Subrata Paul, Douhou Pierre, Baldeep Singh.

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I-League Clubs For Season 2011-2012

Goal.com provides you with an introduction to the I-League clubs of the season 2011-2012, with a brief introduction and links to each team...

Air India

Nickname: The Pilots Home Stadium: Cooperage Ground, Mumbai Best Performance: 5th (1997-98) Recent Form: I-League 2010-11 (11th), Federation Cup (Group Stage)

Founded in 1952, Air India Football Club is one of the oldest institutional sides in the country. Though never considered as one of the glamour boys in the I-League, the Mumbai based outfit has often proved to be a tough nut to crack for many top sides.

Four times champions in the local league in Mumbai, Air India are best known for nurturing youngsters into big time players. Many of their former players have gone on to play with distinction for bigger teams in the later years.


Chirag United Kerala

Nickname: N/A Home Stadium: Kaloor International Stadium, Kerala Best Performance: 10th (2010-11) Recent Form: I-League 2010-11 (10th), Federation Cup (Group Stage)

Formed on August 8, 2004 the club officially took off on August 19 in a ceremony at FACT grounds, thus fulfilling the need for the state's representation in country's top football league, the National Football League (NFL).

Viva Kerala that was finally a dream realized and their first big break came their way when they found themselves a NFL in the Second Division.They surprised everyone by finishing second in its group and qualified for the final phase and went on to book their place in the National Football League 2007-08.

In June 2011, Chirag Computers bought the financially troubled Viva Kerala FC and renamed it to the present one.


Churchill Brothers SC

Nickname: N/A Home Stadium: Fatorda Stadium, Margao Best Performance: Champions (2009-10) Recent Form: I-League 2010-11 (4th), Federation Cup (Group Stage), Durand Cup (Champions)

One of the top teams in the state of Goa, having won the Goa League six times, Churchill Brothers started up in 1988 as Varca Club. After one season under the name Varca Club they renamed themselves Brothers Sporting Club. However, they were bought out by Churchill Braz Alemao and renamed themselves Churchill Brothers SC. Ups and downs in the club's fortune followed since then and they eventually went on to win the Durand Cup in 2007, following which they had their best year in 2008-09 by winning the 2008-09 I-League, 2009 Durand Cup, and the 2009 IFA Shield.

They are one of the favourites and are expected to provide a stiff challenge for the coveted the top crown.


Dempo SC

Nickname: The Whites Home Stadium: Fatorda Stadium, Margao Best Performance: Champions (2004-05, 2006-07, 2007-08, 2009-10) Recent Form: I-League 2010-11 (3rd), Federation Cup (Group Stage)

The most successful club in 'modern' I-League history, the Goan outfit has been a constant performer in all the national football championship and has gained immense popularity in the last four decades of its existence. The team has several accolades and honors in its kitty. In the 2004-05 season, the club won its maiden National Football League title. They won the league again in the 2006-2007 season and followed it with the two more I-League triumphs in 2006-07 in its inaugural version and then in 2009-2010.

Arguably India's best performer in the continental tournaments, Dempo are a team to watch out for.


HAL SC

Nickname: The Garden City Boys Home Stadium: Bangalore Football Stadium, Bangalore Best Performance: 12th (2010-11) Recent Form: I-League 2010-11 (12th), Federation Cup (Group Stage)

Yet another institutional Indian football club from Bangalore and named after the company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, HAL barely escaped relegation on the final day of the last season. With a minimal I-League experience under their belt, survival will again be the top priority for the boys in green.


East Bengal

Nickname: Lal Holud Brigade Home Stadium: Salt Lake Stadium Best Performance: Champions (2000-01, 2002-03, 2003-04) Recent Form: I-League 2010-11 (2nd), Federation Cup (Runners Up), Super Cup (Winners)

Known to be one of the best footballing sides in India, the red and gold brigade have won the most IFA Shields in Indian Football and are tied for the most National Football League and Durand Cup championships with huge rival Mohun Bagan A.C and they will be looking to go one better this time around and achieve what the big guns of Kolkata have failed to do till now, that is to win the I-League after it's inception in 2007.

An organized team under Trever Morgan,the team will be one of the prime heavyweights for the big title.


Mohun Bagan AC

Nickname: Sobuj Maroon/The Mariners Home Stadium: Salt Lake Stadium Best Performance: Champions (1997-98, 1999–2000, 2001–02) Recent Form: I-League 2010-11 (6th), Federation Cup (Group Stage)

One of the oldest football clubs in Asia, having been established in 1889, and often touted as the National Club Of India, Mohun Bagan will be looking to reignite their I-League glory after a flurry of star signings including Sunil Chhetri and Okolie Odafe.

However,a series of low key performances and off-field problems at the start of the season has seen former coach Steve Darby resign. In what seems to be a disastrous start, Mohun Bagan desperately need to find a way to pull up their socks ahead of the new I-League season.


Mumbai FC

Nickname: N/A Home Stadium: Cooperage Ground, Mumbai Best Performance: 7th (2010-11) Recent Form: I-League 2010-11 (7th), Federation Cup (Group Stage)

The minnows from Mumbai proved quite a thorn last season, finishing a respectable seventh and it remains to be seen how they cope up this time around. The ultimate underdogs, they may well not be challenging for the top honours but might well affect the top half of the league.


Pailan Arrows

Nickname: N/A Home Stadium: Salt Lake Stadium Best Performance: 9th (2010-11) Recent Form: I-League 2010-11 (9th), Federation Cup (Group Stage)

Owned and managed by the All India Football Federation, Pailan Arrows (formerly AIFF XI and Indian Arrows) was set up in order to provide regular first team playing opportunities to youngsters and with a target of qualifying for the 2018 World Cup.

The team has thrown up some exciting products in the past seasons and like always will remain one of the most anticipated teams, as they showcase India's future talents.


Prayag United

Nickname: N/A Home Stadium: Salt Lake Stadium Best Performance: 8th (2008-09,2009-10, 2010-11) Recent Form: I-League 2010-11 (8th), Federation Cup(Semi-Finals), Durand Cup (Runners Up)

Prayag United S.C. was originally established in 1927 as Eveready Association. In 2006, it was renamed as United Sports Club to attract title sponsor and the football division owned by United Sport Football Team Private Ltd. With the inflow of sponsorship, the club clinched promotion to the first division of the I-League in 2007.

A rejuvinated outfit under coach Sanjoy Sen, Prayag United is probably the dark horses of the league, after impressive shows in Federation Cup and Durand Cup.


Pune FC

Nickname: Red Lizards Home Stadium: Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, Pune Best Performance: 3rd (2009-10) Recent Form: I-League 2010-11 (5th), Federation Cup (Group Stage), Durand Cup (Semi-Finals), Friendly Loss Against Blackburn Rovers

In an attempt to put the city of Pune in India's footballing map, the club was established in 2007, and gained promotion to the I-League in the 2009-10 season. Pune F.C., arguably one of the most professional football club in India, is also known now for having an inhouse football academy.

A hub of few of India's most remarkable talent, there is no denying that Pune FC is one of the teams on their way up.


Salgaocar SC

Nickname: N/A Home Stadium: Fatorda Stadium, Margao Best Performance: Champions (1998-99, 2010-11) Recent Form: Champions: I-League 2010-11 (Champions), Federation Cup (Champions), Durand Cup (1st Round), Supercup (Runners Up)

The year 1956 may well be described as the dawn of a new era in Goan football, as football loving Mr. V.M. Salgaocar, founder President of the VM Salgaocar Group of Companies, founded one of Goa's first ever football club Salgaocar SC in order to give a platform to the Goan youth to showcase their immense footballing talent to the country. In 1962 when India liberated Goa from Portugese rule, Salgaocar Football Club became the first Goan team to be extended an invitation to play in the prestigious Durand Cup in New Delhi.

Footballing fate has taken it's course since then, and the team with several ups and downs over the years, now stand as the current holders and defending champions of the I-League.Under coach Karim Bencherifa, the Goans are a feared outfit and will do all they can to retain their coveted title.


Shillong Lajong FC

Nickname: Reds Home Stadium: Khuman Lampak Main Stadium, Imphal Best Performance: Relegated In Their Only Season (2009-10) Recent Form: I-League Division Two (Champions), Federation Cup (Semi Finals)

Shillong Lajong Football Club was established in 1983 in Shillong, Meghalaya with the prime objective of improving the diminishing standard of football in the state, and to spot, train and nurture local talent.

A travel to the north-east is always a tricky one for the the big teams, who are generally presented among a enthusiastic and hostile home support for Lajong. A few good signings in the summer mean they may well cause an upset or two.


Sporting Clube de Goa

Nickname: Flaming Oranje Home Stadium: Fatorda Stadium, Margao Best Performance: Runners Up (2003-04) Recent Form: I-League Division Two (2nd), Federation Cup (Group Stage)

Sporting Clube de Goa came into existence in 1999, when the public of Panjim decided to launch a football club after Cidade de Goa disbanded its football team. Thus, after Vasco Sports Club, Sporting became the second club of public shareholding in Goa. The club, built on the lines of Portuguese giants Sporting Clube de Portugal, has made rapid strides in the national circuit since.

Although they were relegated in the 2009-10 season, the side has made a quick comeback among the elites after 2nd place finish in the division two.

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My Idea Is To Win And Nothing Else - Chirag United Kerala’s Packeer Ali

The Sri Lankan coach outlines his team’s strategy ahead of their I-League campaign which kicks-off against HAL on Saturday…

By Rahul Bali

Goal.com India

Chirag United Kerala’s coach Packeer Ali believes that for him to stay motivated, he shall set his sights on the I-League title even though it may sound unrealistic from day one.

“The target of every team’s management is that they want the title. My idea is to win every match which means that eventually we win the title…at least that’s the target I want to keep in front of me,” Packeer told

It’s only been a fortnight for the experienced coach in India and he has been working on his team’s problems upfront.

“I came and I saw that our players were missing goals even in training sessions. I spoke to the players and arranged for some local teams to play matches against. We have improved a bit I must add. I have a mix bag of experienced and young players who are impressive”

He hasn’t heard much about HAL SC but stated that it’s the Kolkata teams who are the ones to keep an eye on.

“I am new to Indian football and don’t know much about HAL. But I have heard that the Kolkata teams are strong.”

Packeer isn’t impressed with the ground conditions in Kerala though as he points that back home in Lanka, the fields are much better.

“The ground conditions are very bad here. Sri Lanka is much better in that regard. In India also, there are a few good fields though,” he mentioned.

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Salgaocar SC 0-1 Dempo SC: Defending Champions Stutter On Matchday One

A second half strike by Ranti Martins was enough to seal three points for his side on the opening matchday…

A second half strike by Ranti Martins was enough to seal three points for his side on the opening matchday…

  By Rahul Bali

Goal.com

Armando Colaco’s Dempo got off to a winning start in the I-League as they downed Karim Bencherifa’s Salgaocar SC 1-0 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Goa.

Ranti Martins broke the deadlock in the 80^th minute after collecting a through ball from Joaquim Abranches to slot it past Karanjit Singh and send the Dempo fans into celebrations.

Salgaocar SC started in a 4-4-1-1 formation with Ryuiji Sueoka playing behind Chidi Edeh while Dempo SC opted for their standard 4-4-2 with Ranti Martins and Joaquim Abranches being the two strikers.

Joaquim Abranches was the first to attempt by having a shooting on the turn as early as in the sixth minute.
The defending champions were guilty of showing Dempo SC far too much respect which was evident as they never closed down the spaces.

Ranti Martins and Climax Lawrence played a quick one-two which saw the latter’s curling shot go over the bar at the end of the first quarter.

The play was confined to the midfield as neither team was incisive in the attacking third with creativity being largely absent for most of the game.

Ishfaq Ahmed was disappointing with his final ball while Chidi Edeh never really got into the thick of things.
There was a funny incident around the half hour mark when Debabrata Roy kicked Jaspal Parmar and it was the Salgaocar full-back who was booked instead!

The only real chance of the half came in the 38^th minute as Anthony Pereira’s curling cross saw Joaquim Abranches send the ball out from handshaking distance.

The very first minute of the second half saw the referee hog the limelight as he denied Salgaocar a penalty after Peter Carvalho had clipped Chidi Edeh from behind.

The introduction of Francis Fernandes for the lackluster Gilbert Oliviera saw Salgaocar create a couple of chances but thereafter it was back to normal service as the champions would surrender the possession far too easily.

Jaspal Parmar found Chidi Edeh who did well to turn around and beat Samir Naik only to see Subashis Chowdhury make a diving save in the 64^th minute.

Dempo suffered a setback as Climax Lawrence had to be stretchered off after being the victim of a harsh tackle by a Salgaocar defender.

The game looked set for a draw until Joaquim Abranches found Ranti in space and the striker made no mistake with only the goalkeeper to beat.

Thereafter there were a couple of opportunities towards the end with substitutes Godwin Franco and Koko Sakibo coming close.

The match ended with the same scoreline as Karim Bencherifa’s Salgaocar would have a lot of work to do and get their bearings right ahead of matchday two.

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Ten Things You Might Find Out About The I-League But Which We'd Like To Tell You About Anyway

As another season of rivalry, goals, saves, blunders and magic is about to get underway, we bring you 10 things you might have found out about the I-League if you had just tried


 

• Out of the fourteen teams competeing in the 2011-12 season's I-League, there are four each from Kolkata in West Bengal and from all over Goa. The others are from Maharashtra (Mumbai - 2, Pune - 1), Kerala (Kannur - 1), Karnataka (Bangalore - 1) and Shillong.

• The four teams from Kolkata will be playing at the 120000 seater Salt Lake Stadium, and so is the case with the four Goan teams will be playing in Margao's 27300 capacity Fatorda Stadium and both the teams from Mumbai will play in the 12000 seater Cooperage Ground (though they will play their first few matches in Pune due to the renovations at the Cooperage). Pune FC's home ground is going to be the Shri Shiv Chhhatrapati Sports Complex, which has a capacity of 20000. Chirag United Club Kerala will play in the 60000 seater Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium (a.k.a. Kaloor International Stadium locally) in Kochi. HAL will be in the 15000 seater Bangalore Football Stadium and Shillong Lajong in Imphal's Khuman Lampak Main Stadium which holds 25000 (though they may later play in Shillong).

 

Its that time again! Mohun Bagan supporters run riot at the Salt Lake Stadium

• Armando Colaco of Dempo is the longest serving of the 14 managers fighting it out for this year's title, and the only one to have been a there before the formation of the I-League itself, having been at the helm since 2000, during the National Football League days. He is also the only one to be at a club since before 2008.

• Mohun Bagan's Odafa Okolie is the all time top scorer in the I-League with an impressive tally of 89 goals over four seasons. He has yet another season to try and add to the number. Other players in the top 10 all-time scorers who are still active in the I-League are Dempo's Ranti Martins (2nd with 69 goals), Prayag United's Yusif Yakubu (3rd with 42), Salgaocar's Chidi Edeh (5th with 32), Mohun Bagan's Sunil Chhetri (6th with 31) and Jose Ramirez Barreto (joint 7th with 29) and Josimar Martins (joint 9th with 22).

• Ranti Martins holds the record for both most goals scored in a single season (30 in 2010-11) and the most number of goals scored in a match (6) when Dempo beat Air India 14-0 on 30th May 2011. This is also the highest margin of victory in an I-League match.

• The I-League title has never left the borders of Goa, with the title having been won by 3 of the four Goan clubs in this edition of the I-League. Dempo in 2007-08 and 2009-10, Churchill Brothers in 2008-09 and last season's champions Salgaocar.

Last season's champions, Salgaocar SC. Will the trophy ever leave Goa?

• Another team has disbanded after Mahindra United in 2010. This time it is the successful JCT FC from Punjab. They cite disinterest in Indian football as the unfortunate reason for thier closure. They will, however, continue running the successful JCT Academy, which won the I-League U19 in 2011.

• The prize money up for grabs is Rs. 70,00,000, Rs. 40,00,000, Rs. 25,00,000 and Rs. 15,00,000 for the top 4 positions in the table. Every match won entails a Rs. 35,000 bonus and the Man of the Match walks away with Rs. 5000. The league champions additionally gain a spot in the AFC Champions League playoff qualification round.

• After having broken off its broadcast deal with Zee Telefilms at the start of the last season, severely disrupting televisation of the games, the AIFF has struck another deal to broadcast the matches nationally, this time under the banner of TEN Action+. Regional channels will continue to broadcast the matches that were part of earlier deals, though.

Okolie: The best paid in the country. But with his goal return, why not?

• The biggest transfer of the season is Odafe Okolie's move to Mohun Bagan, which nets him a reported Rs. 1,50,00,000, cementing his position as the highest paid footballer in India.

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