Author: Rahul Giri

East Bengal clinched a nerve-wracking Kolkata Derby at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, riding on a stunning brace from Dimitrios Diamantakos. The Greek striker, who had endured heavy criticism from fans after a disappointing season last year, turned the tide dramatically to become the toast of the Red-and-Gold faithful overnight. The night, however, began with Moroccan forward Hamid Ahadad leading the line. Ahadad, who had scored in East Bengal’s last two outings, looked set to overshadow Diamantakos again. But fate intervened. Midway through the second quarter, Ahadad pulled up with a muscle strain and was forced off, paving the way…

Indian football’s greatest rivalry will take centre stage on Sunday night as East Bengal and Mohun Bagan Super Giants meet in the quarter-finals of the Durand Cup. The iconic Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan is expected to turn into a cauldron of colour and noise when the two giants collide at 7:00 PM in what promises to be the biggest spectacle of the tournament. This clash carries more weight than just a passage into the last four. The derby has always been about pride, legacy, and identity, and Sunday’s contest will be no different. Both teams arrive unbeaten from the group…

Newly appointed India men’s senior national team head coach Khalid Jamil, on Friday, 15 August 2025, announced a 35-man probable list for the Blue Tigers’ preparatory camp ahead of the CAFA Nations Cup 2025. The camp will begin in Bengaluru on 16 August, with 22 players already reporting. The remaining 13 are expected to join after completing their Durand Cup 2025 commitments with their respective clubs. 🚨 Khalid Jamil announces 35-man probable squad for the #BlueTigers’ preparatory camp for the CAFA Nations Cup 2025!#IndianFootball https://t.co/1S5zEE6XKA — RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) August 15, 2025 India, drawn in Group B, will travel…

FC Goa booked their ticket to the AFC Champions League 2 group stage with a confident 2-1 victory over Oman’s Al Seeb in the single-leg preliminary stage at the Fatorda Stadium, joining Mohun Bagan Super Giant as the second Indian representative in the continental competition. This marks the Gaurs’ return to Asia’s elite stage after their historic 2021 campaign, when they became the first Indian club to compete in the AFC Champions League group phase. Head coach Manolo Marquez fielded all six of his overseas players in the starting line-up, with newcomer Paul Moreno slotting into defence and midfielder David…

FC Goa stand on the cusp of another historic continental foray as they prepare to take on Oman Professional League champions Al Seeb in a decisive, single-legged qualifier for the AFC Champions League Two. With home advantage at the Fatorda Stadium on Wednesday, the Gaurs will aim to carry their Super Cup-winning momentum into Asia’s restructured second-tier competition. The stakes could not be higher — the winner joins fellow Indian side Mohun Bagan Super Giant, who qualified directly after lifting the ISL Shield, in the main round. The losing team will drop into the AFC Challenge League. Different Roads to…

The 134th edition of the Durand Cup is proving to be more than just a football tournament; it’s a celebration of the sport’s deep-rooted passion across India. With matches being held in multiple cities, the tournament has ignited an electrifying atmosphere, drawing record crowds and showcasing the unifying power of the game. NorthEast Derby Electrifies Shillong In a thrilling North East derby, defending champions North East United FC secured their place in the quarterfinals with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Shillong Lajong FC. While Alaaeddine Ajaraie’s double strike sealed the win, the real story was the packed Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.…

-Rahul Giri In a significant development for Indian football, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Wednesday held a high-level meeting with representatives of all 13 Indian Super League (ISL) clubs and commercial partners Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) to discuss the way forward for the 2025–26 season. The meeting was attended by AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey, vice-president N.A. Haris, treasurer Kipa Ajay, deputy secretary general M. Satyanarayan and executive committee member Menla Ethenpa. In a rare show of unity, all ISL clubs participated in the meeting—11 clubs sent their officials to New Delhi, while Mohun Bagan Super Giant and…

Rahul Giri Chennaiyin FC, two-time Indian Super League (ISL) champions, have announced a temporary suspension of their operations, citing ongoing uncertainty over the league’s future. In an official statement, the club described the decision as “extremely difficult” and one taken only after “much thoughtful consideration and careful deliberation”. “At Chennaiyin FC, we are more than just a football club. We are a family,” the statement read. “Like any family, we support each other in difficult times. However, we must remain true to the core values on which this club was built.” The club acknowledged the well-known challenges of being a…

From the narrow lanes of Kolkata to the national stage, Rinku Ghosh’s football journey is one of persistence, quiet strength, and determination. Now coaching the West Bengal Police women’s football team, her story reflects how women’s football in India is changing — still facing challenges, but moving forward with hope. “When I started out, hardly anyone believed that women could take football seriously,” Rinku says. “It wasn’t seen as a career. Girls were discouraged, and there wasn’t much support. But I knew this is what I wanted.” Growing up in West Bengal, Rinku fell in love with the game at…

Rahul Giri in Kolkata Mohun Bagan began their Durand Cup campaign with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Mohammedan Sporting, despite being reduced to 10 men late in the first half. The Mariners started brightly and came close in the 10th minute when Anirudh Thapa delivered a precise cross for Suhail Bhat. The young striker did well to lift the ball over a defender, but his effort struck the crossbar. In the 23rd minute, Liston Colaco lit up the contest with a sensational free-kick from just outside the box. Having earned the foul himself, Colaco curled the ball into the top-right…