Born and brought up in Kerala, Ubaid spent most of his teenage playing football. He made a break-in in 2011 playing for Viva Kerala and rose through the ranks collecting experience from all around.

Ubaid has kept the post for various clubs in the domestic circuit like FC Kerala, East Bengal, Gokulam Kerala FC. In his two year stint at Gokulam Kerala FC, he won the Durand cup and Hero I-League.

The new entrant Sreenidi FC were eyeing the goalkeeper for some time and, they got him on board this year. Playing for Sreenidi, Ubaid won the best goalkeeper award in the IFA Shield.

Talking to Footballcounter, Ubaid seems excited about this new journey and gearing up for this year’s Hero I-League. He cannot wait anymore to start and contribute to his team.

Excerpts:

Q: How would it feel like facing Gokulam Kerala FC after winning the title with them last year?

A: I spent two years with Gokulam. I learnt a lot over there and achieved also. But that is the past. Now, I am a part of Sreenidi FC, and I believe in giving 100 per cent to the team. I will do everything in my capacity to win with Sreenidi.

Q: Thoughts on the new team, management and the community of Sreenidi Deccan FC? 

A: The team management has a clear vision for the upcoming season. Being a new team, everyone is full of energy here. There is good communication within the unit. We are sure about performing well this season.

Q: Your ambitions this season?

A: IFA Shield was a confidence-boosting experience. I want to improve further and perform better in I-League and make myself proud and, the ultimate goal is to make my team win.

For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football

The post Ubaid CK confident about new entrants Sreenidi Deccan FC leaving a mark in Hero I-League appeared first on Football Counter.

WIFA’s Hon. General Secretary Mr. Souter Vaz congratulated Kenkre FC, highlighting that the club will be the sole flagbearer from the state in the Hero I-League. Kenkre FC Director Joshua Lewis and Coach Akhil Kothari were also present at the press conference.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CXELw33K5br/?utm_medium=copy_link

Kenkre FC Director Joshua Lewis gave credit to the whole team that was always motivated and gritty to walk the extra mile. He also said that in the 21 years of the club’s existence, the club had always promoted local talent, and it believes in growing players in their backyard. He added all of this will stir up the impetus in the new and upcoming players.

Coach Akhil Kothari laid down the challenges ahead in terms of preparatory time. He also said the club as a unit has the clarity and intent to perform well in the Hero I-League. Akhil explained that the club intends to play the core team which participated in the Qualifiers in October without making too many changes.

Rajasthan United Football Club topped the qualifier charts by finishing first and Kenkre came second. In the yesteryears, Kenkre FC had made six attempts to breakthrough, and this was their lucky 7th. WIFA Secretary Souter Vaz confirmed that due to Chennai city FC pulling back from the tournament, Kenkre FC qualified after finishing at the runner-up position in the qualifiers.

Kenkre FC started their preparation camp today, and the team will be travelling to Kolkata on 16th December for the Hero I-League 2021-22 season commencing from 26 December 2021.

The post Hero I-League: Kenkre FC set to represent Maharashtra appeared first on Football Counter.

Andhra Pradesh Sports Minister Shri Muttamsetti Srinivasa Rao was the chief guest at the launch of the Visakhapatnam-based football club. Also present at the occasion were Meka Venkata Pratap Appa Rao, MLA, Nuzvid, AIFF General Secretary Mr. Kushal Das, AIFF Leagues CEO Mr. Sunando Dhar, and IAS Mr. Rama Mohan Rao.

Speaking at the occasion, Andhra Pradesh Sports Minister Shri M Srinivasa Rao remarked, “Mental and physical fitness is coming to Visakhapatnam in such a big way,” while also congratulating Sreenidi Deccan FC on the launch.

AIFF General Secretary Mr. Kushal Das stated, “We welcome Sreenidi Deccan FC to the Hero I-League, and it’s great to see a team from Vizag in the elite group, which would be having the best facilities.”

Sreenidhi will have their first experience of playing in the Hero I-League 2021-22 later this season. The 2021-22 edition of the Hero I-League is set to kick-off in December in Kolkata, the pandemic situation permitting.

CREDITS- AIFF MEDIA

For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football

Also Read: “In my mind, I’m always the best” – Yash Jhunjhunwala

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football

The post Hero I-League’s latest entrants Sreenidi Deccan Football Club launched in Visakhapatnam appeared first on Football Counter.

The game began with The Red & Golds understandably on the attack and pressing hard to take an early lead. Their first attempt to score came as early as in the 2nd minute of the game, but QEB were unable to draw first blood.

As the half progressed, however, QEB looked more under pressure to score and the hosts slowly but surely began to take charge. QEB also showcased high quality in defence and along with some stellar goalkeeping by Rakhsit Dagar ensured that the hosts did not take a lead.

Gokulam came close to scoring on a couple of occasions, with the closest chance coming in the 39th minute, but an improbable single-handed save by Dagar ensured that Trinidadian striker Marcus Joseph was foiled from close. The half-finished goalless.

QEB began the second half stronger as well and a Didika Ralte effort in the 62nd minute hit the right upright. The hosts, however, stunned the visitors when Marcus scored a wonderful goal off a slick Gokulam move.

Arjun Jayaraj passed ahead to Emmanuel just outside the top of the box and the Nigerian’s deft backheel set Marcus on his way on the left. The Trinidadian drove inside and unleashed an angled left-footer beating Dagar all ends-up.

QEB then increased the pressure and 10 minutes later Jamie Santos Colado restored parity off a penalty and Danmawia then put the Red & Golds ahead in the 85th minute with an opportunistic goal.

However, those two goals were not enough till the end as Chennai City FC romped home to their maiden league crown with the 3-1 win over former champions Minerva Punjab FC in Coimbatore.

Also Read: Bora takes center stage as Chennai City create history!

Also Read: Real Kashmir to the fore as Farooq brace sinks Neroca

Also Read: Bagan go out on a high against Shillong

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football.

The post HERO I-LEAGUE: East Bengal win but lose out on league title appeared first on Football Counter.

Chennai finished with 43 points, one ahead of Quess East Bengal (QEB), who despite winning their final game in Kozhikode against Gokulam Kerala, saw their dreams of the first-ever title triumph fade away in Coimbatore.

Pedro Manzi, their premiere Spanish striker fittingly scored a goal to join Churchill Brother’s Willis Plaza as the joint top scorer of the league with 21 goals apiece, but the day undoubtedly belonged to the young Gaurav Bora, a versatile defender cum midfielder who capped off a brilliant season with a double-strike when it mattered most for his team.

It did not begin perfectly as Minerva took an early lead in the 3rd minute of the game through Ukranian recruit Roland Bilala. It was off a Juan Querro free-kick from the right flank, that he rose to beat his marker and lodge his header into the back of the net.

Chennai kept pressing thereafter and with Nestor Gordillo missing through suspension, it was left to his fellow Spaniard Sandro Rodriguez to fuel all attacks. He along with Slovakian Jozef Kaplan and Romario Jesuraj, both of whom were constantly switching flanks, were constantly trying to create for Manzi.

For Minerva, most of their openings were being created by Querro from the left flank. The diminutive Spaniard finding goal-scorer Roland again in the 40th minute with a wonderful cross, but the Ukranian could not make most of a free-header this time.

Upon commencement of the second half, Chennai continued to get better control of the game. A Sydney Vanspaul effort in the 53rd minute from distance missed the target, but not by much.

Two minutes later, Chennai got the opening they were looking for on a platter. Akashdeep Singh in an effort to clear inadvertently handled the ball inside the box and referee Santhosh Bhaskaran had no hesitation in pointing to the spot.

Manzi displayed outrageous confidence in pointing the goalkeeper to the spot where he would be placing the ball and did exactly what to bring Chennai firmly back into title reckoning.

The young Gaurav Bora then made a name for a lifetime with two stunning strikes to put the issue beyond anyone’s doubt. Both goals came off corners taken by Sandro from the right flank.

The first in the 69th minute was earned by Sandro himself who then delivered perfectly and Bora coming in on the far post unmarked connected with a crisp volley to put Chennai ahead.

Then if QEB had any hopes remaining of a dying minute Minerva equalizer, Bora put paid them in the 3rd minute of injury time when off another Sandro corner, he came in and rose to head even more crisply to bulge the back of the Minerva net.

It was a fitting attacking and professional end to a brilliant campaign ably steered by Singaporean coach Akbar Nawas and as Bhaskaran blew for full-time there scenes of emotions and joy all around the stadium.

Also Read: Real Kashmir to the fore as Farooq brace sinks Neroca

Also Read: Bagan go out on a high against Shillong

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football.

The post HERO I-LEAGUE: Bora takes center stage as Chennai City create history! appeared first on Football Counter.

The game between Aizawl FC and Churchill Brothers FC Goa saw the visitors draw first blood through Willis Plaza in the 4th minute. An unfortunate own goal in the 42nd minute from Hussain Eldor of Churchill Brothers FC Goa saw the equalizer for Aizawl FC. Aizawl then took the lead in the 87th minute through Kromah who made no mistakes in converting a penalty that he had earned for the team to wrap up the game with a win a few minutes later. Aizawl FC goalkeeper Lalawmpuia was adjudged the hero of the match.

The Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Aizwal played host to the game between Aizawl FC and Churchill Brothers FC Goa. The hosts began the game in their traditional red kit while visitors Churchill Brothers FC Goa played in sky-blue.

Churchill started on an attacking note putting pressure on the home side right from the first minute. They were penetrating deep quite easily into the Aizawl FC defence and the results soon showed when Churchill Brothers FC Goa drew first blood as early as the 4th minute. Willis Plaza scored his 21st goal of the season through a beautiful cross from Nicholas Fernandes to take the scoreboard to 0-1 to Churchill Brothers FC Goa’s favour.

Churchill never really stopped attacking, thereafter, constantly trying to extend their lead, but full marks to Aizwal FC defenders Richard Kassaga and Govin Singh and goalkeeper for not allowing Churchill Brothers to score.

Aizawl FC looked settled by the half-hour mark into the first half and started creating chances through the combination of Issac, Lalrinchhanna constantly supplying to Kromah and Lalkhawpuimawia but Churchill’s defence was always on point disallowing the hosts to come close to any scoring opportunity.

Aizawl who were desperately looking for an equalizer finally managed to get an equalizer in the 42nd minute through an own goal from Churchill’s Hussain Eldor. What was interesting about this goal was the pressure that Aizawl FC created on Churchill’s defence when an outstanding cross from Lalrinchhanna to Lalkhawpuimawia was hastily interrupted by Eldor, but rather than clearing the ball safely, it ended up straight into the goal.

The game thereafter was an equal contest from both the teams bringing in a close to the first half with the scorecard reading 1-1.

The second half between Aizawl FC and Churchill Brothers FC Goa began with the hosts leading the attack to find a lead. Aizawl FC forwards Kromah and Lalkhawpuimawia kept the pressure up on Churchill Brothers but a combination of great defending and goalkeeping from the visitors ensured that Aizawl do not find a way to the back of the net.

Churchill Brothers, on the other hand, started with their attacks on the counter initially and found their way into the box as well, but lack of a good finish saw both the teams tied at 1-1 for a major part of the second half. Aizawl FC finally found their lead when Kromah made no mistake converting a penalty to hand Aizawl FC a 2-1 lead in the 87th minute.

Churchill Brothers FC Goa, thereafter, tried to restore parity but it was already too late. Aizawl FC, with this win, finished their 12th Hero I-League campaign in the 7th place with 24 points while Churchill Brothers FC Goa finished their campaign three places above with 34 points.

Also Read: Real Kashmir to the fore as Farooq brace sinks Neroca

Also Read: Bagan go out on a high against Shillong

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football.

The post HERO I-LEAGUE: Plaza shines but Churchill go down to Aizawl appeared first on Football Counter.

Real Kashmir, however, powered by a brace from Danish Farooq (29′, 48′) and Bazie Armand (57′) wrapped the game in style. Danish Farooq was adjudged the Hero of the match for this game.

In the game between Neroca FC and debutants Real Kashmir FC, it were the visitors Real Kashmir FC who pressed hard right from the start. They nearly scored a goal in the 10th minute but an unfortunate foul on the keeper saw the snow leopards goal disallowed.

Neroca FC who mostly attacked on the counter were unable to create a lot of chances thanks to some good defending by Real Kashmir FC. Neroca’s attacks soon yielded results when Subash Singh drew first blood for the hosts in the 18th minute through a pass from Chencho.

Real Kashmir now trailing by a goal started pressing harder but were unable to breach past the Neroca defence. Both the teams were defending well but Real Kashmir kept pressing hard and soon found their equalizer when an accurate pass from Surchandra Singh saw Danish Farooq make no mistake in finding the back of the net in the 29th minute.

The game thereafter was a mix of attacks from both Neroca FC and Real Kashmir FC with the visitors attacking more prominently but either team could not find the lead, as they would have wanted. The first half came to a close with both Neroca FC and Real Kashmir FC tied at 1-1.

At the Khuman Lampak Stadium, it were Real Kashmir who took the attacking lead at the start of the second half. Their pressure soon yielded results as Real Kashmir FC took a 2-1 lead in the 48th minute through Danish Farooq who scored his second goal of the game.

Neroca FC, trailing by a goal, now shifted gears and started pressing hard but lack of luck for them and great defending by Real Kashmir FC eluded them from finding the equalizer.

Real Kashmir FC scored their third goal in 57th minute when Bazie Armand headed it in giving the visitors comfortable 3-1 lead. Neroca FC, thereafter, pressed really hard but couldn’t create many opportunities to their favour. Their only consolation was their second goal which happened to come in the added time (90’ + 4’) through Felix Chidi, finally losing the game to Real Kashmir FC 2-3.

With this loss, Neroca FC finish their campaign in the sixth place with 26 points while Real Kashmir FC propel to the third position with 36 points on their debut season.

Also Read: Indian U17 World Cup star to train at English Championship side Blackburn Rovers 

Also Read: Pondicherry wins Futsal National Championship 2019 in their maiden appearance 

Also Read: Can FC Goa finish with a flourish

The post HERO I-LEAGUE: Real Kashmir to the fore as Farooq brace sinks Neroca appeared first on Football Counter.

The hosts then came back in the second half – taking the lead through Hero of the Match Buam in the 53rd minute, but an outsanding freekick in the 78th minute from Sony Norde saw the Mariners level scores. The Khalid Jamil-coached side struck back again through Britto in the 88th minute to finally seal the game in their favour. Mohun Bagan with this win finished their 2019 season at the fifth place in the 12th Hero I-League with 29 points to their kitty.

The game began with Shillong Lajong FC playing in Red while Mohun Bagan played in white. Visitors Mohun Bagan started the game on an attacking note but Shillong Lajong FC were equally agile not allowing the visitors an easy approach. The Kolkata giants made their intent very clear from the start building pressure on Shillong Lajong’s defence line and the effects were clearly visible when a miscommunication between Shillong’s defender Aiban and Goal Keeper Phurba Lachempa resulted in the latter receiving a yellow card and giving away a penalty kick to Mohun Bagan for a foul on Dipanda Dicka. The forward thereafter made no mistake in converting the penalty kick giving Mohun Bagan a very crucial lead in the 4th minute.

Shillong Lajong FC, despite the early setback, did not lose hope and kept trying to create chances but somehow could not convert any to their favour mostly due to the lack of a good finish. Though the Red Devils were the ones who had the lions share of the ball possession, it was Mohun Bagan who kept continuously pressing hard trying to double their lead. Dipanda Dicka along with Sony Norde made a few attempts but a more alert Lajong Defence ensured the visitors do not extend their lead any further.

The hosts, on the other hand, made some interesting attempts and nearly scored through Donboklang within the regulation time in the first half, but the woodwork played a spoilsport for them. They did not stop trying and were soon rewarded in the first minute of added time at the end of the first 45 minutes when a soft push from Arijit Bagui on Phrangki Buam inside the box saw the latter earning a penalty for the hosts. Buam thereafter made no mistakes in finding the much-needed equalizer for Shillong Lajong FC in the 46th minute, bringing the first half to an end.

The second half began with Shillong Lajong FC pressing hard right from the start. The combination of Donbokland, Buam and Mahesh kept making consistent attacks right from the start troubling the Bagan defence and results soon came their way when an inch-perfect pass from Donboklang to Pharngki Buam saw the latter make no mistakes in beating Shankar Roy to find the back of the net taking a crucial 2-1 lead in the 53rd minute.

Mohun Bagan, who were now trailing by a goal, shifted gears and increased the pressure trying to make opportunities to find an equalizer, but full credit to an alert defence of the Red Devils, the Mariners were unable to find a way to score. Mohun Bagan’s efforts for an equalizer gained pace in the second – last quarter of the second half and Britto’s introduction in the 72nd minute just added a lot of sheen to the combination of Sony Norde and Dipanda Dicka.

Results soon came when just six minutes later in the 78th minute Sony Norde showcased his class scoring an outstanding equalizer from a free kick which came their way after Freestar’s tackle on William was penalized just outside the box.

Jamil’s side then came back hard on the young Lajong Defence making a series of attempts but somehow could not finish to take the lead. Shillong, who made a few attempts through Buam and Donbok, could not find the right angle to redeem their state to take the crucial lead that they lost to a silly tackle. Mohun Bagan, however, found their way when Britto scored in the 88th minute on a rebound that was a result of a good save by Phurba Lachempa from a Dipanda Dicka attempt taking the scoreline to 2-3 in the Mariners’ favour.

Also Read: Joseph winner helps Gokulam steer clear of relegation

Also Read: Esqueda and East Bengal take title race to final day!

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football.

The post HERO I-LEAGUE: Bagan go out on a high against Shillong appeared first on Football Counter.

The equation is very simple for both sides. If Chennai win against defending champions Minerva Punjab FC at their home ground, the Nehru Stadium in Coimbatore, they will land a maiden national crown in remarkably, just their third year in the league. Even a draw can see them through, provided QEB do not win at the EMS Corporation Stadium against Gokulam Kerala FC.

QEB, on the other hand, have to win and will be hoping Minerva do them a favour by beating Chennai. For the record, after 19 games each, Chennai are on 40 and QEB on 39 points respectively. Both games begin simultaneously at 5 PM IST.

It will be history making of contrasting styles for both sides. For the Kolkata-based QEB, who go into their centenary year next year, the Hero I-League crown is missing and is probably the one dark spot in a glittering and rich history. It is something their legion of die-hards are willing to exchange for most of their 130 trophies, including three international crowns, that the famous club has won so far.

For Chennai City FC, founded by two young football-loving owners based out of Chennai, this will be nothing short of a dream. The club has exhibited immense vision in its short existence, right from the appointment of and freedom given to Singaporean coach Akbar Nawas to scout and build the team for this season, to getting on board top European club FC Basel as part owners of the club in a landmark deal earlier in the year.

There are however two 90-minute games of top division competitive football still to be played before either Chennai or QEB can think about celebrations.

In Coimbatore, Chennai will sorely miss Nestor Gordillo, a key member of a troika of attack-minded Spaniards in the Chennai ranks. League joint top scorer Pedro Manzi and Sandro Rodriguez being the other two. The trio has accounted for 37 of Chennai’s 45 goals.

The value of Nestor to the team is far beyond his eight goals and nine assists delivered in the campaign thus far. His vision, trickery and passing ability has rarely been seen in an Indian domestic football season in the recent past.

Minerva, who will be playing their last game as defending Hero I-League champions, after a stormy season which saw foreign players recruited and discarded so frequently, that even the most ardent followers have lost count, have worn a settled look over the past couple of games though. No surprise then that the one win in their last 11 Hero I-League games also came in one of those.

Minerva love to win titles and with the Super Cup coming up next, the Chennai defence could be all set to be the highest conceding defence of a Champion team if they win the crown, and the ‘Warriors’ from Punjab will fancy their chances as party-poopers as well as to put them in good stead for the knockout tournament ahead.

Further down south in Calicut, the Malabarians of Gokulam Kerala FC find themselves in a similar situation as Minerva and no surprise, therefore, that they also have the same points and just one position apart on the points table.

Like Minerva, while they have maintained a small core of Indian players throughout the league, their foreign player composition is drastically different from what they started out with. Marcus Joseph, the top scorer of the Trinidadian pro-league, has been the most welcome addition and has scored five times in his eight starts since coming in.

Even that might not be enough for a QEB in prime form and coached most magnificently by Spaniard Alejandro Menendez Garcia. The Red & Golds have won five of their last seven games and more importantly have looked a thoroughly professional and well-oiled unit with multiple players identified in all key positions.

Coach Garcia has also displayed sound tactical acumen and has been able to bring out the best from not only his foreign recruits but also the Indian players. Didika Ralte and Danmawia Ralte have been revelations this season and Enrique Esqueda has been a man transformed since returning from a mid-season injury break.

The only sore point from the Red & Golds perspective will be local Kerala lad and the league’s highest Indian goal-scorer Jobby Justin missing out due to suspension. It might become crucial in the end calculations.

As far as the main coaches in focus are concerned, Garcia presented the more calmer picture while Akbar of Chennai acknowledged pressure on the players in the pre-match press conference.

The excitement is palpable and eyes of all football lovers come Saturday, will be remain focused on the South of the country, to see who wears the coveted Hero I-League crown.

Also Read: Joseph winner helps Gokulam steer clear of relegation

Also Read: Esqueda and East Bengal take title race to final day!

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football.

The post HERO I-LEAGUE: Southern sonata on final day of nail biting title race! appeared first on Football Counter.

Two games beginning simultaneously at two venues at 2 PM IST – one at Imphal’s Khuman Lampak stadium between local side Neroca FC and debutants Real Kashmir FC, and the other at Aizawl’s Rajiv Gandhi Stadium between hosts Aizawl FC and Goan giants Churchill Brothers FC might see the league’s third place decided at the end of 90 minutes.

The larger battle across the two games is really between Churchill Brothers and Real Kashmir. The Goans are placed third currently with 34 points and will be ending their league campaign on Saturday.

Kashmir are a point behind in fourth, but with a re-scheduled game in hand against Minerva, will know that if they win on Saturday and Churchill do not, the third spot is secure and that would still qualify as a stupendous effort on debut.

It will certainly not be easy for the David Robertson-coached ‘Snow Leopards’, given Neroca are a proud team and are very strong at home, where they have lost only once in this campaign to Quess East Bengal, that too in their very first game over four months back.

Even in the first round clash at the TRC ground in Srinagar, Neroca ran out 2-0 winners over Kashmir, courtesy a brace by their premiere Nigerian striker Felix Chidi, who has found the back of the net seven times this season.

Kashmir have not won in three games, have been criss-crossing the country over the past 10 days and given the strength of their opponents, are in for a lot of hard work to cement third-spot on Saturday.

Churchill, on the other hand, will feel more confident if they can jog their memories back to the first-leg fixture between the two sides at the Tilak Maidan in Goa, where a rampant home side had overwhelmed Aizawl 4-1.

Under new coach Stanley Rozario however, Aizawl are a transformed and inspired side. They have picked up three wins in the last four matches and with the added incentive of finishing a spot above their current eighth position following a good result on Saturday, will be dangerous at home.

Churchill will bank heavily on the league’s joint top scorer Willis Plaza. The Trinidadian has had a phenomenal season and his 20 goals have been a masterclass in clinical finishing after a tough season last time around.

Both coaches Rozario and Churchill’s Romanian coach Petra Gigiu did not ooze confidence at the pre-match presser. While Gigiu was concerned about his players being tired after a gruelling season, the Aizawl coach had concerns on injuries and suspension. Both, however, promised a strong showing.

What will also please the Aizawl coach in particular, is the fact that in their previous two back-to-back wins, the team has scored seven goals and finally looked like gelling together as a team. Certainly, Saturday promises an exciting day of Hero I-League football.

Also Read: Joseph winner helps Gokulam steer clear of relegation

Also Read: Esqueda and East Bengal take title race to final day!

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football.

The post HERO I-LEAGUE: High altitude and pressure in the battle for third place! appeared first on Football Counter.