“Never seen such craze for football,” states Mohun Bagan SG Reserves Coach Deggie Cardozo after a thrilling RFDL Kolkata Derby

The final matchday of the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) 2024-25 Regional Qualifiers went down the wire as three teams – Mohun Bagan SG, East Bengal FC & Diamond Harbour FC progressed to the Zonal Group Stage on Wednesday.
Deggie Cardozo, the Reserves Team Head Coach of Mohun Bagan SG was elated after the match as his side qualified for the next stage. He stated, “The players showed great character & desire to win games throughout the tournament so far. We have qualified for the next stage, so it’s not over for us yet. We have short time to prepare and are focusing on the same.”
Cardozo went on to appreciate the support from the fans who turned up in huge numbers in the stadium, saying, “It’s very good when you have someone backing you from the stands and I have never seen such craze for football (youth tournaments). It’s incredible. Hopefully we’ll give the fans something more to cheer about in the coming games.”
The much-anticipated Kolkata Derby between East Bengal FC & Mohun Bagan SG drew scores of spectators at the Naihati Stadium as it turned out to be a cagey affair between the two arch-rivals. In the 31st minute, Mohun Bagan SG midfielder Tushar Biswakarma had the golden opportunity to put the Mariners in front. However, East Bengal FC goalkeeper Gourab Shaw showed his great composure to deny his effort in a one-on-one situation, as the two teams headed into the break goalless.
In the 65th minute, East Bengal came inches close to taking the lead. Aman CK’s perfectly-lobbed cross was met by Shyamal Besra with a well-connected volley, however, his effort went just wide off the left post. The match eventually ended in a goalless stalemate as both the Kolkata giants qualified for the next phase of the RF Development League.
In the other action on the day, Odisha FC blanked Mohammedan Sporting Club 2-0, while Diamond Harbour FC finished the regional qualifiers in style as they completely outclassed United SC 6-1 in a one-sided contest.
Brief Scores:
East Bengal FC 0 – Mohun Bagan Super Giant 0
Mohammedan SC 0 — Odisha FC 2 {39’ Kartik Hantal, 90’ Narendra Naik}
Diamond Harbour FC 6 {53′ 78′ William Lalgoulien (P), 65′ Akash Hemram, 72′ Srimanta Kisku, 84′ 89′ Benjamin Lalnunpuia} – United SC 1 {27′ Nitesh Kumar Mondal (P)}
Mumbai Super League Fixtures, Standings and News – Click Here
Mumbai Premier League Fixtures, Standings and News – Click Here
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian Football.
Hashu Advani Centennial Cup / Local Football
Union Bank of India clinch Inaugural Hashu Advani Centennial Cup 2025
Union Bank of India defeated Kalina Rangers in the final to clinch the inaugural edition of Hashu Advani Centennial Cup 2025
Mumbai Super League: Mumbai Ultras & Waves FC secure crucial wins to shake up the standings
On Day 2 of the Mumbai Super League final round, Mumbai Ultras and Waves FC picked up vital victories against Brothers WA and Mumbai Soccer Prodigies (MSP), respectively, setting the…
South United FC announces Trials for their Residential Academy
South United Football Club (SUFC) announces the upcoming trials for its new Residential Academy, which will be held at the Club’s Ulsoor facility in Bengaluru.
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
Mumbai Premier League: Mohd. Khatib’s late equalizer rescues a Point for MH Oranje FC against Mumbay FC
MH Oranje FC salvaged a dramatic late equalizer in the dying seconds of added time as Mohd. Khatib’s strike deep into the injury time denied Mumbay FC all three points…
Mumbai Soccer Prodigies Crowned Champions in thrilling Mumbai Super League Finale
A come from behind win helped Mumbai Soccer Prodigies to lift Mumbai Super League title while a last gasp equalizer helped Waves FC finish runnerups
FC Goa break 13-game-long winless run against Mumbai City FC with 3-1 victory
FC Goa defeated Mumbai City FC by 3-1 at the Mumbai Football Arena in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 to break their 13-game-long winless run against the Islanders in…
Reliance Foundation Young Champs crowned regional champions with 6-1 win over Brothers Sports Association
Reliance Foundation Young Champs grabbed an impressive 6-1 win over Brothers Sports Association in the regional final of Dream Sports Championship’s Mumbai leg at the Cooperage Football Stadium on Friday….
Mumbai Super League-Final Round: Nihal Colaco Steals the Show with a Hat-Trick for MSP while Waves & Brothers Drew
The Mumbai Super League Final Round got underway with contrasting results in both fixtures. Nihal Colaco’s second half hat-Trick helps MSP with 3-0 win while Waves & Brothers settle for a draw
Corporate Football / MFA Elite Corporate League / Trials
Bank of India announces open trial for Mumbai Corporate League Campaign
Bank of India is set to make its mark in the Mumbai Corporate League and is looking for exceptional football talent to bolster its squad. The trial is scheduled for…
India Khelo Football Workshop returns to Mumbai for its 4th Season
The Indian Khelo Football (IKF) Workshop returns to Mumbai this September, bringing with it an exceptional platform for aspiring footballers to showcase their skills and seize opportunities that could transform…
MFA / Mumbai Super League / Trials
Somaiya FC announces trials for the upcoming 2024-25 Season
Somaiya FC, having secured a commendable 5th position in the MFA Super Division last season, has announced open trials as they gear up for upcoming season. The team, known for…
VR Academy to conduct trials for 2024-25 Season
Mumbai based VR Academy has announced trials for the upcoming 2024-25 season. The club is looking for talented young players to join our esteemed academy and participate in various competitive…
MH ORANJE FC U-17 Trials for the Upcoming Season
With a proud legacy of nurturing talent and achieving excellence, Maharashtra Oranje FC has recently made waves with appearances in I-League 2, securing a remarkable runner-up position in the fiercely…
Football School of India announce trials for Young Talents
Football School of India (FSI) has announced trials for young football enthusiasts in the upcoming week of June. A golden opportunity for aspiring players to showcase their talents and potentially…
Mumbai Super League club Charkop FC to conduct open trials for upcoming Season
Calling all aspiring football stars! Charkop FC, a MFA super division club based in Charkop, Kandivali, is set to conduct Open Trials for the upcoming season. About Charkop FC: In…
Academy / Football Academy / Trials
Mumbai 42 Football Academy to conduct trials for Youth players
Newly established Mumbai 42 Football Academy will be conducting trials for young footballers in the upcoming week.
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…