Sunday Specials: Expectations in probably the final season of I league
With two games down in perhaps what could be the last season of I-league, FootballCounter takes a look at what awaits in the next 4 months of the league
In the very first game of tenth season of the league, Khalid Jamil’s Aizawl FC managed to draw against one of the tournaments favourites East Bengal putting themselves as one of the sides, too dangerous to be ignored. In the other game, Defending champions Bengaluru FC came to the pitch with the intention of proving that they mean serious business, routing a hapless Shillong Lajong 3-0 at Kanteerava.
While East Bengal’s performances in the first game haven’t been to the expected standard, managing to snatch away a draw against last year relegation team, thanks to their new signing Bukenya’s 90th minute goal. EB will still be expected to be in top 3 Race. The intention for this season is very clearly shown by the signings. Aizawl’s performance has been heartening, under a new Coach who his known for his strong defence line-counter attacking approach. Although they will not be expected to be a strong title contender, they could still be a pretty strong team at home, with the amount of fans backing them up at home.
Also Read: Bukenya’s Last minute strike earns a point for East Bangal in the 10th Hero I-league opener
Despite also being the only two clubs in the Asian competition, Bengaluru FC, along with Mohan Bagan looks favourites in the title race once again. Based on their first game performance BFC seem to be on the right path. On the Asian Front the blues face a tricky situation in ACL Qualifiers but they have been known to defy odds and create history and one cannot rule them out this time either. For Mohan Bagan, the AFC Cup group stage should be an easy one with possible challenge from either BFC or EBFC in the group (Depends on Blues qualification in ACL group stages). Fans will be hoping for a Kolkata derby at an Asian level.
Santosh Kashyap, who took an unheralded Royal Wahingdoh to third place finish two years ago, will aim to replicate the same performances with his Mumbai FC side. Interestingly Mumbai are yet to sign a single foreign player for this season and will be coming out with an all Indian line up in the first game of the season.
While Minerva Punjab FC and Chennai city FC are the two unknown teams for this season, they would still be looking for a top half finish. On the other hand, Shillong Lajong and DSK Shivajians would like to improve their last year’s standings.
Churchill Brothers, the only Goan club left after the departure of Dempo, SCG and Salgaocar, could struggle this season after being out of the I-league for two years. Even their performances in the Goa pro league haven’t been encouraging enough.
With ten teams fighting out for four months, the official football league of the country in what could be its final stand against the merger, will look to prove why it deserves to stay.
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJGMSC Crowned Champions with a dramatic win over MH Oranje FC
In the heart of Mumbai’s football scene, MYJGMSC achieved a remarkable feat by becoming champions of the Mumbai Premier League in their debut season itself. This is no small accomplishment,…
I-League 2: MH Oranje FC’s decisive away game ends in a draw against United SC
A late goal from Sanchit Singh gave MH Oranje FC a breath of fresh life with the draw ensuring the relegation battle against United SC continues till the final day…
MH Oranje FC Gears Up for a Final Push in the MFA Premier League
MH Oranje FC’s Intense Final Stretch: Pursuing MFA Premier League Glory As the MFA Premier League 2023-24 season reaches its climax, MH Oranje FC is gearing up for an intense…
Indian Super League announces tentative venues for the 2023 – 2024 Final
Mumbai, April 23: The Indian Super League (ISL) today announced that the 2023-24 season final scheduled on Saturday, 4th May will be played at the home ground of the higher ranked team in the…
Odisha FC strike first blow with 2-1 comeback win in semis against Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Bhubaneswar, April 23: Odisha FC secured a 2-1 victory against the Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar in the first leg of their semi-final fixture…
Mumbai City FC produce miraculous comeback to seize victory in semi-final clash against FC Goa
Goa, April 24: Mumbai City FC inspired a sensational late resurgence to come back from 2-0 down to win the first leg of their semi-final fixture against FC Goa by…
Intrigue and rivalry heats up as FC Goa bank on positive momentum to stop Mumbai City FC in their tracks
Goa, April 23: FC Goa will host Mumbai City FC in the first leg of their semi-final fixture of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 on April 24, Wednesday, at 7:30…
ISL 2023-24 Knockout 2 Preview – Playoff Fever: FC Goa Hosts Chennaiyin FC in High-Stakes Knockout Battle
Goa, April 19: The Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 playoffs reach a fever pitch as FC Goa prepares to host Chennaiyin FC in a high-stakes knockout clash at the iconic…
Chembur United – JFC ride on Pradnesh’s late stunner to beat Carmelites FC 1-0.
In a thrilling MFA 1st Div encounter between Chembur United (JupiterFC) and Carmelites FC, the game saw both teams create several scoring opportunities, but a late goal by Chembur United…
AIFF Records Historic Rise in Women’s Footballers
~ President Kalyan Chaubey credits it to the introduction of ‘IWL-2’, – a second tier competition to professionalise women’s football ~ A ‘home-and-away’ format for top tier and availability of…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…