Tag: Indian Football

Sports

FC Goa Sign Promising Goan Midfielder Harsh Patre for the 2025-26 Season

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Panaji, July 2025 — FC Goa have announced the signing of 22-year-old Goan midfielder Harsh Patre, bringing back one of the state’s finest young talents ahead of the 2025-26 Indian Super League season.

Patre, who began his football journey at the Goa Football Development Council (GFDC) academy, first caught the attention of FC Goa’s scouting team back in the 2018-19 AIFF Junior League, while ironically playing against the Gaurs’ U15 team. His composure, technique, and footballing intelligence at such a young age made a lasting impression.

Over the years, Patre honed his skills with the Indian Arrows, a developmental side run by the All India Football Federation (AIFF), giving him crucial exposure in the I-League. His performances there earned him a move to Bengaluru FC in the 2022-23 season, where he made rapid progress from the reserves to the ISL senior team.

“We’ve tracked Harsh for years,” said Lokesh Bherwani, FC Goa’s Director of Football. “From his time at GFDC to his I-League stint, we always believed he’d return home. We are confident he will be a vital player for us this season and beyond.”

The signing aligns with FC Goa’s philosophy of nurturing homegrown talent and solidifying its Goan core. Patre’s ability to control midfield tempo and make intelligent decisions fits seamlessly into FC Goa’s possession-based style.

Speaking about the move, Harsh said:

“Coming back to play for FC Goa is a dream come true. As a Goan, this club has always had a special place in my heart. I’m grateful for this opportunity and will give everything for the badge.”

The 2025-26 season looks promising for the Gaurs, with exciting new additions like Patre complementing an already competitive squad. Fans can expect to see him make a mark in midfield, inspired by both home pride and professional ambition.

Sports

FC Goa Aims for Semi-Final Spot Against Punjab FC in Kalinga Super Cup Quarter-Final

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FC Goa is set to face Punjab FC in the quarter-final of the Kalinga Super Cup 2025, with a spot in the semi-finals on the line. After a dominant 3-0 win against Gokulam Kerala FC in the Round of 16, the Gaurs are riding high on confidence.

Key Players to Watch

  • Iker Guarrotxena: The Spanish midfielder’s stunning hat-trick in the previous match showcased his form and potential to be a game-changer in the knockout rounds.
  • Hrithik Tiwari: The goalkeeper’s impressive performances have been a crucial factor in FC Goa’s success.
  • Odei Onaindia and Sandesh Jhingan: The defensive pairing has added steel to FC Goa’s backline, making them a formidable opponent.

Head-to-Head Record
FC Goa has historically had the edge over Punjab FC, remaining unbeaten in their last four meetings with three wins and one draw. However, the knockout format brings added pressure and unpredictability, and FC Goa will be cautious not to underestimate their opponents.

Match Details

  • Kick-off Time: 8:00 PM IST
  • Broadcast: Live on Star Sports 3
  • Streaming: JioHotstar

Semi-Final Implications
The winner of this match will face the winner of the Kerala Blasters vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant match in the semi-finals. With a balanced squad and sharp attacking intent, FC Goa aims to carry forward their winning rhythm and book a spot in the semi-finals.

Sports

FC Goa and Armando Sadiku Part Ways Ahead of Super Cup

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In a mutual decision, FC Goa and Albanian striker Armando Sadiku have parted ways ahead of the Kalinga Super Cup 2025. This development comes as the team prepares to face Gokulam Kerala FC in the tournament.


During his time with FC Goa, Sadiku made a significant impact, scoring 10 goals and providing 2 assists in 24 ISL appearances. His impressive form was evident in his first seven consecutive games, where he scored 8 goals. Although he struggled to find the back of the net in the latter part of the season, his contributions to the team were invaluable.


Sadiku’s journey with FC Goa was marked by several notable moments, including:

  • Crucial Wins: He played a vital role in FC Goa’s 2-1 victory over Punjab FC, scoring a goal and helping the team come back from behind.
  • Goal-scoring Prowess: Sadiku’s ability to find the back of the net was impressive, and he finished as FC Goa’s top scorer in the ISL 2024-25 season.

With Sadiku’s departure, FC Goa will regroup and focus on their upcoming matches. The team will look to build on their existing squad and make a strong impression in the Kalinga Super Cup.

Sports

Dempo SC Thrash Aizawl FC 5-2, Deepen Relegation Woes

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In a thrilling I-League 2024-25 match, Dempo Sports Club secured a resounding 5-2 victory over relegation-threatened Aizawl FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Monday. The win propelled Dempo to a safer position in the league table, while Aizawl FC’s relegation concerns intensified.

Trinidad and Tobago striker Marcus Joseph was the star of the show, scoring a hat-trick (26′, 75′, 90+6′) to seal the win for Dempo. Pruthvesh Pednekar (5′) and Vinay Vijay Harji (78′) also found the back of the net for the winners. Aizawl FC’s goals came from Zothanpuia (34′) and Lalbiakdika (90+1).

Relegation Battle Heats Up

The loss leaves Aizawl FC in a precarious position, with 19 points from 20 matches. They are currently placed 11th in the points table, just above already relegated Delhi FC. With two teams set to be relegated, Aizawl FC faces a tough challenge to avoid the drop. Sporting Club Bengaluru, who are also struggling to stay afloat, will be their main rivals in the relegation battle.

Dempo’s Dominant Performance

Dempo SC’s win was a testament to their attacking prowess, as they exploited Aizawl FC’s porous defense to score five goals. Joseph’s hat-trick was a highlight of the match, and he could have added more goals to his tally had he not been denied by the post and some impressive goalkeeping.

Aizawl FC’s Woes Continue

Aizawl FC’s struggles in the league continued, as they failed to capitalize on their scoring opportunities. The team’s defense was once again exposed, and they paid the price for their mistakes. The defeat leaves them with a daunting task to avoid relegation in the remaining two rounds of the league.

Points Table Implications

Dempo SC’s win takes them to 25 points from 20 matches, securing a relatively safe position in the league table. Aizawl FC’s loss, on the other hand, keeps them in the relegation zone, with Sporting Club Bengaluru breathing down their necks. The relegation battle is set to go down to the wire, with several teams still in danger of being relegated.

Sports, Spotlight

Meet Denzil Franco: The Footballer Turned Athlete Director

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Denzil Franco’s passion for football is contagious. As a former international footballer and current Athlete Director at the Denzil Franco Football School, he’s dedicated to nurturing young talent and promoting football development in India.

A Childhood Dream
Growing up in Goa, Denzil was naturally drawn to football. His biggest influences were his family, coaches, and players he admired, both locally and internationally. Legends like Roberto Carlos and Cafu inspired him, but it was his late father, Joe Franco, who pushed him to pursue his passion.

International Career Highlights
Denzil’s international career was marked by several highlights, including winning the SAFF Championship and playing in the AFC Challenge Cup. He was also part of the National Squad that won the Nehru Cup in 2012, defeating Cameroon. Being part of the national team and contributing to Indian football on that stage was an unforgettable experience.

Coaching Philosophy
Denzil’s coaching philosophy emphasizes discipline, technical skills, and a strong mentality. He believes that talent alone is not enough; players need the right guidance, exposure, and work ethic to succeed. His approach focuses on developing players holistically, ensuring they improve technically, mentally, and physically.

The Denzil Franco Football School
After his playing career, Denzil wanted to give back to the sport by nurturing young footballers. The Denzil Franco Football School (DFFS) was born from this desire, aiming to create a structured grassroots program where kids can develop in a professional yet enjoyable environment.

Identifying and Developing Young Talent
Denzil looks for technical ability, decision-making, work ethic, and attitude when evaluating young players. He emphasizes the importance of mental resilience, adaptability, and fitness levels in assessing a player’s potential.

Future Plans and Collaborations
Denzil is working on expanding the DFFS reach, providing more players with quality training. He’s exploring collaborations to offer better training, facilities, and career pathways for young footballers.

A Message to Young Footballers
Denzil’s advice to young footballers is to remain patient, work hard, and persevere. He emphasizes the importance of discipline, dedication, and continuous learning in achieving success.