Aizawl began the second half with more urgency and came close to equalising when Laltlanzova floated a cross towards the back post. Vanlalhriatzuala directed his header towards goal but was denied by a sharp reflex save from Namdhari goalkeeper Niraj Kumar. Moments later, Lalhriatpuia tested Niraj with a low shot from inside the box.
The People’s Club kept pressing and eventually found the equaliser through another own goal. Talipov released Malsawmzuala Tlangte down the right, and the winger burst past his marker before drilling a low cross into the box. Vanlalhriatzuala scuffed his attempt, but substitute Kamalpreet got his feet tangled while trying to clear and diverted the ball into his own net.
Eleven minutes later, Aizawl took the lead through a well-worked move down the left. Laltlanzova picked out Zomuansanga, who had been introduced only a few minutes earlier. The striker took a touch before firing a powerful low shot on the turn into the bottom corner.
Namdhari created a few chances late in the game and in stoppage time but lacked conviction in the final third as Aizawl held on to complete the comeback.
Aizawl began the second half with more urgency and came close to equalising when Laltlanzova floated a cross towards the back post. Vanlalhriatzuala directed his header towards goal but was denied by a sharp reflex save from Namdhari goalkeeper Niraj Kumar. Moments later, Lalhriatpuia tested Niraj with a low shot from inside the box.
The People’s Club kept pressing and eventually found the equaliser through another own goal. Talipov released Malsawmzuala Tlangte down the right, and the winger burst past his marker before drilling a low cross into the box. Vanlalhriatzuala scuffed his attempt, but substitute Kamalpreet got his feet tangled while trying to clear and diverted the ball into his own net.
Eleven minutes later, Aizawl took the lead through a well-worked move down the left. Laltlanzova picked out Zomuansanga, who had been introduced only a few minutes earlier. The striker took a touch before firing a powerful low shot on the turn into the bottom corner.
Namdhari created a few chances late in the game and in stoppage time but lacked conviction in the final third as Aizawl held on to complete the comeback.
Published on Apr 29, 2026
#IFL #Zomuansanga #seals #comeback #win #Aizawl #downs #Namdhari #relegation #stage">IFL 2025-26: Zomuansanga seals comeback win as Aizawl FC downs Namdhari FC in relegation stage
Aizawl FC came from a goal down to beat Namdhari FC 2-1 and secure three points in its Indian Football League relegation stage fixture at the Deccan Arena in Hyderabad on Wednesday.
Namdhari took the lead in the 43rd minute through a Timur Talipov own goal before Aizawl equalised in the 67th minute, courtesy another own goal, this time from Kamalpreet Singh Grewal. Substitute Zomuansanga completed the comeback in the 78th minute with a well-taken finish.
The win took Aizawl’s tally to 11 points and sent it to the top of the relegation stage, while Namdhari remained bottom with seven points.
Aizawl started brightly, using its familiarity with the artificial turf to keep possession and move the ball forward, especially down the left flank through Laltlanzova and Lalrempuia. Namdhari took time to settle but gradually grew into the game.
It created the first clear chance in the 15th minute when Seilenthang Lotjem found Rohit inside the box with a cross, but his glancing header was saved well by goalkeeper Vanlalhriatpuia. The Aizawl keeper commanded his area confidently, dealing with Namdhari’s set-pieces and long balls, which remained its main attacking threat in the first half.
The breakthrough came two minutes before half-time. Bhupinder Singh whipped a dangerous cross across the six-yard box and Talipov, while trying to clear, deflected the ball into his own net with the goalkeeper rooted to the spot.
Aizawl began the second half with more urgency and came close to equalising when Laltlanzova floated a cross towards the back post. Vanlalhriatzuala directed his header towards goal but was denied by a sharp reflex save from Namdhari goalkeeper Niraj Kumar. Moments later, Lalhriatpuia tested Niraj with a low shot from inside the box.
The People’s Club kept pressing and eventually found the equaliser through another own goal. Talipov released Malsawmzuala Tlangte down the right, and the winger burst past his marker before drilling a low cross into the box. Vanlalhriatzuala scuffed his attempt, but substitute Kamalpreet got his feet tangled while trying to clear and diverted the ball into his own net.
Eleven minutes later, Aizawl took the lead through a well-worked move down the left. Laltlanzova picked out Zomuansanga, who had been introduced only a few minutes earlier. The striker took a touch before firing a powerful low shot on the turn into the bottom corner.
Namdhari created a few chances late in the game and in stoppage time but lacked conviction in the final third as Aizawl held on to complete the comeback.
Holding a 2-0 lead at the break, Goa entered the second half with confidence, while Mumbai City pushed forward in search of a way back.
The Islanders dominated possession after the restart, but Goa’s defensive unit, led by Pol Moreno and Sandesh Jhingan, remained resolute. Efforts from Pereyra Díaz and Lallianzuala Chhangte failed to trouble Hrithik Tiwari as Mumbai struggled to find a cutting edge.
Mumbai continued to press, introducing substitutes late on, but Goa’s organisation ensured clear openings were scarce. Tiwari made key saves, including one to deny Vikram Partap Singh, while long-range efforts from Noufal and Chhangte went off target.
In the closing stages, Mumbai came close when Chhangte delivered a dangerous cross, but Zothanpuia failed to connect, summing up a frustrating evening for the visitor.
At full-time, FC Goa secured a deserved win to move up to third in the table with 16 points from nine matches. Mumbai City, despite the defeat, remained top with 18 points as its unbeaten run came to an end.
Holding a 2-0 lead at the break, Goa entered the second half with confidence, while Mumbai City pushed forward in search of a way back.
The Islanders dominated possession after the restart, but Goa’s defensive unit, led by Pol Moreno and Sandesh Jhingan, remained resolute. Efforts from Pereyra Díaz and Lallianzuala Chhangte failed to trouble Hrithik Tiwari as Mumbai struggled to find a cutting edge.
Mumbai continued to press, introducing substitutes late on, but Goa’s organisation ensured clear openings were scarce. Tiwari made key saves, including one to deny Vikram Partap Singh, while long-range efforts from Noufal and Chhangte went off target.
In the closing stages, Mumbai came close when Chhangte delivered a dangerous cross, but Zothanpuia failed to connect, summing up a frustrating evening for the visitor.
At full-time, FC Goa secured a deserved win to move up to third in the table with 16 points from nine matches. Mumbai City, despite the defeat, remained top with 18 points as its unbeaten run came to an end.
Published on Apr 18, 2026
#ISL #Tavora #Nemil #target #Goa #beats #Mumbai #City #hand #defeat #season">ISL 2025-26: Tavora, Nemil on target as FC Goa beats Mumbai City to hand first defeat of season
FC Goa produced a commanding performance to beat league leader Mumbai City FC 2-0 at the PJN Stadium in Fatorda on Saturday, handing Mumbai its first defeat of the Indian Super League season.
Goals from Sahil Tavora and Muhammed Nemil Valiyattil, including a stunning long-range strike just before half-time, ensured the Gaurs made the most of their dominance, while a disciplined defensive display kept Mumbai City at bay. Nemil was named Player of the Match for his influential performance.
The host started brightly, controlling possession in the opening exchanges and moving the ball with purpose to break down Mumbai City’s organised defensive structure. Early efforts from Raynier Fernandes and Tavora underlined Goa’s attacking intent, though the Islanders’ backline, marshalled by Nuno Reis and Bijay Chhetri, held firm.
Mumbai City looked to threaten on the counter through Jorge Pereyra Díaz and Noufal PN, but clear chances were limited as Goa dictated the tempo.
The breakthrough came in the 29th minute following sustained pressure. A corner from Dejan Dražić caused confusion inside the Mumbai penalty area, and after an initial effort was blocked, Tavora reacted quickest to guide the loose ball into the bottom corner.
Mumbai responded with attempts from Noufal and Joni Kauko, but Goa remained the more composed side.
The Gaurs doubled their lead in first-half stoppage time through a moment of brilliance. Muhammed Nemil, found by Raynier after an aerial duel, took a touch and unleashed a left-footed strike from nearly 35 yards into the top corner, leaving Phurba Lachenpa with no chance.
Holding a 2-0 lead at the break, Goa entered the second half with confidence, while Mumbai City pushed forward in search of a way back.
The Islanders dominated possession after the restart, but Goa’s defensive unit, led by Pol Moreno and Sandesh Jhingan, remained resolute. Efforts from Pereyra Díaz and Lallianzuala Chhangte failed to trouble Hrithik Tiwari as Mumbai struggled to find a cutting edge.
Mumbai continued to press, introducing substitutes late on, but Goa’s organisation ensured clear openings were scarce. Tiwari made key saves, including one to deny Vikram Partap Singh, while long-range efforts from Noufal and Chhangte went off target.
In the closing stages, Mumbai came close when Chhangte delivered a dangerous cross, but Zothanpuia failed to connect, summing up a frustrating evening for the visitor.
At full-time, FC Goa secured a deserved win to move up to third in the table with 16 points from nine matches. Mumbai City, despite the defeat, remained top with 18 points as its unbeaten run came to an end.
#ISL #Upbeat #East #Bengal #gears #Bengaluru #test">ISL 2025-26: Upbeat East Bengal gears up for Bengaluru test
East Bengal FC will look to continue its winning momentum when it hosts a strong Bengaluru FC in an ISL-12 fixture at the Salt Lake Stadium on Thursday.
East Bengal heads into the contest high on confidence after a convincing 3-1 away win over Chennaiyin FC. The Kolkata giant will aim to build on that performance and secure another positive result at home to bolster its title chances.
Meanwhile, Bengaluru FC will be eager to bounce back after suffering a defeat to Kerala Blasters FC in its previous outing. That loss halted its recent progress, and the team will now be targeting crucial points to get back in the championship race.
Both sides are currently level on 14 points, but East Bengal holds a slight edge in fourth place due to a superior goal difference. Bengaluru, having played one match more (eight compared to East Bengal’s seven), faces added pressure to deliver in this encounter.
East Bengal head coach Oscar Bruzon expressed confidence in his team’s current form, stating that they are performing well across all key parameters.“We are where we want to be. I think the season so far has been very positive. The numbers, metrics, and all the parameters we evaluate are encouraging. We are the team scoring the most goals and also the side conceding the fewest,” Bruzon said, reflecting on his team’s strong response winning two successive matches after a phase that included a defeat and two draws. “It is a game that we can win and consolidate our position at the top of the table,” he added.
East Bengal FC will miss the services of an injured Naorem Mahesh Singh in attack. The Red and Gold Brigade will now need to find the right replacement to retain the edge in the creative zone, an area where Mahesh has been crucial with his incisive runs down the wings.
A major boost for Bengaluru FC comes from the availability of Argentine playmaker Braian Sanchez, whose suspension was revoked after the All India Football Federation disciplinary committee downgraded his red card (that he collected against Blasters) to a yellow. His presence could prove crucial in midfield as Bengaluru looks to go full steam for the maximum quota of points.
“It should be an attractive contest. It will come down to who controls possession better, who creates more chances, and most importantly, who takes those chances and scores. Playing away, it is important for us to stay solid at the back, but we also need to be proactive, create opportunities and try to score goals. We have to remain compact and competitive throughout the game,” Bengaluru head coach Pep Munoz said ahead of the crucial encounter.
#Kerala #Blasters #NorthEast #United #Ashley #Westwood #hopes #continue #pulling #KBFC #crisis">Kerala Blasters vs NorthEast United — Ashley Westwood hopes to continue pulling KBFC out of crisis
Ashley Westwood is no stranger to Indian football.
He guided Bengaluru FC to the then top-flight title in his and the club’s first season in Indian professional football and won three trophies with the club, becoming a legend among its faithful.
Last month, the former Manchester United academy graduate returned to coaching duties in Indian football after four years, taking charge of Kerala Blasters in the Indian Super League (ISL).
“I was here from the start of the ISL when it was only a six-week league… and now it has developed into an eight to 10-month league. So, I’ve seen it all. It has had a tough time this last year. But like anything, it’s a work in progress, a process,” Westwood tells Sportstar in an exclusive interview.
Ashley Westwood’s success at Bengaluru FC wasn’t just about results, but two I-League titles and a Federation Cup gave it weight and permanence.
| Photo Credit:
K. MURALI KUMAR
Ashley Westwood’s success at Bengaluru FC wasn’t just about results, but two I-League titles and a Federation Cup gave it weight and permanence.
| Photo Credit:
K. MURALI KUMAR
Ashley Westwood’s record in Indian football:
Teams managed: Bengaluru FC, ATK, Punjab FC, Kerala Blasters
Total matches: 89
Wins: 46
Losses: 26
Draws: 17
Trophies: I-League x2 (2013-14, 2015-2016), Federation Cup (2014-15)
But unlike Bengaluru, he finds himself in a precarious position at Kerala Blasters.
The three-time ISL finalist has struggled for form this season, and with no wins in six matches, the Blasters parted ways with head coach David Catala, while their fan club, the Manjappada, boycotted matches citing mismanagement.
“Football is challenging anyway. Sometimes you get fortunate, and you go into a club mid-season because a coach has done well, and you take over a team at the top of the league, but that’s very rare,” Westwood says.
“Normally, if you go into a club halfway through a season, it’s because they’re not doing very well, because a manager has lost his job. Of course, with Bengaluru, it was a brand-new club. So, any challenge is good.”
Westwood opened his Blasters stint on a forgettable note, losing 0-2 to the newly formed Sporting Club Delhi. However, he found the perfect opportunity to respond against Bengaluru FC in the match that followed, which the Blasters won for their first victory of the season.
“I enjoy challenges. There’s lots of improvement to come, hopefully, and maybe we can do that. I’ve done it before in all the roles I’ve been in. So, I’m hoping to do the same again. Let’s see if we can keep improving things,” he says.
The Achilles heel of the Blue Tigers?
Team Hong Kong head coach Ashley Westwood (R) talks to Matthew Elliot Wing Kai Orr of Hong Kong (L) during the Asian Cup qualifier Group C match at Kai Tak Stadium on November 18, 2025, in Hong Kong, China.
| Photo Credit:
Getty Images
Team Hong Kong head coach Ashley Westwood (R) talks to Matthew Elliot Wing Kai Orr of Hong Kong (L) during the Asian Cup qualifier Group C match at Kai Tak Stadium on November 18, 2025, in Hong Kong, China.
| Photo Credit:
Getty Images
There’s another side to Westwood beyond domestic football. He has managed two Asian sides, Afghanistan and Hong Kong. Both pulled off significant upsets against India.
In 2024, India lost to Afghanistan on home soil for the second time ever, which turned out to be one of the last matches under coach Igor Stimac. A year later, Hong Kong beat India in an AFC Asian Cup qualifier. Manolo Marquez, who had stepped into Stimac’s shoes, parted ways shortly after.
So, is the Englishman a nemesis for India’s coaches?
“No, it’s certainly not a personal thing. Coincidence happens in football. With me, I try to win every game, whoever it is,” Westwood says.
“Predominantly, my record shows that I do win quite a few games, and unfortunately, a few of them have been against India. I don’t look at it as a scalp; I look at it as a game of football, and one that we won.”
It was no surprise that Westwood was among the names circulating in Indian football circles as a potential coach of the Blue Tigers, first after Stimac and then after Marquez.
“It’s (the question has) come around a lot of times. I’ve been close a lot of times. It hasn’t happened. I won’t comment on that particular job where they have a manager, of course,” he says. “But regardless of the job, I’ll concentrate on what I need to do, which is improve Kerala Blasters.”
Winds of change at Kerala Blasters
There have been signs of optimism in the Blasters camp since his arrival. They have signed former Real Madrid Castilla winger Franchu, who scored the winner on his ISL debut against Bengaluru FC.
“Hopefully, this carries on. It’s simple: you give everything in a relationship and, normally, you get it back. Football has a unique way of taking care of you if you take care of your work rate. That’s all we’re trying to do,” Westwood says.
But the tactician will know that slip-ups could cost the team heavily, especially in a truncated season where each team plays each other just once.
Kerala Blasters’ remaining matches:
Kerala Blasters vs NorthEast United — April 15
Kerala Blasters vs Jamshedpur FC — April 18
Kerala Blasters vs Odisha FC — April 23
Kerala Blasters vs Mohammedan Sporting — May 10
Kerala Blasters vs FC Goa — May 23
Despite the win, the Blasters remain second from bottom, and losses from here, especially against bottom-placed Mohammedan Sporting, could see the club struggle to stay afloat in the top flight this season.
“We won’t be in a relegation dogfight. That’s my belief, not an expectation. I’m confident in myself. . . There’s definitely an area for us to improve and get some wins. So, I’m not concerned about where they were. I’m just trying to look at where we might finish,” he says.
Bengaluru FC earned a place in Indian football discussions in its maiden season under Westwood. The Blasters, who had slipped out of that discourse with underwhelming results, will look to tread a similar path under the same man in the dugout.
#Indian #sports #wrap #April #Russia #puts #India #U17 #womens #friendly">Indian sports wrap, April 14: Russia puts three past India in U-17 women’s friendly
Football
India Under-17 women’s team loses 0-3 to Russia in friendly
India U17 women’s team suffered a 0-3 defeat against Russia in the second of its three friendly matches in Sochi on Tuesday.
Valeria Menyailova struck twice early in the second half (49th, 52nd) after Sofia Svyatnaya (18th) had opened the scoring.
The Young Tigresses, coached by Italian Pamela Conti, are using these matches to prepare for next month’s all-important AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup in China.
Russia began on the front foot and nearly went ahead as early as the second minute. Menyailova was played through inside the box and showed neat footwork to get past Divyani Linda, but her close-range effort was denied by a sharp save from goalkeeper Munni.
India, however, took time to settle into the contest. Its first shot on target arrived in the 13th minute when Valaina Fernandes tried her luck from distance, but it was comfortably gathered by goalkeeper Emelianova Anastasiya.
Despite India’s growing involvement, Russia broke the deadlock in the 18th minute through an unfortunate error. Sofia Svyatnaya floated in a free-kick from the left that should have been a routine take for Munni, but the goalkeeper misjudged the flight, allowing the ball to slip and roll over the line.
The setback sparked a response from the Young Tigresses, who began to push higher up the pitch and create openings. Their best opportunity of the half came in the 32nd minute when Valaina skipped past her marker and aimed a curling effort towards the far corner.
Emelianova, however, reacted swiftly to dive and parry the ball away, preserving Russia’s lead going into the break.
India’s hopes of a comeback were dented early in the second half following a defensive lapse. In the 49th minute, a sequence of poor backpasses proved costly. Ritu Badaik initiated the move under pressure, and captain Elizabed Lakra’s attempted clearance only made matters worse. Menyailova capitalised, intercepting the loose ball before rounding Munni and finishing calmly to double Russia’s advantage.
The hosts extended their lead soon after with a well-worked move in the 52nd minute. Mira Kuznetsova threaded a precise through pass to Menyailova, who made no mistake in front of goal, dispatching a powerful right-footed strike to make it 3-0.
India had lost 0-4 in the first game against Russia three days ago. The two teams will meet once more in the final friendly on April 17.
#EXCLUSIVE #ISL #Ashley #Westwood #wizard #Bengaluru #eyes #similar #magic #Kerala #Blasters">EXCLUSIVE — ISL 2025-26: Ashley Westwood, the wizard of Bengaluru FC, eyes similar magic at Kerala Blasters
Ashley Westwood is no stranger to Indian football.
He guided Bengaluru FC to the then top-flight title in his and the club’s first season in Indian professional football and won three trophies with the club, becoming a legend among its faithful.
Last month, the former Manchester United academy graduate returned to coaching duties in Indian football after four years, taking charge of Kerala Blasters in the Indian Super League (ISL).
“I was here from the start of the ISL when it was only a six-week league… and now it has developed into an eight to 10-month league. So, I’ve seen it all. It has had a tough time this last year. But like anything, it’s a work in progress, a process,” Westwood tells Sportstar in an exclusive interview.
Ashley Westwood’s success at Bengaluru FC wasn’t just about results, but two I-League titles and a Federation Cup gave it weight and permanence.
| Photo Credit:
K. MURALI KUMAR
Ashley Westwood’s success at Bengaluru FC wasn’t just about results, but two I-League titles and a Federation Cup gave it weight and permanence.
| Photo Credit:
K. MURALI KUMAR
Ashley Westwood’s record in Indian football:
Teams managed: Bengaluru FC, ATK, Punjab FC, Kerala Blasters
Total matches: 89
Wins: 46
Losses: 26
Draws: 17
Trophies: I-League x2 (2013-14, 2015-2016), Federation Cup (2014-15)
But unlike Bengaluru, he finds himself in a precarious position at Kerala Blasters.
The three-time ISL finalist has struggled for form this season, and with no wins in six matches, the Blasters parted ways with head coach David Catala, while their fan club, the Manjappada, boycotted matches citing mismanagement.
“Football is challenging anyway. Sometimes you get fortunate, and you go into a club mid-season because a coach has done well, and you take over a team at the top of the league, but that’s very rare,” Westwood says.
“Normally, if you go into a club halfway through a season, it’s because they’re not doing very well, because a manager has lost his job. Of course, with Bengaluru, it was a brand-new club. So, any challenge is good.”
Westwood opened his Blasters stint on a forgettable note, losing 0-2 to the newly formed Sporting Club Delhi. However, he found the perfect opportunity to respond against Bengaluru FC in the match that followed, which the Blasters won for their first victory of the season.
“I enjoy challenges. There’s lots of improvement to come, hopefully, and maybe we can do that. I’ve done it before in all the roles I’ve been in. So, I’m hoping to do the same again. Let’s see if we can keep improving things,” he says.
The Achilles heel of the Blue Tigers?
Team Hong Kong head coach Ashley Westwood (R) talks to Matthew Elliot Wing Kai Orr of Hong Kong (L) during the Asian Cup qualifier Group C match at Kai Tak Stadium on November 18, 2025, in Hong Kong, China.
| Photo Credit:
Getty Images
Team Hong Kong head coach Ashley Westwood (R) talks to Matthew Elliot Wing Kai Orr of Hong Kong (L) during the Asian Cup qualifier Group C match at Kai Tak Stadium on November 18, 2025, in Hong Kong, China.
| Photo Credit:
Getty Images
There’s another side to Westwood beyond domestic football. He has managed two Asian sides, Afghanistan and Hong Kong. Both pulled off significant upsets against India.
In 2024, India lost to Afghanistan on home soil for the second time ever, which turned out to be one of the last matches under coach Igor Stimac. A year later, Hong Kong beat India in an AFC Asian Cup qualifier. Manolo Marquez, who had stepped into Stimac’s shoes, parted ways shortly after.
So, is the Englishman a nemesis for India’s coaches?
“No, it’s certainly not a personal thing. Coincidence happens in football. With me, I try to win every game, whoever it is,” Westwood says.
“Predominantly, my record shows that I do win quite a few games, and unfortunately, a few of them have been against India. I don’t look at it as a scalp; I look at it as a game of football, and one that we won.”
It was no surprise that Westwood was among the names circulating in Indian football circles as a potential coach of the Blue Tigers, first after Stimac and then after Marquez.
“It’s (the question has) come around a lot of times. I’ve been close a lot of times. It hasn’t happened. I won’t comment on that particular job where they have a manager, of course,” he says. “But regardless of the job, I’ll concentrate on what I need to do, which is improve Kerala Blasters.”
Winds of change at Kerala Blasters
There have been signs of optimism in the Blasters camp since his arrival. They have signed former Real Madrid Castilla winger Franchu, who scored the winner on his ISL debut against Bengaluru FC.
“Hopefully, this carries on. It’s simple: you give everything in a relationship and, normally, you get it back. Football has a unique way of taking care of you if you take care of your work rate. That’s all we’re trying to do,” Westwood says.
But the tactician will know that slip-ups could cost the team heavily, especially in a truncated season where each team plays each other just once.
Kerala Blasters’ remai
Kerala Blasters vs NorthEast United — April 14
Kerala Blasters vs Jamshedpur FC — April 18
Kerala Blasters vs Odisha FC — April 23
Kerala Blasters vs Mohammedan Sporting — May 10
Kerala Blasters vs FC Goa — May 23
Despite the win, the Blasters remain second from bottom, and losses from here, especially against bottom-placed Mohammedan Sporting, could see the club struggle to stay afloat in the top flight this season.
“We won’t be in a relegation dogfight. That’s my belief, not an expectation. I’m confident in myself. . . There’s definitely an area for us to improve and get some wins. So, I’m not concerned about where they are. I’m just trying to look at where we might finish,” he says.
Bengaluru FC earned a place in Indian football discussions in its maiden season under Westwood. The Blasters, who had slipped out of that discourse with underwhelming results, will look to tread a similar path under the same man in the dugout.
#India #returns #United #Kingdom #years #Unity #Cup #London">India returns to United Kingdom after 24 years with Unity Cup 2026 in London
The Indian men’s national team will participate in the Unity Cup 2026, to be held in London from May 26 to 30.
The four-nation friendly tournament will feature India, Nigeria, Jamaica and Zimbabwe, and will be played at The Valley, home of Charlton Athletic FC.
India will face Jamaica in the second semifinal on May 27. The first semifinal between Nigeria and Zimbabwe will be played on May 26. The winners of the semifinals will advance to the final on May 30, while the remaining teams will contest the third-place play-off.
This will mark the Blue Tigers’ return to the United Kingdom for international matches after 24 years. Historically, when India last played in the UK in 2002, it was against Jamaica in two friendly matches, registering a 0-3 defeat in Watford and a goalless draw in Wolverhampton. India has never faced Nigeria and Zimbabwe before.
As per the latest FIFA Men’s World Ranking, India is 136th in the world. Among the other participating teams, Nigeria is ranked 26th, Jamaica 71st, and Zimbabwe 130th.
Unity Cup 2026 Schedule:
Nigeria v Zimbabwe (Semifinal 1): Tuesday, May 26, 19:30 BST (00:00 IST, May 27)
Jamaica v India (Semifinal 2): Wednesday, May 27, 19:30 BST (00:00 IST, May 28)
#IFL #Rajasthan #beats #Gokulam #Kerala #Dempo #win #season">IFL 2025-26: Rajasthan beats Gokulam Kerala 1-0; Dempo gets first win of season
Naoba Meitei’s dramatic stoppage-time strike helped Rajasthan United FC edge Gokulam Kerala FC 1-0 in the Indian Football League (IFL) 2025-26 at the Vidhyadhar Nagar Stadium in Jaipur on Tuesday.
After a goalless contest for over 100 minutes, Meitei broke the deadlock deep into injury time to secure three points for the host, which moved up to second in the table with 14 points, while Gokulam Kerala FC remained seventh with eight points. Meitei was adjudged Man of the Match.
The visitor started brightly, with Thabiso Nelson Brown testing Rajasthan captain and keeper Bhabindra Malla Thakuri early on, while Gokulam controlled possession in the opening exchanges without creating clear-cut chances.
The Desert Warriors came closest to scoring just before half-time with a flurry of chances in added time. Soukouna struck the crossbar, Thomyo L. Shimray’s header was saved, and Fernandes’ acrobatic effort was also denied by an alert Shibinraj, as the first half ended goalless.
With the match heading towards a draw, Rajasthan finally found the winner in the 101st minute. Naoba Meitei cut in from the left and unleashed a right-footed strike towards the near post, catching the goalkeeper off guard to seal a dramatic victory.
Despite Gokulam pushing forward in the closing moments, Rajasthan held firm to secure a hard-fought win in an intense encounter.
Dempo prevails over Shillong Lajong to get first win of season
Goals from Marcus Joseph, Kapil Hoble and Richmond Kwasi Owusu helped Dempo SC register its first win of the Indian Football League season, a comfortable 3-0 triumph against Shillong Lajong FC at the PJN Stadium in Goa on Tuesday.
Shillong Lajong enjoyed majority of possession throughout the game but struggled to convert it into clear chances, as Dempo maintained a disciplined defensive shape. The result marked Dempo SC’s first win of the season, taking them to six points, while Birendra Thapa’s side remained fourth with 11 points.
#India #tour #Russia #part #U17 #Womens #Asian #Cup #preparations #Full #schedule #squad">India to tour Russia as part of U-17 Women’s Asian Cup preparations — Full schedule, squad
The India under-17 women’s football team will play three friendlies against Russia in Sochi, as part of its preparations for the upcoming AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup, under head coach Pamela Conti.
The Young Tigresses have already completed a tour to Myanmar, where it played two friendlies against the host, winning both (2-0 and 3-2). Since then, Conti’s side has continued its training in Bengaluru.
At the Asian Cup in Suzhou, India will take on Australia (May 2), Japan (May 5) and Lebanon (May 8) in Group B.
