Tag: Football

Sports

FC Goa Clinch AIFF Super Cup in Dramatic Shootout, Seal AFC Champions League 2 Spot

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

FC Goa secured a historic AIFF Super Cup triumph after edging East Bengal FC 6-5 in a dramatic sudden-death penalty shootout at the Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium in Margao. The victory not only allowed them to defend their title successfully but also helped them clinch a coveted berth in next season’s AFC Champions League 2. With this win, the Gaurs extended their record by lifting the trophy for the third time, establishing themselves as one of the most dominant sides in the competition’s history.

The final was a gripping affair from the outset, with both teams creating a flurry of chances and displaying relentless intensity. The home side began brightly, backed by strong local support, and threatened through early set pieces. East Bengal gradually settled and carved out opportunities of their own, including a clear chance in the 12th minute when Miguel Ferreira broke through but shot wide with only the goalkeeper to beat. Bipin Singh and Mahesh Naorem kept Goa on high alert with dangerous plays from the flanks, while FC Goa responded with long-range efforts and probing through balls.

The match saw swings in momentum after the break, with both sides coming close to breaking the deadlock. East Bengal nearly scored in the 74th minute when PV Vishnu’s effort forced a fumble from goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari, but the Goa custodian reacted quickly to prevent the ball from crossing the line. The close call awakened FC Goa, who hit the upright through Brison Fernandes before Dejan Drazic missed a clear header moments later. In extra time, Gill produced crucial saves for East Bengal to keep them in contention, including a reflex stop from Siverio’s rebound and a sharp grab from Timor’s header.

With no goals after 120 minutes, the final moved into a tense penalty shootout. Both teams held their nerve through the initial five attempts, finishing 4-4. In sudden death, Sahil Tavora converted for FC Goa after Udanta Singh scored his attempt for East Bengal. The game was finally decided when substitute Hamid Ahadad scored but PV Vishnu missed the target with his effort, handing FC Goa the victory. Despite Gill getting hands to a few penalties, East Bengal ultimately fell short by a single miss.

FC Goa’s composure under pressure, clinical finishing from the spot, and resilience throughout the contest underscored their championship mentality. The result cements their legacy in Indian football, gives them continental exposure next season, and marks another memorable night for the fans who witnessed a classic final unfold in Margao.

Sports

SFA’s Maiden IWL Qualification Marks a New Dawn for Goan Women’s Football: Armando Colaco

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

The Sesa Football Academy Senior Women’s Team has created a landmark moment in Goan football by securing its first-ever qualification for the 9th Indian Women’s League. Their entry marks the return of a Goan team to the national stage after three years, and positions SFA among the only five Goan clubs to have ever competed in the prestigious league. Having already established themselves as the reigning Vedanta Women’s League champions, their commendable third-place finish in the IWL 2 set the foundation for qualification. With the Indian Arrows withdrawing, and through the persistent efforts of Dr. Caitano Fernandes, President of the Goa Football Association, SFA earned their place in the 16-team competition.

The achievement arrives at a promising time for women’s football in India, where the U17, U21, and senior national women’s teams have all qualified for the AFC Champions Cup. For Goa, SFA’s entry into the IWL opens a vital pathway for local players to gain exposure, visibility, and opportunity at the national level. Navin Jaju, CEO of Vedanta Sesa Goa, expressed pride in the team’s rapid progress, acknowledging that their journey serves as inspiration for many young athletes.

Dronacharya Awardee and former India and SFA coach Armando Colaco described the qualification as more than a sporting accomplishment. For him, it signals the revival of women’s football in Goa. He recalled a time when the women’s game had strong grassroots presence in the state, which gradually faded over the years. The recent successes of SFA, he believes, have reignited that lost momentum. Colaco praised the technical ability, discipline, and temperament of the young players, viewing this milestone as the beginning of a new phase for Goan football rather than a conclusion of past efforts.

Colaco also highlighted SFA’s important role in rebuilding a sustainable ecosystem for women’s football. He emphasized that women’s football must not be regarded as a benevolent side venture but as a high-performance sporting avenue deserving of strategic investment. In this journey, the continued support of Vedanta Sesa Goa has been instrumental in stabilizing and growing the women’s football structure in the state, particularly through their contributions to the Women’s League in Goa.

Looking ahead, Colaco believes that if SFA sustains its current momentum, it has the potential to become a national reference point for women’s football development. As the SFA Senior Women’s Team prepares to enter the IWL, expectations rise not just for their performance but for the broader impact they may have on Goan football. The moment, he says, belongs to the players, the academy, and to every young girl dreaming of pursuing football professionally. For him, this is not only a moment of qualification but a moment of revival—one that calls on the entire football community to support the SFA team in ushering in a true Goan sunrise.

Sports

Mandar Rao Dessai Calls on AIFF to Act: “India Needs Its Football Back”

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

Former India international and current Chennaiyin FC player Mandar Rao Dessai has urged football authorities to take immediate action to end the growing uncertainty surrounding the Indian Super League (ISL). In a heartfelt message shared on Instagram, the Goan footballer described the situation as an “existential crisis” for Indian football and appealed to the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to act swiftly and bring clarity to the future of the league.

Mandar, who has represented India and played for clubs including FC Goa and Chennaiyin FC, voiced his frustration over the ongoing delay in the start of the ISL season. His message resonated with players and fans alike, as he called for transparency and urgency from those responsible for managing the sport.

In his post, Mandar wrote that professional footballers across the ISL are united in their plea to resume competitive football in the country. “We want to play, and now,” he said, expressing the collective desperation of players who have been waiting for months to return to the field. He added that the lack of communication and direction from the authorities had left players, clubs, and supporters in the dark.

Mandar’s statement followed a turbulent period for Indian football, with the AIFF’s tender process for broadcast, sponsorship, and digital rights ending without success. The failed process, which was meant to ensure the league’s long-term stability, has instead intensified uncertainty and speculation about the ISL’s immediate future.

With no official start date or clarity from the federation, frustration continues to mount among players, clubs, and fans. Many believe that the ISL, once heralded as a new era for Indian football, now faces its toughest test yet.

Mandar’s words reflect a deep sense of passion and urgency, calling for the authorities to act in good faith and restore confidence in Indian football. As he put it, “We’ve been in a dark tunnel for too long — we could do with a little light.”

The call for action from senior players like Mandar Rao Dessai highlights a growing movement within the Indian football community — one that demands accountability, clarity, and the revival of the sport that millions across the country love.

Sports

Lionel Messi’s Emotional Return to Camp Nou: A Heartfelt Message and a Historic Milestone

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

Lionel Messi made a secret and deeply emotional return to Camp Nou on Sunday night — his first visit since leaving FC Barcelona in 2021. Fresh off guiding Inter Miami past Nashville in the MLS Playoffs, Messi took a sentimental detour to revisit the stadium where his extraordinary journey began.

It was a symbolic and heartwarming moment for the Argentine icon, who has never hidden his longing for the club that defined his career. Messi spent over two decades at Barcelona, winning countless trophies and the hearts of millions, before an unforeseen financial crisis forced his departure in tears.

Following his quiet return, Messi took to Instagram to share a heartfelt message: “Last night I returned to a place I miss with my soul. A place where I was immensely happy, where you guys made me feel a thousand times the happiest person in the world. I hope one day I can come back, and not just to say goodbye as a player, as I never got to…”

The visit came just as Barcelona reopened the Camp Nou for a senior team training session amid ongoing renovations. The club remains optimistic about returning to play home matches at the iconic venue later this season.

Messi’s emotional night was matched by another milestone on the field — the Argentine maestro recorded his 400th career assist during Inter Miami’s 4-0 demolition of Nashville in the MLS Cup playoffs. He scored twice and set up two more goals for teammate Tadeo Allende, showcasing his enduring brilliance at 38 years old.

Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano praised Messi’s relentless energy and leadership, saying, “He was the first one who guided us in high pressure. To see him press like that at 38 years old is crazy. We all know about Leo with the ball, but what happened with Leo without the ball today was impressive.”

With over 900 goal contributions and counting, Lionel Messi continues to define footballing greatness — not only through his talent but also through the emotion and humility that have made him beloved around the world. His visit to Camp Nou was more than nostalgia; it was a reminder of the unbreakable bond between a legend and the club that will forever be his home.

Sports

Cristiano Ronaldo Says Retirement Is “Soon,” Reflects on Legacy, Family, and Manchester United

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

Cristiano Ronaldo has announced that his retirement from professional football is approaching, acknowledging that leaving the game he has devoted his life to will be one of the most emotional moments of his career. Speaking on Piers Morgan Uncensored, the 40-year-old Al Nassr forward said he has been mentally preparing for this stage since his mid-to-late twenties, but admitted that nothing will ever replace the excitement of scoring a goal.

“Soon,” Ronaldo said when asked about when he plans to retire. “I think I will be prepared. It will be very, very difficult. But I have prepared my future since I was 25, 26, 27 years old. I think I will be capable to support that pressure. Nothing compares to the adrenaline you have scoring a goal in football. But everything has a beginning and everything has an end. I’m going to have more time for myself, for my family, to raise my kids.”

Ronaldo’s illustrious career has been defined by record-breaking achievements, including being football’s all-time leading goalscorer with 952 goals for club and country combined. Despite already cementing his place among the greatest players of all time, the Portuguese star has publicly stated that he aims to reach 1,000 career goals before calling time on his career.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner also reflected on life beyond football, saying he wants to focus on his family and raising his children. He emphasized that he has long been planning for this transition, ensuring he’s ready to embrace a new chapter once he finally steps off the pitch.

Ronaldo also spoke about his continued emotional connection with Manchester United, the club where he rose to global fame. “I’m sad because the club is one of the most important in the world and one that I still have in my heart,” he said. “They don’t have a structure. I hope that changes in the present and future because the potential of the club is amazing. They are not on a good path. And it’s not only about the coach and players… miracles are impossible.”

His comments highlight both nostalgia and concern for the club that helped shape his early career. Despite his current focus on Al Nassr and Saudi Arabian football, Ronaldo’s heart clearly remains tied to Manchester.

As he nears the end of his playing days, Cristiano Ronaldo’s reflections paint the portrait of a man who has conquered every level of football yet continues to pursue excellence. Whether or not he reaches his goal of 1,000 career goals, his legacy as one of the greatest to ever play the game is already secure — and his next chapter, devoted to family and life beyond football, is about to begin.