Zuber Desai is a well-known figure in Indian football, bringing with him a strong blend of professional playing experience and coaching expertise. As a player, he has represented clubs such as DSK Shivajians and Pune FC, and has also featured in the Santosh Trophy, representing Indian Railways and Central Railway Mumbai. He further represented India at the SGFI Under-18 level, gaining valuable exposure at the international stage.

On the coaching front, Desai holds an AFC ‘B’ Coaching Licence along with a Grassroots Licence, and has worked across senior and youth football structures. His coaching experience includes roles as Assistant Coach at PIFA Colaba, Head Coach of DK Pharma (Mumbai Elite Division), and Head Coach of CASA Football Academy (Madhya Pradesh). He is also a Founder Member of Desai Football Academy, underlining his long-term commitment to football development.

The appointment marks an important step for Andaman & Nicobar football as the association looks to strengthen its presence at the national level. With Desai’s experience in elite competitions and structured coaching environments, the team will aim to compete with greater organisation, discipline, and confidence at the Santosh Trophy.

The Andaman & Nicobar Football Association has expressed confidence in Desai’s leadership and vision as the team prepares for the championship. His focus will be on preparation, tactical clarity, and maximising the potential of the squad selected for the tournament.

As the countdown begins for the Santosh Trophy 2025–26, all eyes will be on Zuber Desai and the Andaman & Nicobar team as they gear up to face India’s best in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh.

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The post Zuber Desai Appointed Head Coach of Andaman & Nicobar for Santosh Trophy 2025–26 appeared first on Football Counter.

It was Western Railway who got the better of the early exchanges as PT Somi’s through ball in the 13th minute of play was well intercepted by striker Charanjeet Singh, who broke clear of the offside trap set by Central Railway’s defense to net the first goal of the game.

With a one goal cushion, Western hogged most of the ball possession and their midfield was at it again, when a good passing move was directed towards Charanjeet Singh on the left flank, on spotting Tarun Nirwan making the run inside the box, Charanjeet provided a pin point delivery which Tarun comfortably tapped in for the 2nd goal.

Central Railway never gave up hopes & look determined to claw their way back into the game. In the 2nd half, they did just that, keeping the pressure on the Western defense, a corner kick from Krishna Naidu in the 52nd minute was misjudged and fell to the feet of Central Railway’s Chetan Waghela, who did well to shimmy past a defender and slot the ball home.

Just 2 minutes later though, Central Railway’s hard work was all undone with an unfortunate handball in the box, a cross from Clayton D’souza caught Krishna Naidu square on the hand and  referee Tapash Ghosh made no hesitation in pointing towards the spot. Western Railway’s most experienced player PT Somi stepped up to take the penalty and he made no mistake, as he converted the spot kick with ease.

Having the lead Western Railway looked vulnerable, with a lot of  mistakes in defense, fortunately for them Central’s striker Karim Shaikh was having an off day with many missed chances, the best of them being, when a clearance from Western Railway’s goalkeeper Nisarulla Khan, came off Karim’s back and fell right into his path, he did well to dribble past him but was unable to place the ball in an empty net.

Fighting a lost cause, Central did not give up hopes. They got another goal in extra time through Zubair Desai who headed the ball in from a wonderful cross by Krishna Naidu but it was a little too late as the game ended 3-2 in favor of Western Railway.

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