Tag: Indian Football

Sports

Goa to Host Two Qualifying Rounds of Red Bull Four 2 Score Season 4

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Goa is set to once again become a hotspot for grassroots football as it hosts two qualifying rounds of Red Bull Four 2 Score Season 4, one of the world’s most unique and high-intensity small-format football tournaments. With separate qualifiers scheduled in North and South Goa, a total of 96 teams from across the state will compete for coveted spots in the national finals later this year.

The North Goa qualifiers will take place at Play Goa, while South Goa will host matches at The Base. Both rounds are scheduled over January 24 and 25, with matches running from 9 am to 4 pm at each venue. Each qualifier will feature 48 teams, highlighting Goa’s deep-rooted football culture beyond professional leagues.

Red Bull Four 2 Score is known for its fast-paced and action-packed format. Matches are played four-a-side, without goalkeepers, on compact fields, and last 10 minutes. Adding to the drama, goals scored in the opening and closing 60 seconds count double, ensuring relentless attacking play from start to finish.

The tournament is open to players aged 16 to 35, with teams allowed a maximum of five players, including one substitute. Participation is inclusive across genders, and matches can be played on turf, grass, or hard courts—underscoring the tournament’s accessibility-first approach.

Winning teams from city qualifiers across India will advance to the national finals in Coimbatore, scheduled for the end of March. Ten city champions will compete in a group-plus-knockout format, with the winners earning the title of Red Bull Four 2 Score India Champions.

In the event of a draw, matches are decided through a golden goal showdown, where one player from each team goes head-to-head until a goal is scored. Any denial of a clear goal-scoring opportunity during this phase results in an automatic win for the opposition, adding immense pressure and excitement.

The national champions will earn the chance to represent India at the Red Bull Four 2 Score World Final in Toronto, Canada, set to take place after the FIFA 2026 World Cup. Last season, Goa-based team Boom Boom Goa represented India at the World Finals in Salzburg—and will once again be among the teams to watch during the Goa qualifiers.

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Indian Super League to Resume on February 14 with All 14 Clubs, Announces Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya

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Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has announced that the Indian Super League (ISL) will resume on February 14, bringing relief to football fans across the country after a temporary pause in the competition.

The announcement came following a crucial meeting involving the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and key stakeholders of Indian football. The league had been halted earlier due to the absence of a confirmed commercial partner, raising concerns over the continuity of the season.

With the resumption confirmed, all 14 ISL clubs, including traditional powerhouses Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, will participate in the remainder of the league. The season will follow a home-and-away format, comprising a total of 91 matches, ensuring a full competitive calendar for teams and fans alike.

The decision is seen as a significant step towards stabilising Indian football’s premier league and restoring confidence among players, clubs, broadcasters, and supporters. Officials expressed optimism that the renewed momentum would strengthen the league’s commercial prospects and overall growth.

The ISL’s return is expected to reinvigorate the domestic football ecosystem and maintain India’s growing presence in the Asian football landscape.

Sports

Final Asian Night in Fatorda: FC Goa Set to Host FC Istiklol in ACL Two Finale

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Fatorda, 24 December 2025 – FC Goa will host Tajikistan’s FC Istiklol at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, for the final Group D clash of the AFC Champions League Two. With qualification no longer possible, the Gaurs are determined to finish their continental campaign with a spirited performance for their fans.

Continental nights at Fatorda hold a special place for Goa, evoking memories of their last AFC Champions League appearance where Brison Fernandes scored India’s first-ever goal in the tournament. That historic night highlighted the Gaurs’ resilience and fearless approach against formidable opponents like Al Nassr.

FC Istiklol, champions of the Tajikistan domestic league for a record 12th consecutive season, arrive in Goa after a 2-0 victory in the reverse fixture in Dushanbe. Goa, on the other hand, comes in on a high after lifting the Super Cup for the second consecutive year, narrowly defeating East Bengal on penalties at Fatorda just two weeks ago.

Head coach Manolo Márquez will look to harness the Super Cup momentum to inspire his squad. Goalkeeper Lara emphasized the team’s mindset: “It’s been a difficult journey with the gaps between games and the uncertainty over the future, but we are a strong group and we are ready to continue to represent India together in this competition.”

The final clash promises to be a compelling night under the lights of Fatorda, where pride, passion, and the love of Indian football will take centre stage.

Sports

Goa Football Team Seeks Divine Blessings Ahead of Santosh Trophy in Karnataka

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As the Goa Football Team gears up to compete in the prestigious Santosh Trophy in Karnataka, the players and coaching staff took time to seek divine blessings at St. Francis Xavier Church, Duler.

Rev. Fr. Anthony Fernandes, Parish Priest, warmly received the team and offered prayers invoking God’s guidance, strength, and protection for their journey ahead. He encouraged the players to uphold the principles of dedication, discipline, and sportsmanship, both on and off the field, emphasizing that true success combines skill with character.

The blessing ceremony was attended by Mr. Caintano Fernandes, President of the Goa Football Association, alongside the coaching staff and the players. The spiritual support provided a moment of reflection and unity, fostering motivation and confidence as the team prepares to face strong competition at the national level.

Supporters and the Goa Football Association extended their best wishes, expressing faith in the team’s abilities to compete with courage, determination, and pride. The team now carries not just their training and strategy, but also the blessings of their community, as they step onto the national stage aiming for excellence.

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.