Tag: Indian Football

Sports

FC Goa Register First ISL 2025-26 Win with 2-0 Victory Over Mohammedan SC

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Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

FC Goa secured their first victory of the Indian Super League 2025-26 season with a comfortable 2-0 win over Mohammedan SC at the Kishore Bharti Krirangan in Kolkata on Friday.


The Gaurs made a blistering start, taking the lead in the fourth minute. A well-delivered corner from Dejan Dražić found Pol Moreno unmarked inside the box, and the defender powered his header past goalkeeper Subhajit Bhattacharjee.

Goa continued to dictate possession and nearly doubled their lead shortly after, but Brison Fernandes’ diving header struck the upright. The second goal arrived in the 32nd minute when Udanta Singh was brought down inside the penalty area. Dražić stepped up and calmly converted from the spot to give the visitors a 2-0 cushion heading into halftime.

Mohammedan SC attempted to shift momentum in the second half with multiple substitutions, creating a few promising opportunities. Their best chance came in the 72nd minute, but goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari produced a brilliant save to preserve Goa’s advantage.

Despite late pressure from both sides, the scoreline remained unchanged as FC Goa comfortably saw out the match. The result provisionally lifts them to the top of the table with four points from two matches, while Mohammedan SC are still searching for their first goal and points of the season.

Sports

GFA Cracks Down on Match-Fixing: 14 Players Charged in Goa Pro League Probe

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa Football Association has taken a decisive step in addressing alleged match-fixing in the Goa Professional League 2025-26 season by issuing a detailed 288-page chargesheet to 14 players, most of whom are former members of Chapora Yuvak Sangh. The move marks a significant development in one of the most serious integrity-related investigations in Goan football in recent years.

The probe was initiated after Chapora Yuvak Sangh sacked nine players in October 2025 and subsequently filed a formal complaint along with an FIR at Mapusa Police Station. In response, the Goa Football Association appointed retired Deputy Superintendent of Police Sandesh T. Chodankar as the Investigating Officer to conduct a thorough inquiry into the allegations.

Following months of investigation, the Ethics Committee compiled an extensive chargesheet outlining the findings and evidence against the players involved. The accused players have now been given a period of 10 days to submit their responses, after which the committee is expected to deliberate and announce its decision in early March. Potential sanctions could have significant implications for the players’ careers and the broader football ecosystem in the state.

Speaking on the development, GFA President Dr. Caitano Fernandes reiterated his commitment to cleaning up the sport in Goa. He stated that upon taking office in 2022, he had assured clubs of firm action against unethical practices and emphasised that the association is moving steadily towards fulfilling that promise. He further added that the Executive Committee will take the strongest possible action against those found guilty.

The case has drawn widespread attention within the football community, highlighting the ongoing challenges of maintaining integrity in competitive sport. As the process moves forward, the outcome is expected to set a strong precedent for governance and accountability in Goan football, reinforcing the importance of fair play and transparency in the game.

Sports

GFDC Holds First Council Meeting Under New Chairman Glenn Ticlo

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Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

The meeting outlined several strategic decisions aimed at creating a strong and sustainable football ecosystem in Goa. Among the key proposals discussed was the appointment of a Technical Director to oversee football development programmes and ensure uniform technical standards across all GFDC initiatives.


The council also deliberated on the establishment of GFDC North and South Academies to provide structured and accessible training opportunities for young footballers across different regions of the state. This move is expected to decentralise football development and widen talent identification at the grassroots level.

Improving football infrastructure and ensuring access to quality equipment formed a major part of the discussions. The council emphasised the importance of conducting regular coaches’ workshops, upgrading coaching licences and promoting continuous education to enhance coaching standards across Goa.

Strengthening GFDC’s operational capacity was also taken up, with discussions on evaluating the performance of existing coaches and inducting new, committed professionals dedicated to long-term football development in the state.

Speaking after the meeting, Chairman Glenn Ticlo said the council’s priority was to put the right systems in place, from technical leadership to infrastructure and coaching quality, to ensure Goan footballers receive the best possible support. He added that the proposed regional academies would help ensure equal opportunities for talent from all parts of Goa.

The Goa Football Development Council reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with all stakeholders to take Goan football to greater heights in the years ahead.

Sports

14 Teams Gear Up as ISL 2025-26 Kicks Off on February 14

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The Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 is all set to launch on February 14, marking another thrilling chapter in India’s top-tier football competition. 14 teams from across the country will battle it out over the course of the season, aiming for supremacy, glory, and a chance to lift the coveted ISL trophy.

Fans can look forward to a season filled with tactical battles, emerging young talents, and international stars showcasing their skills on Indian soil. With fixtures scheduled across major cities, the league promises high-energy football, fan engagement, and electrifying stadium atmospheres.

Teams are preparing meticulously, with transfers, pre-season camps, and strategy sessions shaping up ahead of the kickoff. Clubs like Jamshedpur FC, Bengaluru FC, Mumbai City FC, Kerala Blasters, and Odisha FC are expected to be major contenders, while new signings and promising youngsters could change the dynamics of the league.

The ISL continues to grow in stature, nurturing Indian football talent, attracting international attention, and inspiring fans across the country. With the season opener set for February 14, football enthusiasts can expect a fiery start to what promises to be a landmark season.

Stay tuned as the chase for the ISL summit begins!

Sports

Owen Coyle Returns to Jamshedpur FC as Head Coach for ISL 2025–26

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Jamshedpur FC have announced the return of Owen Coyle as Head Coach ahead of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025–26 season, marking a homecoming that has already ignited excitement among fans. The Scottish coach has signed a two-year contract, with trusted assistant Sandy Stewart joining him as part of the coaching setup.

Coyle’s return evokes memories of one of the most successful phases in the club’s history. During his previous stint, he led Jamshedpur FC to the 2021–22 ISL League Winners’ Shield, transforming the team from mid-table contenders into consistent title challengers through disciplined tactics and an attacking mindset.

The appointment follows the departure of Khalid Jamil, who guided Jamshedpur FC to a fifth-place finish last season before moving on to take charge of the India national football team. With the club keen to build on that momentum, Coyle’s familiarity with the squad culture and expectations made him a natural choice.

Confirming the appointment, Mukul Choudhari, CEO of Jamshedpur FC, described the move as a “natural fit,” citing Coyle’s proven track record, understanding of Indian football, and strong connection with the club’s supporters.

Fans have responded enthusiastically, with the club teasing the announcement on social media using the tagline “The Legend Returns”, a nod to Coyle’s lasting legacy in Jamshedpur. With the ISL season kicking off on February 14, expectations are high as the Red Miners aim not just for playoff qualification, but potentially another title push.

As preparations begin under familiar leadership, Jamshedpur FC will hope that Owen Coyle can once again instill belief, consistency, and silverware ambitions into the squad.