For the first time in the tournament’s illustrious history, the Durand Cup opened with the iconic Kolkata Derby, setting the tone for a new domestic football season in front of a packed Salt Lake Stadium. The contest lived up to its billing, delivering intensity, fierce challenges and end-to-end football, before Sahal Abdul Samad’s decisive second-half strike separated the two sides.

Both teams entered the encounter under new head coaches, with Panagiotis Dilmperis taking charge of Mohun Bagan while Antonio López Habas began his latest spell with East Bengal. Despite limited pre-season preparation, the two Kolkata giants showcased the passion and competitiveness that have defined one of Asian football’s greatest rivalries for over a century.

The opening exchanges saw both sides look to settle into the contest, with East Bengal enjoying spells of possession while Mohun Bagan threatened on the break. Chances came at either end, but disciplined defending and alert goalkeeping ensured the deadlock remained intact heading into the interval.

The decisive moment arrived seven minutes into the second half. High pressing from Mohun Bagan forced East Bengal into a costly turnover deep inside their own half before Kiyan Nassiri raced down the right flank and delivered a dangerous low cross into the six-yard area. Although Manvir Singh failed to make clean contact with an attempted backheel, the ball rolled perfectly into the path of Sahal Abdul Samad, who calmly slotted home from close range to hand the Mariners a crucial lead.

Trailing by a goal, East Bengal responded with urgency and pushed numbers forward in search of an equaliser. The Red and Gold Brigade created several promising opportunities during the closing stages, but Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Vishal Kaith stood tall when his side needed him most. The India international produced a series of crucial saves while the Mariners’ defence absorbed relentless pressure to preserve their slender advantage until the final whistle.

For Mohun Bagan, the victory not only secured three valuable points in Group A but also extended their dominance in one of Indian football’s most celebrated rivalries. Sahal’s composed finish, Nassiri’s determination in creating the goal and Kaith’s commanding display between the posts proved to be the defining factors in an otherwise evenly contested affair.

While East Bengal will take encouragement from their attacking intent and improved second-half display, missed opportunities ultimately proved costly. Habas’ side now faces the challenge of bouncing back quickly as the group stage progresses.

As fireworks lit up the Kolkata sky and thousands of supporters created a spectacular atmosphere inside the Salt Lake Stadium, the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup could hardly have asked for a more dramatic curtain-raiser. The Kolkata Derby once again reminded Indian football why it remains the country’s biggest club rivalry, with Mohun Bagan drawing first blood in the race for this year’s Durand Cup crown.

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Coming into the match with strong momentum after recently securing their place in the I-League 2 with an impressive home performance, MYJ looked sharper and more confident from the start.

ICL Mumbai, meanwhile, also entered the clash on the back of a commendable campaign after fighting their way through the playoff group stage.

The match began cautiously with both teams focused on staying compact and avoiding early mistakes. However, MYJ gradually started looking more threatening in attack.

Their biggest chance of the first half came just before the water break when Shravan made a clever run into the penalty area before being brought down inside the box. The referee immediately pointed to the spot, giving MYJ a golden opportunity to take the lead.

But ICL goalkeeper Pradip Naskar produced a brilliant save, diving low to deny Arif Shaikh’s penalty attempt and keeping the scores level.

Both sides went into halftime locked at 0-0 with everything still to play for.

ICL Mumbai nearly punished MYJ midway through the second half after a costly defensive error during a goal-kick routine.

Paramjeet’s misplaced pass fell kindly to Zeeshan near the edge of the box. Although the chance opened up perfectly for him, the forward slipped at the crucial moment and failed to get his shot away, allowing MYJ to escape.

MYJ responded with a major chance of their own soon after. A quick passing move involving Miit, Sujal and Arvindraj Rajan carved open the ICL defence. Arvindraj delivered a perfectly weighted through ball to Tanmay, who found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper. Yet again, Naskar came to ICL’s rescue with another outstanding save.

Pratham Ghatnur then missed a huge opportunity from inside the six-yard box after brilliantly dribbling past multiple defenders, only to fire his effort wide despite getting into a comfortable scoring position.

However, the striker made amends moments later.
MYJ skipper Kamlesh Nadar floated in a dangerous curling delivery into the box and Ghatnur rose unmarked to power home a header and finally break the deadlock.

The goal proved enough as MYJ held on till the final whistle to seal their place in the MPL 2025-26 final.

With this victory, MYJ also secured their third consecutive top-two finish in the Mumbai Premier League since joining the competition — another sign of the club’s remarkable consistency.

ICL Mumbai will now face Reliance Foundation Young Champs in the third-place playoff on May 21, while MYJ will take on MH Oranje FC in the final of the Mumbai Premier League 2025-26.

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For hosts MYJ-GMSC, a hard-fought 1-1 draw against FC Bengaluru United ensured survival in the I-League 2. For the visitors, the same result sealed a long-awaited promotion to the I-League after years of persistence and near misses.

It was a night where everything was at stake, yet both sides knew their fate rested firmly in their own hands. MYJ-GMSC needed only a point to avoid relegation in their debut national division campaign, while FC Bengaluru United required a draw or better to finally secure their place in Indian football’s second tier.

The tension was visible from the opening whistle and Bengaluru United struck early to stun the home crowd. A dangerous delivery into the near post was met perfectly by Lijo, whose glancing header found the back of the net to hand the visitors the lead within the opening minutes.

The goal left MYJ-GMSC rattled. The hosts struggled to cope with Bengaluru United’s intensity and looked nervy in possession for most of the first half. Their touches lacked sharpness and the attacking rhythm was missing, but they managed to stay alive in the contest heading into the break.
One of the few promising moments for the hosts came in the 40th minute. Kean Lewis floated a long diagonal ball towards Shamer on the left flank. The winger cut inside before delivering a teasing cross into the box, where ArvindRaj Rajan connected with a near-post header, only for Bengaluru United’s defence to clear the danger.

Recognising the need for change, MYJ-GMSC made a crucial tactical substitution at halftime by introducing Shravan Shetty — a move that transformed the contest almost instantly.

Just two minutes into the second half, the hosts found their equaliser. Kean Lewis’ free-kick delivery caused confusion inside the six-yard box and after the ball ricocheted into a dangerous area, Shravan reacted quickest to slot home calmly into the bottom-left corner.

The goal completely changed the complexion of the match.
Suddenly, MYJ-GMSC looked sharper, quicker and far more confident in possession. A side that had struggled for consistency throughout the season began to play with renewed belief and urgency.

Their midfield, marshalled by the experienced duo of Advait Shinde and Arvind Raj Rajan, dictated the tempo and threaded passes into the attacking third with authority.
While Youngster Sujal Ghanekar, handed an opportunity only recently, delivered another composed performance in the deeper midfield role. He covered ground tirelessly, won possession repeatedly and distributed the ball efficiently as MYJ-GMSC gained control of the game.

As the clock ticked down, tension around the stadium continued to rise. Every challenge, every clearance and every forward run carried enormous significance. But when the referee finally blew for full time, relief and joy erupted from both camps.

For MYJ-GMSC, it marked survival in their first season at the national level — a reward for resilience under immense pressure. For FC Bengaluru United, it was the culmination of years of ambition and perseverance, as the Bengaluru-based side finally earned promotion to the I-League.

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SSE Soccer Schools (BFC) – Mumbai’s longest-serving and most trusted grassroots football program, with over 17 years of experience in player development.

With a proven training methodology and a clear pathway for aspiring footballers, SSE Soccer Schools ( BFC) continues to shape confident, intelligent players both on and off the pitch.

What players receive at the academy:

– Individual, skills-based training using Coerver Coaching (World’s No.1 Soccer Skills Teaching Method)

– Year-round competitive matches, including official district, state & national tournaments (AIFF Youth Leagues)

– Exposure to pan-India tournaments & international training camps, with player pathway opportunities in India & Europe

– Training on age-appropriate ground sizes designed for maximum development

Trials are now open

Step onto the pitch and experience the training environment firsthand.

Wings Sports Center, Bandra West

Weekday Trials:
Thursday, 14th May
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

U8, U10, U12, U14 (Boys & Girls), U17 Girls

– U8 to U14 –  Born 2013 to 2020

– U14 Girls – Born in 2013 & 2014

– U17 Girls – Born in 2010, 2011 and 2012

Weekend Trials:
16th May, Saturday: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
17th May, Sunday: 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM

U16 & U18 ( Born 2009 to 2012) 

Register now:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd4AzYpMBW-f9RbNTizAzT_ml_UZon31CrJLNWCAfrEDdMWpA/viewform
or simply scan the QR code on the post

For More Info, email us on [email protected]

Note: Trials are for Mumbai, Thane and Navi Mumbai residents only.

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The club’s highly anticipated I-League 3 campaign is set to start on April 28th in Imphal, Manipur.

Mumbay FC’s journey to the national tier wasn’t just a stroke of luck—it was earned through an unbeaten run. The club was crowned the inaugural champions of the Maharashtra State Club League Championship (MSMFL), a tournament designed by the WIFA to create a clear pathway for district teams to reach the national divisions.

By bringing the “best of the best” from every district together, the MSMFL tested Mumbay FC’s depth. Their clinical performance and tactical superiority during that campaign made massive statement in their debut season.

The Group of Death:

Placed in Group B, Mumbay FC faces a formidable challenge in the hills of Manipur. They are pitted against a mix of historic giants and rising powerhouses:

TRAU FC (Host & Former I-League side)
Zinc FA – Rajasthan
Club De Salgaocar – Goa
Samaleshwari SC – Odisha

Playing the hosts, TRAU FC, in their opening fixture at the SAI Turf Ground will be a true “litmus test” for the Mumbai side.

The team began their intensive pre-season on March 16th, leaving no stone unturned in their preparation for the high-altitude and high-intensity demands of the I-League 3.

Notably, the club made a decision during the second edition of the MSMFL, fielding their Reserve Team instead of the senior squad. Explaining the move, Mumbay FC’s Technical Director, Zoheb, highlighted a “safety-first” approach aimed at long-term success.

“Our participation in the state league this year was for the Reserve team. Because the ground was not in the best of its condition, a lot of injuries could possibly happen. We wanted to give exposure and game time to our U-19 players,” stated Zoheb.

This calculated move ensured that the senior core remained fresh, injury-free, and hyper-focused on the primary objective: Promotion.

As the squad flew to Imphal, the dreams of Mumbai football fans fly with them. Can the champions of Maharashtra become the new face of Indian football’s third tier?

Mumbay FC begins their campaign on April 28th against TRAU FC. Stay tuned to Football Counter for exclusive updates, match reports, and behind-the-scenes coverage of Mumbay FC’s debut National test!

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The Islanders fielded an unchanged XI, while NorthEast United made three adjustments as both sides searched for early control. The visitors started brightly with good spells of possession but struggled to break through Mumbai’s disciplined backline.

Mumbai created the first clear chance when Chhangte’s powerful strike from distance was tipped over by Gurmeet Singh. Jorge Pereyra Díaz and Brandon Fernandes also tried their luck, while NorthEast responded through Jithin MS, who dragged an effort wide after a set-piece situation.

The first half ended without a goal despite promising moments from both teams.

NorthEast broke the deadlock just three minutes into the second half. A well-delivered free-kick from Andy Rodríguez caused confusion inside the box, and Jithin MS reacted sharply to fire a precise finish into the near post, handing the Highlanders a 1-0 lead.

The visitors continued to look dangerous from set-pieces, while Mumbai increased the tempo in search of an equaliser. Vikram Pratap Singh went close from distance, and Brandon saw an effort blocked as the Islanders pushed forward.

The breakthrough for Mumbai arrived in the 84th minute. Joni Kauko lifted a perfectly weighted ball into the path of Pereyra Díaz, whose shot was parried by Gurmeet. Chhangte was quickest to react, nodding home from close range to level the contest. The forward’s impact earned him the Player of the Match award.

Both sides had late opportunities to snatch victory, but neither could find the finishing touch. The match concluded 1-1, with the Islanders showing resilience to claw their way back into the contest.

After three gameweeks, Mohun Bagan Super Giant sit at the top with nine points, followed by Jamshedpur FC on goal difference. FC Goa and Mumbai City FC occupy third and fourth place respectively, both on seven points. Gameweek 4 kicks off on March 5, with East Bengal FC hosting FC Goa.

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The contest began cautiously, with both sides struggling to find rhythm in the final third. Odisha’s first real opportunity came in the 14th minute when Isak Ralte burst down the left flank, but his effort drifted wide. Chennaiyin responded through Iñigo Martín, whose attempts were either blocked or narrowly off target as both teams searched for a breakthrough.

The visitors eventually struck just before the break. In stoppage time of the first half, Farukh Choudhary delivered a pinpoint corner and Elsinho rose unmarked to head Chennaiyin into a 1-0 lead. Odisha nearly responded immediately, with Rahul KP forcing a fine save from Mohammad Nawaz and Rahim Ali going close from the resulting set-piece.

The second half saw a similar pattern, with both teams battling for control but finding limited clear openings. The turning point arrived in the 68th minute. After Isak won a free-kick, Lalthathanga Khawlhring delivered a deep cross into the box, and Carlos Delgado climbed above the defence to nod home the equaliser.

Chennaiyin attempted to regain the lead, with Imran Khan and Martín both trying their luck, but Amrinder Singh remained alert in goal for the hosts. Odisha, marshalled by Delgado at the back, stayed organised and prevented any clear-cut chances in the closing stages.

Despite late pressure from both teams, neither could find a decisive second goal. The match ended 1-1, with Saviour Gama earning the Player of the Match award for his composed display as Odisha FC secured a valuable point at

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The derby exploded into life from the first whistle. Mohun Bagan applied early pressure, with Jason Cummings and Robson Azevedo testing the Mohammedan defence. Yet it was the visitors who struck first in the 12th minute. Lalthankima rose highest to meet Lalngaihsaka’s corner and powered a header past Vishal Kaith, stunning the home crowd.

The response from the Mariners was swift and ruthless. Robson Azevedo hit the crossbar before curling in a precise finish in the 22nd minute to restore parity. Just four minutes later, the Brazilian struck again, reacting quickest to a loose ball inside the box to put Mohun Bagan ahead.

Jamie Maclaren added a third in the 35th minute after a defensive lapse, calmly finishing from close range to send the Mariners into half-time with a firm grip on the contest.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Mohun Bagan dictating the tempo. Manvir Singh extended the lead in the 62nd minute, his diving header taking a deflection on its way in. Dimitri Petratos then produced a moment of brilliance in the 70th minute, unleashing a powerful long-range strike that clipped the woodwork before finding the net.

Mohammedan attempted to respond with long-range efforts, but Mohun Bagan remained in complete control. Subhajit Bhattacharjee prevented the margin from growing further with a string of saves, denying Liston Colaco, Sahal Abdul Samad, and Maclaren.

At full time, the 5-1 scoreline reflected Mohun Bagan’s dominance in every department. Robson Azevedo’s influential display earned him the Player of the Match award, as the Mariners underlined their title ambitions with a statement derby victory.

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The match began cautiously, with both sides testing each other without committing too many numbers forward. Rohit Danu registered the first meaningful attempt for the visitors, while Kerala threatened from set-pieces, with Oumar Bah heading wide. Lithuanian forward Nauris Petkevičius looked lively for Inter Kashi, going close before eventually making his presence count.

The breakthrough came in the 34th minute. Alfred Planas split the defence with a perfectly weighted through ball, allowing Petkevičius to create space and fire a powerful right-footed strike into the net, giving Inter Kashi a deserved lead. Kerala had a chance to respond before the interval, but Korou Singh failed to convert from close range.

The hosts returned after the break with greater urgency. Jai Quitongo and Muhammad Ajsal both tested the Inter Kashi defence, but goalkeeper Lluis Tarrés stood tall, making crucial saves to preserve the advantage. Inter Kashi, meanwhile, remained dangerous on the counter.

In the 78th minute, the visitors struck again. Petkevičius turned provider this time, setting up Alfred Planas on the right side of the box. The Spaniard calmly slotted his effort into the bottom corner to double the lead and put Inter Kashi in firm control.

Kerala Blasters pulled one back in the 84th minute through a stunning acrobatic finish from Víctor Bertomeu, raising hopes of a late comeback. Bertomeu came close again in stoppage time, but Inter Kashi defended resolutely to protect their lead.

The final whistle confirmed a historic 2-1 win for Inter Kashi FC, with Alfred Planas earning the Player of the Match award for his influential display in a landmark victory.

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The contest began on even terms, with both sides searching for early openings. Roshan Singh tested his luck from a free-kick for the hosts, while Dani Ramírez tried from distance at the other end. Punjab looked particularly dangerous from set-pieces, with Bede Osuji and Pablo Santos both troubling the Bengaluru defence.

The breakthrough arrived in the 20th minute. Manglenthang Kipgen floated in a pinpoint cross to the near post, where Nsungusi Jr. Effiong rose highest and thundered a header into the top corner to give the Shers the lead.

Bengaluru attempted to respond through a series of corners but lacked precision in the final third. Punjab nearly doubled their advantage when Bijoy glanced a header narrowly wide. Soon after the water break, the visitors struck again. Effiong collected a pass from Ramírez at the edge of the area and drilled a low left-footed finish into the bottom corner, completing his brace and putting Punjab firmly in control.

Trailing by two goals at half-time, Bengaluru head coach Renedy Singh introduced fresh legs, including Sunil Chhetri, in an effort to spark a comeback. The Blues pushed forward with intent, and Chhetri had their best chance in the 58th minute, but his close-range effort went wide. Kuziev and Chhetri both threatened, yet Punjab’s defence remained organised and resolute.

Despite sustained pressure from the hosts, Punjab stayed disciplined at the back and managed the game smartly in the closing stages. Arshdeep Singh stood strong in goal, ensuring a clean sheet as the Shers saw out the match comfortably.

The 2-0 victory lifts Punjab FC to their first three points of the campaign, with Nsungusi Jr. Effiong earning the Player of the Match award for his decisive first-half brace.

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