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AFC Cup Exclusive | Worst pitch, fans in mixed zone, racist comments: Bashundhara Kings and Dhaka are not ready for "football" yet

Bashundhara Kings' Football Facilities Fall Short of International Standards in their AFC Cup group fixture against Mohun Bagan Super Giant in Dhaka on Tuesday.

Nov 7, 2023, 9:21 PM5 min read

Bashundhara Kings defeated Mohun Bagan Super Giant by 2-1 at their turf, the Kings Arena, as they say, the invincible home. They claimed the top spot in the AFC Cup group D points table, after the win by a head-to-head win, with seven points. The football played on the pitch has had its results, but Bashudhara Kings and Dhaka failed miserably as the hosts.

The Bashundhara Kings Arena is still under construction and a team which is only ten years old; has done immensely well for Bangladesh Football to build an infrastructure that surely can lead Bangladesh Football to a better future. But, they are still not ready for top-level football; even with all those concrete buildings all over the place. The scene might change in a few years; but, as of now, it is not a place for top-level football.

First, the ground. By no means, the pitch at the King's Arena looked like a standard pitch for international players and a tournament like the AFC Cup. One patch of the pitch was "coloured green" so that on TV or streaming it looks like real grass. Unfortunately, it was not real grass. Even, when Sportz Point were present at the ground, for Mohun Bagan's practice one day before the match, the pitch did not look like the best place for football, if you are an international-level footballer.

Some parts of the Bashudhara Kings Arena were painted green so that the ground would appear green on the screen. Although the ground lacked grass and quality as seen on this photo.  Copyright | Sportz Point
Some parts of the Bashudhara Kings Arena were painted green so that the ground would appear green on the screen. Although the ground lacked grass and quality as seen on this photo. Copyright | Sportz Point

It was heard that the ground did not have any rest since the season started here in Bangladesh. Otherwise, it would have been lash green. Well, Mohun Bagan coach Juan Ferrando would not been happy to hear that. He even went on to say as the worst ground to play a tournament like the AFC Cup.

"It is tough to play at this ground. Obviously, it is difficult because everybody knows the ground is not in good condition to play here. But, okay, for us, the most important is to try to learn and improve," Juan Ferrando said in the post-match press conference.

"The ground condition is worst. That's all. The extra time for me was incredible. For me, these are not excuses. For me, in this competition, it is incredible that in this condition, if they accept to play here, that's all, we come here and play," he then added when Sportz Point asked him about the pitch conditions.

Also Read: AF Cup 2023-24: Bashundhara still unbeaten in Dhaka; top of the AFC Cup group after 2-1 win over Mohun Bagan

From ground to administration, Bashundhara failed as a host. Although, it is quite normal for football fans to go at each other and sometimes try to call out players by chanting against their names; Bashundhara fans took it to another level. Interestingly, the administration or the AFC volunteers saw it with their open eyes.

After the match, near about fifty Bashundhara Kings fans assembled near the mixed zone and started using slang against Mohun Bagan's coach and players. For all of those, who do not know what a mixed zone is, "it is normally the place from where players would leave and accredited journalists can interview them if the players are willing enough."

This is the place where only accredited journalists can have access but on Tuesday night, we saw many guests there with micks in their hands and slungs from their mouths. Interestingly, security and police there just kept watching and AFC volunteers who are also from Bangladesh, kept on watching. Not only that, even if some of the fans, would have chosen to be violent, they might have been successful with the security Kings Arena had for the away team players.

Fans were seen in the mixed zone area who kept on abusing Mohun Bagan players and coaches after the match.  Copyright | Sportz Point
Fans were seen in the mixed zone area who kept on abusing Mohun Bagan players and coaches after the match. Copyright | Sportz Point

Things got even worse when a few fans shouted some racist comments at Mohun Bagan player Asish Rai and others. This time, the AFC volunteer requested the fans to not say any racist words, where he should have taken action against them and used security to vacate the place. When the whole football world is fighting against racism, Bashundhara Kings had the chance to set up an example by taking proper actions, but, they failed to do so.

Dhaka, or Bangladesh as a whole, is a sport-loving place; specially when it comes to football. If one roams around the city; one will notice every one in three people wearing football jerseys; be it a Bangladeshi jersey an Argentine jersey or an Arsenal one. But, still, the craziness and madness could not match the maturity and character a football-loving city must show.

Hence, even after their first-ever win over an Indian team in any Asian club competition, Bashundhara Kings and Dhaka failed miserably in the eyes of the whole football world.

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AIFF Awards 2025: Subhasish Bose and Soumya Guguloth Shine as Top Players

Subhasish Bose and Soumya Guguloth won the Best Men's and Women's Player of the Year Awards, respectively, in the recently concluded AIFF Awards 2025. Here are all the winners this season.

May 2, 2025, 5:13 PM3 min read

AIFF Awards 2025: Subhasish Bose and Soumya Guguloth Shine as Top Players | sportzpoint.com

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) celebrated the best of Indian football at the AIFF Awards 2025, held today in Bhubaneswar, honouring outstanding players, coaches, referees, and member associations for their contributions during the 2024-25 season.

AIFF Awards 2025: Subhasish Bose and Soumya Guguloth Shine as Top Players | sportzpoint.com
Subhasish Bose recieving the Best Men's Footballer of the Year Award. Image | AIFF
AIFF Awards 2025: Subhasish Bose and Soumya Guguloth Shine as Top Players | sportzpoint.com
Soumya Guguloth won the Women's Footballer of the Year Award. Image | AIFF

The ceremony highlighted the growing competitiveness of Indian football, with Mohun Bagan SG’s Subhasish Bose and East Bengal FC’s Soumya Guguloth crowned Men’s and Women’s Player of the Year, respectively. 

AIFF Awards 2025 Winners

Individual Awards

  • Men's Player of the Year: Subhasish Bose (Mohun Bagan SG, Defender)
    • Recognised for his leadership as captain and stellar performances for Mohun Bagan SG as the mariners became the first team to defend the ISL Shield, along with reclaiming the ISL Cup. Bose kept 13 clean sheets as a defender and scored 6 goals as well. 
  • Women's Player of the Year: Soumya Guguloth (East Bengal FC, Forward)
    • Honoured as the top Indian scorer in the Indian Women’s League (IWL) and a key player for the Blue Tigresses. She helped East Bengal FC win the IWL 2024-25 title.
  • Men's Goalkeeper of the Year: Vishal Kaith (Mohun Bagan SG)
    • Awarded for holding the record for the most clean sheets in Indian Super League (ISL) history. Kaith had a record 15 clean sheets in ISL 2024-25 and conceded only 19 goals across 26 appearances
  • Most Promising Men's Player of the Year: Brison Fernandes (Midfielder)
    • Noted for his midfield mastery and potential as a rising star.
  • Most Promising Women's Player of the Year: Neha (Haryana, Winger)
    • Recognised for her performances, including 2 goals in the SAFF U19 Women’s Championship and 3 goals in the Senior Women’s National Championship.
  • Men's Coach of the Year: Khalid Jamil (Jamshedpur FC)
    • Won for the second consecutive year for leading Jamshedpur FC to the Kalinga Super Cup semifinals.
  • Women's Coach of the Year: Sujata Kar (Sreebhumi FC)
    • Awarded for guiding newly-promoted Sreebhumi FC to a third-place finish in the IWL.
  • Male Referee of the Year: Venkatesh R
    • Acknowledged for consistent officiating on the pitch.
  • Female Referee of the Year: Tekcham Ranjita Devi
    • Recognised for her officiating excellence.
  • Male Referee of the Year: Venkatesh R
  • Male Assistant Referee of the Year: Vairamuthu P

Member Association (MA) Awards

  • Most Successful MA (Club Competitions): Indian Football Association (West Bengal)
    • For dominance in men’s competitions, Mohun Bagan and East Bengal winning major titles.
  • Most Successful MA (NFC Competitions): All Manipur Football Association
    • Recognised for success in the National Football Championships.
  • Best MA for Supporting Women’s Football: Punjab Football Association
    • Honoured for contributions to women’s football development.
  • Best MA for Hosting Most AIFF Competitions: Football Association of Odisha and Goa Football Association
    • For hosting numerous AIFF events.
  • MA with Most Player Registrations (Men’s): Kerala Football Association
    • For the highest number of male player registrations.
  • MA with Most Player Registrations (Women’s): Western India Football Association (Maharashtra)
    • For leading in female player registrations.
  • Special Award for MA Launching New Projects: Gujarat State Football Association
    • For innovative football initiatives.
  • MA with Most Grassroots Activities: Gujarat State Football Association
    • For extensive grassroots programs.
  • MA with Most Youth Tournaments Conducted: Karnataka State Football Association
    • For organising numerous youth tournaments.
  • MA with Most Coaching Courses: Punjab Football Association
    • For conducting the most coaching courses.
  • MA with Most Refereeing Courses: Gujarat State Football Association
    • For leading in referee training programs.
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Mohun Bagan SG Edges Kerala Blasters FC 2-1 in Kalinga Super Cup 2025 Quarter-Finals

Goals from Sahal Abdul Samad in the 22nd minute and Suhail Ahmad Bhat in the 51st minute of the match helped Mohun Bagan SG beat Kerala Blasters FC by 2-1 to qualify for the semis of Kalinga Super Cup 2025.

Apr 26, 2025, 3:33 PM3 min read

Mohun Bagan SG Edges Kerala Blasters FC 2-1 in Kalinga Super Cup 2025 Quarter-Finals - Suhail Bhatt with the goal for MBSG | sportzpoint.com

On a vibrant Saturday evening, April 26, 2025, Mohun Bagan SG’s youthful squad clinched a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Kerala Blasters FC in the Kalinga Super Cup 2025 quarter-finals, securing their spot in the semi-finals.

The Mariners, boasting an all-Indian lineup save for Portuguese defender Nuno Reis, showcased their attacking flair with goals from Sahal Abdul Samad in the 22nd minute and Suhail Ahmad Bhat in the 51st. Despite a late strike from Kerala Blasters’ Sreekuttan MS in the 94th minute, Mohun Bagan SG held firm, thanks to a stellar performance by goalkeeper Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem. Bastab Roy’s team now awaits the winner of the FC Goa vs. Punjab FC clash in the semi-final on April 30.

The match kicked off cautiously, with both sides probing without overcommitting. For the first 20 minutes, neither team managed to create clear chances. Then, Mohun Bagan SG sparked the game to life with a moment of brilliance.

Salahudheen Adnan dazzled down the right, weaving past Naocha Singh before delivering a pinpoint cross into the box. Sahal Abdul Samad, with a deft shoulder drop, shook off Ruivah Hormipam and delicately lifted the ball over goalkeeper Sachin Suresh to break the deadlock.

Mohun Bagan SG Edges Kerala Blasters FC 2-1 in Kalinga Super Cup 2025 Quarter-Finals | sportzpoint.com

The goal jolted Kerala Blasters into action, and they pushed hard for an equaliser. Noah Sadaoui, fresh off a spectacular long-range goal against East Bengal, tried his luck from distance but sent the ball straight to Dheeraj Singh.

Read Also | India expresses formal interest to host the AFC Asian Cup 2031

The Blasters grew threatening from set pieces, particularly short corners. In the 30th minute, Sadaoui’s low cross after a quick one-two with Vibin Mohanan was cleared by Dippendu Biswas. Moments later, Hormipam’s looping cross nearly sneaked into the top corner, only for Dheeraj to tip it over.

Just before halftime, Mohammed Aimen cut in from the left and unleashed a curling shot that sailed narrowly over the bar, leaving the Blasters frustrated.

The second half began with Mohun Bagan SG striking early. In the 47th minute, Sachin Suresh pulled off a stunning save to deny Salahudheen in a one-on-one, but the warning went unheeded. Four minutes later, Ashique Kuruniyan tore down the left, breezed past Hormipam, and rolled a precise pass to Suhail Ahmad Bhat, who calmly slotted it home to double the lead.

Mohun Bagan SG Edges Kerala Blasters FC 2-1 in Kalinga Super Cup 2025 Quarter-Finals - Suhail Bhatt with the goal for MBSG | sportzpoint.com

From there, the game became the Dheeraj Singh show. Kerala Blasters threw everything forward, but the Mohun Bagan goalkeeper stood tall. Jesús Jiménez squandered two golden opportunities, blasting over the bar in the 65th minute and dragging a shot wide two minutes later. In the 70th minute, Dheeraj denied substitute Kwame Peprah’s angled effort, and with five minutes left, Peprah’s low cross found Jiménez, who couldn’t connect cleanly.

Read Also | Will Indian-Origin players ever get to play for India? AIFF keeps showing its aimless approach

Dheeraj’s heroics continued as he thwarted Peprah from point-blank range, with Amandeep clearing Ebindas Y’s follow-up off the line. The Blasters finally broke through in stoppage time when Jiménez set up Sreekuttan, who rifled a shot past Dheeraj. But the goal came too late to spark a comeback.

Salahudheen Adnan earned the Kalinga Player of the Match award for his electrifying performance.

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Kalinga Super Cup 2025: Mohun Bagan vs Kerala Blasters FC Match Preview, Head-to-head stats and streaming details

Here is everything you need to know about the Mohun Bagan vs Kerala Blasters FC, Kalinga Super Cup quarter-final match at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneshwar.

Apr 25, 2025, 9:42 PM3 min read

Kalinga Super Cup 2025: Mohun Bagan vs Kerala Blasters FC Match Preview, Head-to-head stats and streaming details | sportzpoint.com

A young Mohun Bagan Super Giant will take on Kerala Blasters FC in the first quarter-final of the Kalinga Super Cup 2025 on Saturday at 4.30 pm IST. This will be the first time Kerala Blasters FC will play in the final eight of the Super Cup, while the ISL Cup and Shield winners Mohun Bagan Super Giant have already booked their place in the AFC Champions League Two.

Here is everything you need to know about the Mohun Bagan vs Kerala Blasters FC, Kalinga Super Cup quarter-final match at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneshwar. 

Match Details

Match: Mohun Bagan vs Kerala Blasters FC, Kalinga Super Cup quarter-final

Date: 26 April 2025

Time: 4.30 pm IST

Venue: Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneshwar

How to watch the match?

Football fans from India can watch the Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs Kerala Blasters FC, Kalinga Super Cup 2025 quarter-final match LIVE on Star Sports 3 TV Channel. Moreover, they can also stream the match LIVE on JioHotstar.

Head-to-head stats: MBSG vs KBFC

Till now, Mohun Bagan and Kerala Blasters FC have faced each other 10 times. Mohun Bagan SG have always dominated the team from South. The Mariners have won 8 out of 10 games, while Kerala emerged victorious only once. 

One game between these two clubs ended in a draw.

Team News: Mohun Bagan SG 

Sahal Abdul Samad - Kalinga Super Cup 2025: Mohun Bagan vs Kerala Blasters FC Match Preview, Head-to-head stats and streaming details | sportzpoint.com

Since Mohun Bagan Super Giant have already qualified for the AFC Champions League Two, they have decided to send a young team for the Super Cup. After getting a bye in the round of 16 match, Mohun Bagan will play their first match of the tournament against Kerala Blasters FC. 

Bastab Roy will be filling in for Jose Molina as the head coach of the team, while Deepak Tangri, who once started as an academy player for Mohun Bagan, will lead the team in the tournament. Nuno Reis will be the only foreign player in the squad for the Mohun Bagan team.

Indian team stars Sahal Abdul Samad and Ashique Kuruniyan will also be there for the Mariners. 

MBSG Full squad for the Kalinga Super Cup 2025: Raj Basfore, Nuno Miguel Pereira Reis, Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem, Abhishek Dhananjay Suryavanshi, Sahal Abdul Samad, Muhammed Ashique Kuruniyan, Deepak Tangri, Arsh Anwer Shaikh, Dippendu Biswas, Glan Martins, Amandeep, Shibam Munda, Loitongbam Taison Singh, Leewan Castanha, Sandeep Malik, Saurabh Bhanwala, Leimapokpam Sibajit Singh, Salahudheen Adnan K, Suhail Ahmad Bhat, Umer Muhthar K P, Pasang Dorjee Tamang, Ravi Bahadur Rana, Serto Worneilen Kom, Thumsol Tongsin, Priyansh Dubey.

Team News: Kerala Blasters FC

Kalinga Super Cup 2025: Mohun Bagan vs Kerala Blasters FC Match Preview, Head-to-head stats and streaming details | sportzpoint.com

Kerala Blasters FC are coming into the quarter-final for the first time, after defeating defending champion East Bengal by 2-0. New coach David Català, who was brought in to the team just a few weeks before the tournament, will be confident seeing the progress of the team. 

Though Mohun Bagan will have their development side, Catala wants to respect a champion team like Mohun Bagan Super Giant and focus on the strategies for the game. Noah Sadaoui looked threatening from the first minute against East Bengal and will be a key player for the Manjapadas. 

The pairing of Noah Sadaoui with Jesús Jiménez will be a key factor in the matchup against Mohun Bagan, who will have someone like Dippendu Biswas and Glan Martins at the back with tons of ISL experience.

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IWL 2024-25: East Bengal FC clinch their maiden title; Gokulam finish as runners-up

East Bengal FC cemented their status as IWL 2024-25 champions with a commanding 3-0 victory over Gokulam Kerala FC at the East Bengal ground on Friday.

Apr 18, 2025, 3:53 PM2 min read

IWL 2024-25: East Bengal FC clinch their maiden title; Gokulam finish as runners-up | sportzpoint.com

East Bengal FC cemented their status as IWL 2024-25 champions with a commanding 3-0 victory over Gokulam Kerala FC at the East Bengal ground on Friday.

Already assured of the title before kickoff, the Red and Golds showcased their supremacy by defeating every team in the league en route to the championship, with all three goals coming in an explosive first half.

Read Also | Exclusive Shreya Hooda: Best Goalkeeper in IWL & NFC, National team and the World Cup dream

Elshaddai Acheampong

The star of the show was Elshaddai Acheampong, who opened the scoring in the 27th minute. After missing earlier chances, including a header from five yards in the 19th minute, the Ghanaian forward made amends with a clinical finish, chipping the goalkeeper after a deft move past defenders following a pass from Anju Tamang.

Read Also | 10 Best Women's Football Players and Leagues You Must Watch in 2025

IWL 2024-25: East Bengal FC clinch their maiden title; Gokulam finish as runners-up

Her poacher’s instinct shone again in the 37th minute, tapping in a cross from Karthika Angamuthu at the back post to double the lead. Minutes before halftime, Soumya Guguloth sealed the rout in the 42nd minute, rounding the keeper to score after a perfectly timed through ball.

Read Also | Beatrice Chebet becomes the first woman to run 5km under 14 minutes in Barcelona

Despite the title already in hand, East Bengal displayed remarkable professionalism, dominating possession and stifling Gokulam from the outset. The second half saw Gokulam mount a brief challenge, testing goalkeeper Panthoi Chanu with a long-range effort, but the champions held firm. This win marked the only team East Bengal had yet to beat this season, completing a flawless campaign.

The victory underscored East Bengal’s dominance throughout the season, blending skill, composure, and relentless attacking play.

IWL 2024-25: Gokulam Kerala finished as runners-up | sportzpoint.com

For Gokulam, the defeat highlighted their struggle against the league’s top side, as East Bengal celebrated a perfect end to their triumphant IWL 2024-25 journey.

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Kalinga Super Cup 2025: Mohun Bagan to play from quarter-final directly

The Kalinga Super Cup 2025 has undergone significant schedule adjustments following the withdrawal of Churchill Brothers FC Goa. Mohun Bagan SG will advance directly with a bye

Apr 18, 2025, 1:01 PM1 min read

Kalinga Super Cup 2025: Mohun Bagan to play from quarter-final directly | sportzpoint.com

The Kalinga Super Cup 2025 has undergone significant schedule adjustments following the withdrawal of Churchill Brothers FC Goa. The Round of 16 match against Mohun Bagan SG, originally set for an 8 PM IST kick-off on April 20, has been cancelled.

As a result, Mohun Bagan SG will advance directly with a bye.

Mohun Bagan SG, who recently clinched both the ISL 2024-25 Shield and Cup, will now face the winners of the rescheduled Round of 16 match between Kerala Blasters FC and East Bengal FC in the quarter-finals on April 26.

The Kerala Blasters FC vs. East Bengal FC clash has been moved to an 8 PM IST kick-off on April 20, 2025, ensuring the tournament progresses smoothly despite the unexpected withdrawal.

Here is the new schedule of the Kalinga Super Cup 2025

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