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India wraps up quick win against Mongolia in Billie Jean King Cup Asia/Oceania Group I  Away from the spotlight, India stamped its dominance with a 3-0 win against minnow Mongolia in the Billie Jean King Cup Asia/Oceania Group I tie to keep chances of advancing alive by the barest of margins in New Delhi on Friday.Playing on Court 1 after three days of action on the Centre Court, India had little trouble wrapping up the day’s proceedings in less than three hours.Zeel Desai, put in by captain Vishal Uppal for match practice, drubbed 15-year-old Anu-Vjin Gantor 6-0, 6-0 in just 37 minutes for a winning start to her Billie Jean King Cup debut. Sahaja Yamalapalli followed suit, taking five minutes more for her win against 32-year-old Jargal Altansarnai by an identical scoreline. The quick wrap up will not only give the players time to recover but also increase confidence before the crucial tie against Korea on Saturday.
                                                            | Photo Credit: 
                                SHIV KUMAR PUSHPAKAR
                            

                            The quick wrap up will not only give the players time to recover but also increase confidence before the crucial tie against Korea on Saturday.
                                                            | Photo Credit: 
                                SHIV KUMAR PUSHPAKAR
                                                    With Ankita Raina rested, Vaishnavi Adkar then teamed up with Rutuja Bhosale to complete the formalities 6-1, 6-0 in 48 minutes as the matches had lesser intensity than a casual hitting session.For Zeel, who pulled out of an ITF semifinal to join the Indian side at the last minute, it was a walk in the park. The few points that her opponent did manage were more due to errors from Zeel than her own efforts, sending the ball flying in all directions and barely able to garner enough strength for a decent return. It was the same story in the other two matches, the Mongolians barely staying in the match.The Indians wouldn’t complain, though, given the importance of every game, set and match to have any mathematical chance of staying in the race. The quick wrap up will not only give the players time to recover but also increase confidence before the crucial tie against Korea on Saturday. India is currently fourth in the six-team competition with only the top-two advancing.
The results:

India bt Mongolia 3-0 (Zeel Desai bt Anu-Vjin Gantor 6-0, 6-0; Sahaja Yamalapalli bt Jargal Altansarnai 6-0, 6-0; Vaishnavi Adkar & Rutuja Bhosale bt Khongorzul Aldarkhishig & Anu-Vijn Gantor 6-1, 6-0).
Published on Apr 10, 2026  #India #wraps #quick #win #againstMongoliain #Billie #Jean #King #Cup #AsiaOceania #Group

India wraps up quick win against Mongolia in Billie Jean King Cup Asia/Oceania Group I

Away from the spotlight, India stamped its dominance with a 3-0 win against minnow Mongolia in the Billie Jean King Cup Asia/Oceania Group I tie to keep chances of advancing alive by the barest of margins in New Delhi on Friday.

Playing on Court 1 after three days of action on the Centre Court, India had little trouble wrapping up the day’s proceedings in less than three hours.

Zeel Desai, put in by captain Vishal Uppal for match practice, drubbed 15-year-old Anu-Vjin Gantor 6-0, 6-0 in just 37 minutes for a winning start to her Billie Jean King Cup debut. Sahaja Yamalapalli followed suit, taking five minutes more for her win against 32-year-old Jargal Altansarnai by an identical scoreline.

India wraps up quick win against Mongolia in Billie Jean King Cup Asia/Oceania Group I  Away from the spotlight, India stamped its dominance with a 3-0 win against minnow Mongolia in the Billie Jean King Cup Asia/Oceania Group I tie to keep chances of advancing alive by the barest of margins in New Delhi on Friday.Playing on Court 1 after three days of action on the Centre Court, India had little trouble wrapping up the day’s proceedings in less than three hours.Zeel Desai, put in by captain Vishal Uppal for match practice, drubbed 15-year-old Anu-Vjin Gantor 6-0, 6-0 in just 37 minutes for a winning start to her Billie Jean King Cup debut. Sahaja Yamalapalli followed suit, taking five minutes more for her win against 32-year-old Jargal Altansarnai by an identical scoreline. The quick wrap up will not only give the players time to recover but also increase confidence before the crucial tie against Korea on Saturday.
                                                            | Photo Credit: 
                                SHIV KUMAR PUSHPAKAR
                            

                            The quick wrap up will not only give the players time to recover but also increase confidence before the crucial tie against Korea on Saturday.
                                                            | Photo Credit: 
                                SHIV KUMAR PUSHPAKAR
                                                    With Ankita Raina rested, Vaishnavi Adkar then teamed up with Rutuja Bhosale to complete the formalities 6-1, 6-0 in 48 minutes as the matches had lesser intensity than a casual hitting session.For Zeel, who pulled out of an ITF semifinal to join the Indian side at the last minute, it was a walk in the park. The few points that her opponent did manage were more due to errors from Zeel than her own efforts, sending the ball flying in all directions and barely able to garner enough strength for a decent return. It was the same story in the other two matches, the Mongolians barely staying in the match.The Indians wouldn’t complain, though, given the importance of every game, set and match to have any mathematical chance of staying in the race. The quick wrap up will not only give the players time to recover but also increase confidence before the crucial tie against Korea on Saturday. India is currently fourth in the six-team competition with only the top-two advancing.
The results:

India bt Mongolia 3-0 (Zeel Desai bt Anu-Vjin Gantor 6-0, 6-0; Sahaja Yamalapalli bt Jargal Altansarnai 6-0, 6-0; Vaishnavi Adkar & Rutuja Bhosale bt Khongorzul Aldarkhishig & Anu-Vijn Gantor 6-1, 6-0).
Published on Apr 10, 2026  #India #wraps #quick #win #againstMongoliain #Billie #Jean #King #Cup #AsiaOceania #Group

The quick wrap up will not only give the players time to recover but also increase confidence before the crucial tie against Korea on Saturday. | Photo Credit: SHIV KUMAR PUSHPAKAR

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The quick wrap up will not only give the players time to recover but also increase confidence before the crucial tie against Korea on Saturday. | Photo Credit: SHIV KUMAR PUSHPAKAR

With Ankita Raina rested, Vaishnavi Adkar then teamed up with Rutuja Bhosale to complete the formalities 6-1, 6-0 in 48 minutes as the matches had lesser intensity than a casual hitting session.

For Zeel, who pulled out of an ITF semifinal to join the Indian side at the last minute, it was a walk in the park. The few points that her opponent did manage were more due to errors from Zeel than her own efforts, sending the ball flying in all directions and barely able to garner enough strength for a decent return. It was the same story in the other two matches, the Mongolians barely staying in the match.

The Indians wouldn’t complain, though, given the importance of every game, set and match to have any mathematical chance of staying in the race. The quick wrap up will not only give the players time to recover but also increase confidence before the crucial tie against Korea on Saturday. India is currently fourth in the six-team competition with only the top-two advancing.

The results:

India bt Mongolia 3-0 (Zeel Desai bt Anu-Vjin Gantor 6-0, 6-0; Sahaja Yamalapalli bt Jargal Altansarnai 6-0, 6-0; Vaishnavi Adkar & Rutuja Bhosale bt Khongorzul Aldarkhishig & Anu-Vijn Gantor 6-1, 6-0).

Published on Apr 10, 2026

#India #wraps #quick #win #againstMongoliain #Billie #Jean #King #Cup #AsiaOceania #Group

Away from the spotlight, India stamped its dominance with a 3-0 win against minnow Mongolia in the Billie Jean King Cup Asia/Oceania Group I tie to keep chances of advancing alive by the barest of margins in New Delhi on Friday.

Playing on Court 1 after three days of action on the Centre Court, India had little trouble wrapping up the day’s proceedings in less than three hours.

Zeel Desai, put in by captain Vishal Uppal for match practice, drubbed 15-year-old Anu-Vjin Gantor 6-0, 6-0 in just 37 minutes for a winning start to her Billie Jean King Cup debut. Sahaja Yamalapalli followed suit, taking five minutes more for her win against 32-year-old Jargal Altansarnai by an identical scoreline.

The quick wrap up will not only give the players time to recover but also increase confidence before the crucial tie against Korea on Saturday.
| Photo Credit:
SHIV KUMAR PUSHPAKAR

lightbox-info

The quick wrap up will not only give the players time to recover but also increase confidence before the crucial tie against Korea on Saturday.
| Photo Credit:
SHIV KUMAR PUSHPAKAR

With Ankita Raina rested, Vaishnavi Adkar then teamed up with Rutuja Bhosale to complete the formalities 6-1, 6-0 in 48 minutes as the matches had lesser intensity than a casual hitting session.

For Zeel, who pulled out of an ITF semifinal to join the Indian side at the last minute, it was a walk in the park. The few points that her opponent did manage were more due to errors from Zeel than her own efforts, sending the ball flying in all directions and barely able to garner enough strength for a decent return. It was the same story in the other two matches, the Mongolians barely staying in the match.

The Indians wouldn’t complain, though, given the importance of every game, set and match to have any mathematical chance of staying in the race. The quick wrap up will not only give the players time to recover but also increase confidence before the crucial tie against Korea on Saturday. India is currently fourth in the six-team competition with only the top-two advancing.

The results:

India bt Mongolia 3-0 (Zeel Desai bt Anu-Vjin Gantor 6-0, 6-0; Sahaja Yamalapalli bt Jargal Altansarnai 6-0, 6-0; Vaishnavi Adkar & Rutuja Bhosale bt Khongorzul Aldarkhishig & Anu-Vijn Gantor 6-1, 6-0).

Published on Apr 10, 2026

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#India #wraps #quick #win #againstMongoliain #Billie #Jean #King #Cup #AsiaOceania #Group

Deadspin | Magic eager to continue winning ways in encounter vs. Bulls    Apr 8, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (22) dunks during the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images   The Orlando Magic have climbed the Eastern Conference standings and have a chance to avoid the play-in tournament thanks to a late-season surge.  Orlando enters Friday night’s visit to the Chicago Bulls on a four-game winning streak, its second-longest run of the season.  Magic coach Jamahl Mosley used a starting lineup of Jalen Suggs, Desmond Bane, Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero and Wendell Carter Jr. for the first time since Dec. 7 during Wednesday’s 132-120 home victory against Minnesota.  Wherever Orlando (44-36) finishes in the standings, players like how the team has rallied ahead of the postseason.  “Nobody wants to see us in a seven-game series,” center Goga Bitadze said. “That’s how we feel. We’ve got to prove it, but we’ve got to take care of business and wherever we end up, go from there.”  With two games remaining, the Magic have clinched a postseason berth and hold a one-game edge on Philadelphia and Charlotte in the race for the No. 7 seed and are one game behind Atlanta for No. 6.   The Nos. 7-10 seeds in each conference will take part in the play-in tournament.  Chicago (31-49), meanwhile, is coming off a two-game road sweep of the NBA-worst Washington Wizards, giving the beleaguered Bulls consecutive victories for the first time since a four-game winning streak from Jan. 18-24.  Tre Jones scored 31 points to key Thursday’s 119-108 victory against the Wizards, including a 12-for-12 effort from the free-throw line.   “We knew they were going to come out and try to get us back from the other night, you know. They answered the bell early, but in the second half, we came out ready to play, hit them in the mouth again and then finished down the stretch,” Jones said.  He has scored at least 20 points in three successive games for the first time in his career.   The Bulls hope to maintain their scoring balance against the Magic. Collin Sexton chipped in 27 points against Washington while Leonard Miller scored a career-best 26 points to go with 11 rebounds.  Chicago this week fired president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas and general manager Marc Eversley. The team’s top two scorers, Josh Giddey (strained left hamstring) and Matas Buzelis (lllness), missed Thursday’s game, in which the Bulls dressed just nine players.  Jett Howard (sprained left ankle) and Jonathan Isaac (sprained left knee) will miss Friday’s game for the Magic. Wagner wasn’t listed on the injury report; he injured his left leg in the third quarter against Minnesota but returned to the floor.  “Pretty quickly, though, it all felt normal and we checked everything,” Wagner said. “I think it’s important to be out there and get some confidence and play a couple minutes more.”  Orlando is 7-3 in the past 10 meetings with Chicago, but the Bulls can clinch the season series with a victory. Chicago took a 2-1 edge with a 121-114 home win on Jan. 2 and is trying for consecutive wins against Orlando for the first time since the 2021-22 season.  Sexton is shooting 50% from the floor, including 59.1% from long range, in his past five games vs. the Magic.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Magic #eager #continue #winning #ways #encounter #BullsApr 8, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (22) dunks during the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images

The Orlando Magic have climbed the Eastern Conference standings and have a chance to avoid the play-in tournament thanks to a late-season surge.

Orlando enters Friday night’s visit to the Chicago Bulls on a four-game winning streak, its second-longest run of the season.

Magic coach Jamahl Mosley used a starting lineup of Jalen Suggs, Desmond Bane, Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero and Wendell Carter Jr. for the first time since Dec. 7 during Wednesday’s 132-120 home victory against Minnesota.

Wherever Orlando (44-36) finishes in the standings, players like how the team has rallied ahead of the postseason.

“Nobody wants to see us in a seven-game series,” center Goga Bitadze said. “That’s how we feel. We’ve got to prove it, but we’ve got to take care of business and wherever we end up, go from there.”

With two games remaining, the Magic have clinched a postseason berth and hold a one-game edge on Philadelphia and Charlotte in the race for the No. 7 seed and are one game behind Atlanta for No. 6.

The Nos. 7-10 seeds in each conference will take part in the play-in tournament.

Chicago (31-49), meanwhile, is coming off a two-game road sweep of the NBA-worst Washington Wizards, giving the beleaguered Bulls consecutive victories for the first time since a four-game winning streak from Jan. 18-24.


Tre Jones scored 31 points to key Thursday’s 119-108 victory against the Wizards, including a 12-for-12 effort from the free-throw line.

“We knew they were going to come out and try to get us back from the other night, you know. They answered the bell early, but in the second half, we came out ready to play, hit them in the mouth again and then finished down the stretch,” Jones said.

He has scored at least 20 points in three successive games for the first time in his career.

The Bulls hope to maintain their scoring balance against the Magic. Collin Sexton chipped in 27 points against Washington while Leonard Miller scored a career-best 26 points to go with 11 rebounds.

Chicago this week fired president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas and general manager Marc Eversley. The team’s top two scorers, Josh Giddey (strained left hamstring) and Matas Buzelis (lllness), missed Thursday’s game, in which the Bulls dressed just nine players.

Jett Howard (sprained left ankle) and Jonathan Isaac (sprained left knee) will miss Friday’s game for the Magic. Wagner wasn’t listed on the injury report; he injured his left leg in the third quarter against Minnesota but returned to the floor.

“Pretty quickly, though, it all felt normal and we checked everything,” Wagner said. “I think it’s important to be out there and get some confidence and play a couple minutes more.”

Orlando is 7-3 in the past 10 meetings with Chicago, but the Bulls can clinch the season series with a victory. Chicago took a 2-1 edge with a 121-114 home win on Jan. 2 and is trying for consecutive wins against Orlando for the first time since the 2021-22 season.

Sexton is shooting 50% from the floor, including 59.1% from long range, in his past five games vs. the Magic.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Magic #eager #continue #winning #ways #encounter #Bulls">Deadspin | Magic eager to continue winning ways in encounter vs. Bulls    Apr 8, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (22) dunks during the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images   The Orlando Magic have climbed the Eastern Conference standings and have a chance to avoid the play-in tournament thanks to a late-season surge.  Orlando enters Friday night’s visit to the Chicago Bulls on a four-game winning streak, its second-longest run of the season.  Magic coach Jamahl Mosley used a starting lineup of Jalen Suggs, Desmond Bane, Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero and Wendell Carter Jr. for the first time since Dec. 7 during Wednesday’s 132-120 home victory against Minnesota.  Wherever Orlando (44-36) finishes in the standings, players like how the team has rallied ahead of the postseason.  “Nobody wants to see us in a seven-game series,” center Goga Bitadze said. “That’s how we feel. We’ve got to prove it, but we’ve got to take care of business and wherever we end up, go from there.”  With two games remaining, the Magic have clinched a postseason berth and hold a one-game edge on Philadelphia and Charlotte in the race for the No. 7 seed and are one game behind Atlanta for No. 6.   The Nos. 7-10 seeds in each conference will take part in the play-in tournament.  Chicago (31-49), meanwhile, is coming off a two-game road sweep of the NBA-worst Washington Wizards, giving the beleaguered Bulls consecutive victories for the first time since a four-game winning streak from Jan. 18-24.  Tre Jones scored 31 points to key Thursday’s 119-108 victory against the Wizards, including a 12-for-12 effort from the free-throw line.   “We knew they were going to come out and try to get us back from the other night, you know. They answered the bell early, but in the second half, we came out ready to play, hit them in the mouth again and then finished down the stretch,” Jones said.  He has scored at least 20 points in three successive games for the first time in his career.   The Bulls hope to maintain their scoring balance against the Magic. Collin Sexton chipped in 27 points against Washington while Leonard Miller scored a career-best 26 points to go with 11 rebounds.  Chicago this week fired president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas and general manager Marc Eversley. The team’s top two scorers, Josh Giddey (strained left hamstring) and Matas Buzelis (lllness), missed Thursday’s game, in which the Bulls dressed just nine players.  Jett Howard (sprained left ankle) and Jonathan Isaac (sprained left knee) will miss Friday’s game for the Magic. Wagner wasn’t listed on the injury report; he injured his left leg in the third quarter against Minnesota but returned to the floor.  “Pretty quickly, though, it all felt normal and we checked everything,” Wagner said. “I think it’s important to be out there and get some confidence and play a couple minutes more.”  Orlando is 7-3 in the past 10 meetings with Chicago, but the Bulls can clinch the season series with a victory. Chicago took a 2-1 edge with a 121-114 home win on Jan. 2 and is trying for consecutive wins against Orlando for the first time since the 2021-22 season.  Sexton is shooting 50% from the floor, including 59.1% from long range, in his past five games vs. the Magic.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Magic #eager #continue #winning #ways #encounter #Bulls

A clinical second-half display led by Joseph Sunny helped Sporting Club Delhi secure a commanding 3-0 victory over NorthEast United FC in their Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 clash at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Friday.

The win marks SCD’s second consecutive victory of the season, lifting it to eighth in the standings with eight points, while NEUFC slips to tenth with six points.

The contest began at a brisk pace, with NEUFC creating early pressure. Jithin MS tested Nora Fernandes inside the opening minute, while Bekey Oram’s curling cross nearly caught the goalkeeper off guard, forcing a sharp intervention. Its opponent responded with attempts of its own, as Mohammed Aimen and Devendra Murgaokar both tried their luck from distance.

Despite promising build-up play from both sides, neither team was able to find the cutting edge in the final third, and the teams went into the break locked at 0-0.

The tempo picked up after the restart, with both sides showing greater attacking intent. Jairo Samperio, introduced at half time, tested Fernandes from distance, while Aimen came close at the other end after a surging run into the box.

ALSO READ | ISL 2025-26: East Bengal, Bruzon face Chennaiyin with hopes of a similar turn of fortunes as last time

The breakthrough arrived in the 65th minute through a well-crafted move. Aimen’s vision unlocked the host’s defence with a perfectly timed through ball to Joseph Sunny. The winger kept his composure to guide a precise finish into the far corner, giving the visitor a 1-0 lead.

SCD doubled its advantage just four minutes later with a moment of individual brilliance. Midfielder Abdul-Halik Hudu initiated the move with a lofted pass from deep, and Sunny timed his run to perfection, controlling the ball past his marker Dinesh before lifting a composed finish over the advancing Gurmeet Singh to make it 2-0.

It continued to dominate, and nearly added a third in the 73rd minute when Sunny turned provider, setting up Sourav K, whose powerful strike was denied by Gurmeet.

The third goal arrived in the 80th minute following a flowing team move. Ousmane Fane drove forward from midfield before combining with Sunny, who squared the ball to Aimen. The forward showed great composure, weaving past defenders before unleashing a powerful right-footed strike into the top corner to seal the result.

NEUFC continued to push for a response in the closing stages, with Lalrinzuala Hauhnar forcing a save from Fernandes, but the host was unable to find a breakthrough.

Published on Apr 10, 2026

#ISL #Joseph #Sunnys #brace #powers #Sporting #Club #Delhi #victory #NorthEast #United">ISL 2025-26: Joseph Sunny’s brace powers Sporting Club Delhi to victory against NorthEast United FC  A clinical second-half display led by Joseph Sunny helped Sporting Club Delhi secure a commanding 3-0 victory over NorthEast United FC in their Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 clash at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Friday.The win marks SCD’s second consecutive victory of the season, lifting it to eighth in the standings with eight points, while NEUFC slips to tenth with six points.The contest began at a brisk pace, with NEUFC creating early pressure. Jithin MS tested Nora Fernandes inside the opening minute, while Bekey Oram’s curling cross nearly caught the goalkeeper off guard, forcing a sharp intervention. Its opponent responded with attempts of its own, as Mohammed Aimen and Devendra Murgaokar both tried their luck from distance.Despite promising build-up play from both sides, neither team was able to find the cutting edge in the final third, and the teams went into the break locked at 0-0.The tempo picked up after the restart, with both sides showing greater attacking intent. Jairo Samperio, introduced at half time, tested Fernandes from distance, while Aimen came close at the other end after a surging run into the box.ALSO READ | ISL 2025-26: East Bengal, Bruzon face Chennaiyin with hopes of a similar turn of fortunes as last timeThe breakthrough arrived in the 65th minute through a well-crafted move. Aimen’s vision unlocked the host’s defence with a perfectly timed through ball to Joseph Sunny. The winger kept his composure to guide a precise finish into the far corner, giving the visitor a 1-0 lead.SCD doubled its advantage just four minutes later with a moment of individual brilliance. Midfielder Abdul-Halik Hudu initiated the move with a lofted pass from deep, and Sunny timed his run to perfection, controlling the ball past his marker Dinesh before lifting a composed finish over the advancing Gurmeet Singh to make it 2-0.It continued to dominate, and nearly added a third in the 73rd minute when Sunny turned provider, setting up Sourav K, whose powerful strike was denied by Gurmeet.The third goal arrived in the 80th minute following a flowing team move. Ousmane Fane drove forward from midfield before combining with Sunny, who squared the ball to Aimen. The forward showed great composure, weaving past defenders before unleashing a powerful right-footed strike into the top corner to seal the result.NEUFC continued to push for a response in the closing stages, with Lalrinzuala Hauhnar forcing a save from Fernandes, but the host was unable to find a breakthrough.Published on Apr 10, 2026  #ISL #Joseph #Sunnys #brace #powers #Sporting #Club #Delhi #victory #NorthEast #United

ISL 2025-26: East Bengal, Bruzon face Chennaiyin with hopes of a similar turn of fortunes as last time

The breakthrough arrived in the 65th minute through a well-crafted move. Aimen’s vision unlocked the host’s defence with a perfectly timed through ball to Joseph Sunny. The winger kept his composure to guide a precise finish into the far corner, giving the visitor a 1-0 lead.

SCD doubled its advantage just four minutes later with a moment of individual brilliance. Midfielder Abdul-Halik Hudu initiated the move with a lofted pass from deep, and Sunny timed his run to perfection, controlling the ball past his marker Dinesh before lifting a composed finish over the advancing Gurmeet Singh to make it 2-0.

It continued to dominate, and nearly added a third in the 73rd minute when Sunny turned provider, setting up Sourav K, whose powerful strike was denied by Gurmeet.

The third goal arrived in the 80th minute following a flowing team move. Ousmane Fane drove forward from midfield before combining with Sunny, who squared the ball to Aimen. The forward showed great composure, weaving past defenders before unleashing a powerful right-footed strike into the top corner to seal the result.

NEUFC continued to push for a response in the closing stages, with Lalrinzuala Hauhnar forcing a save from Fernandes, but the host was unable to find a breakthrough.

Published on Apr 10, 2026

#ISL #Joseph #Sunnys #brace #powers #Sporting #Club #Delhi #victory #NorthEast #United">ISL 2025-26: Joseph Sunny’s brace powers Sporting Club Delhi to victory against NorthEast United FC

A clinical second-half display led by Joseph Sunny helped Sporting Club Delhi secure a commanding 3-0 victory over NorthEast United FC in their Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 clash at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Friday.

The win marks SCD’s second consecutive victory of the season, lifting it to eighth in the standings with eight points, while NEUFC slips to tenth with six points.

The contest began at a brisk pace, with NEUFC creating early pressure. Jithin MS tested Nora Fernandes inside the opening minute, while Bekey Oram’s curling cross nearly caught the goalkeeper off guard, forcing a sharp intervention. Its opponent responded with attempts of its own, as Mohammed Aimen and Devendra Murgaokar both tried their luck from distance.

Despite promising build-up play from both sides, neither team was able to find the cutting edge in the final third, and the teams went into the break locked at 0-0.

The tempo picked up after the restart, with both sides showing greater attacking intent. Jairo Samperio, introduced at half time, tested Fernandes from distance, while Aimen came close at the other end after a surging run into the box.

ALSO READ | ISL 2025-26: East Bengal, Bruzon face Chennaiyin with hopes of a similar turn of fortunes as last time

The breakthrough arrived in the 65th minute through a well-crafted move. Aimen’s vision unlocked the host’s defence with a perfectly timed through ball to Joseph Sunny. The winger kept his composure to guide a precise finish into the far corner, giving the visitor a 1-0 lead.

SCD doubled its advantage just four minutes later with a moment of individual brilliance. Midfielder Abdul-Halik Hudu initiated the move with a lofted pass from deep, and Sunny timed his run to perfection, controlling the ball past his marker Dinesh before lifting a composed finish over the advancing Gurmeet Singh to make it 2-0.

It continued to dominate, and nearly added a third in the 73rd minute when Sunny turned provider, setting up Sourav K, whose powerful strike was denied by Gurmeet.

The third goal arrived in the 80th minute following a flowing team move. Ousmane Fane drove forward from midfield before combining with Sunny, who squared the ball to Aimen. The forward showed great composure, weaving past defenders before unleashing a powerful right-footed strike into the top corner to seal the result.

NEUFC continued to push for a response in the closing stages, with Lalrinzuala Hauhnar forcing a save from Fernandes, but the host was unable to find a breakthrough.

Published on Apr 10, 2026

#ISL #Joseph #Sunnys #brace #powers #Sporting #Club #Delhi #victory #NorthEast #United

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