Saudi Arabia defeated India 2-0 in the Asian Games 2023 Men's football competition Round of 16 match on Thursday. Mohammed Khalil Maran scored both goals. The match began on a brilliant note as both the teams tied 0-0 in the first half. However, Maran quickly provided Saudi Arabia with their first breakthrough in the 51st minute. He then went on to extend the lead as he scored his second goal of the day in the 57th minute. India remained goalless in the match and ultimately got knocked out of the Asian Games 2023.
Asian Games 2023: India vs Saudi Arabia - Match Report
First Half:
India started with a low block as Saudi Arabia tried to hit with long balls. In the 8th minute, India tried a quick attack, with Rahul KP combining with Abdul Rabeeh along the right. He received the ball back in the box but was immediately surrounded by Saudi players, who made a brilliant clearance. Rahul KP tried to carry the ball from the midfield but he was surrounded by three Saudi players, who got the ball off him and passed it to Musab Al-Juwayr. The midfielder tried a shot, which stormed past a fully-stretched Dheeraj off-target. It was the first big chance for the Saudi Arabians in the first half.
Saudi was forced to shoot from a distance, with India maintaining a compact low block. Musab Al-Juwayr took a shot with his right foot, which beat Dheeraj but left the woodwork shaking. In the follow-up, another shot just went off-target. India escaped a clear chance of goal concession. In the 40th minute, Gurkirat fouled Musab Al-Juwayr to get into the book for a rash challenge. Al-Juwayr took the free-kick, which was saved by Dheeraj. This was the first time Dheeraj was actually tested in the match. India made a change right before the first half by bringing in Samuel James for Gurkirat Singh. The first half ended goalless which was mostly dominated by Saudi Arabia.
HALF-TIME ⏳
Some brave defending, and a few counter-attacks, see the two teams head into the tunnel on level terms 🙌
Despite Saudi Arabia coming close to scoring on multiple occasions, a resilient India has forced the score to remain 0-0 at the end of the first half. Saudi started the second half exactly how it did in the first half, with attacks along the left. Maran then came up with the goal that Saudi Arabia were looking for. Khalil Marran received the ball in the box through a cross from the right side. Mohammed Abu Al Shamat whipped in the cross and Khalil Marran made no mistake to head the ball into the net.
Khalil then extended the lead after just 6 minutes. He then drew Dheeraj to him in the box, having received a through ball, and as the Goa goalkeeper gave space to his left. Marran buried and tucked the ball into the net for his and Saudi's second of the game. Maran is the only player in Saudi's playing XI from Al Nassr. He has played with Cristiano Ronaldo and has also scored for the senior team in the Saudi Pro League. He just showed his class maybe he is learning from the best.
Saudi Arabia attacked with set-pieces again. Rayan Hamed's header was pushed out at the last moment by Dheeraj to limit the Saudi side to just two goals. Nothing more happened in the game after India conceded those two goals. Sunil Chhetri and all of the Indian Men's footballers will now return to the Indian Super League clubs after this heartbreaking loss in the Round of 16 of the Asian Games 2023.
FULL-TIME ⌛
It ends in a defeat for India, but a massive effort by the boys against Saudi Arabia tonight. Onwards and upwards 👏👏
Manolo Márquez announces 28-member Indian football team travelling squad for Thailand friendly
Manolo Márquez announces 28-member Indian football team travelling squad for Thailand friendly. Get the full list and updates of this key preparatory match for the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers.
Head coach Manolo Márquez announces 28-member Blue Tigers travelling squad for Thailand friendly on May 28, 2025. All the 28 players, who are currently a part of the ongoing camp in Kolkata, will travel to Thailand for the FIFA friendly for the June 4 fixture.
With a crucial AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers Final Round on the horizon, the Indian Men's National Football Team is gearing up for a significant test. The squad will leave for Thailand on Wednesday evening for their friendly on June 4, at the Thammasat Stadium in Pathum Thani at 18:00 IST.
Subsequently, the team will depart for Hong Kong on the next day (June 5) for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers Final Round fixture.
Kolkata: The Blue Tigers' pre-Thailand training hub
Sunil Chhetri along with the other squad members in Day 2 of training camp in Kolkata. Image | Facebook
The Blue Tigers' intensive training camp kicked off in Kolkata on May 19. The men in Blue underwent six full days of structured training and gym sessions. These were focused on refining patterns, defensive organisation, attacking transitions, and all other crucial elements for the gameplay.
A highlight of the camp was the inclusion of two practice matches:
On May 26, the Blue Tigers faced Santosh Trophy Champions Bengal, securing a 2-1 victory. (goal scorers: Brandon Fernandes and Ashique Kuruniyan)
On May 27, they faced North 24 Parganas, securing a 3-0 victory. (goal scorers: Sunil Chhetri, Chinglensana Singh Konsham and Udanta Singh Kumam)
Blue Tigers’ 28-member squad for the FIFA Friendly against Thailand
Indian Football: Rahul KP creates history, signs for West Ham United
Rahul KP, the Indian winger, will play for English Premier League club West Ham United in The Soccer Tournament (TST), an elite 7 v 7 football competition featuring 48 teams from across the globe.
In a groundbreaking moment for Indian football, Rahul KP, the dynamic winger of Odisha FC, has been extended a prestigious invitation to represent English Premier League powerhouse West Ham United in the highly anticipated summer edition of The Soccer Tournament (TST), an elite 7 v 7 football competition featuring 48 teams from across the globe.
This is the first time in Indian football history that an Indian player will represent a top-division English Premier League club men’s team. This is a monumental achievement not only for Rahul's burgeoning career and Odisha FC but also for the continued growth and recognition of the state of Odisha and Indian football on the international stage.
The tournament is scheduled to take place from June 4 to June 9, 2025, in Raleigh, North Carolina, United States. The tournament boasts a diverse international roster, with participating teams and players hailing from countries including the United Kingdom, Spain, Switzerland, Brazil, Mexico, Nigeria, and India. The star-studded event will notably feature teams led by legendary footballers such as Luis Nani, Sergio Agüero, and Hope Solo.
Rahul KP will join a distinguished West Ham United squad that includes notable personalities like actor Hero Fiennes Tiffin, former Argentina international Mauro Zárate, and several professional athletes who have represented the United States in the World Indoor Football Cup.
The three group stage games featuring West Ham United will be broadcast live on YouTube channels. Additionally, these matches will be televised live on ESPN.
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.
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.
Subhasish Bose recieving the Best Men's Footballer of the Year Award. Image | AIFFSoumya 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
As Liverpool FC won their second title of the Premier League era, let's look at the clubs with the most Premier League titles in the history of English Football.
Premier League, also known as the English Premier League, is a top-tier football league in England. This league consists of 20 teams in a league system with a relegation and promotion system to/from the English Championship.
Each team plays 38 matches against every other team, 19 at home and away. The seasons generally start in August and run till May. The Premier League is the most-watched sports league globally and is broadcast in over 200 territories with an average number of viewers of 4.7 billion.
As Liverpool FC won their second title of the Premier League era, we will look at the clubs with the most Premier League titles in the history of English Football.
The Football League First Division was the top-tier football league in England from 1888. But in the post-1970s and early 1980s, the league started to reach a low point with incidents like the 1985 Heysel Stadium disaster, which banned them from UEFA Competitions for five years.
But after England reached the 1990 FIFA World Cup semi-finals, the downward trend started to reverse. The stadium started to get filled, and the Taylor Report on stadium safety standards also helped clubs to create better standard stadiums.
After a dispute over TV rights and maximising the club revenue, the big five clubs, Manchester United, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Everton, and Arsenal, opted to come out of the Football League First Division and create another league.
At the close of the 1990-91 season, the FA Premier League was formed, and from 1992-93 the Premier League era started with 22 teams. Manchester United were the first Premier League champions and went on to win seven of the first nine trophies.
Who has won the most Premier League titles?
Till now, 51 teams have played in the Premier League since the tournament was rebranded in 1992. 7 teams have successfully won the Premier League title.
Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool, and Tottenham are considered the 'Big Six' in the Premier League. Unfortunately, Tottenham haven't lifted any major title in their history, but still, they go toe to toe with every club and take part in the title race.
Manchester United, with 13 Premier League titles since 1992, are the most successful club in the Premier League era.
Most Premier League titles won by the clubs
Manchester United- 13
Manchester City- 8
Chelsea - 5
Arsenal- 3
Liverpool- 2
Blackburn Rovers - 1
Leicester City -1
Most Premier League Titles
7. Leicester City - 1 title
Leicester City won the Premier League title in the 2015-16 season | Image: Sky Sports
In the 2015-16 Premier League season, Leicester City won the title in the Premier League. They were considered to be an underdog before but they overcame the rough phase and won the Premier League title in the club's 132-year history.
Striker Jamie Vardy broke the record for consecutive games with a goal in the Premier League (11). Meanwhile, Riyad Mahrez became both the first African and Algerian player to be the recipient of the PFA Players' Player of the Year.
Blackburn won the title in the 1994-95 season | Image: Reuters
Blackburn Rovers was one of the 22 founding members of the Premier League era. They won the Premier League a long time ago in the 1994-95 season. Alan Shearer, with 34 goals for them, was the top scorer of the season. However, they were relegated in the 1998–99 season, becoming one of the 42 teams that were relegated as the Premier League champions.
Right after two seasons, they were promoted again in the 2000-01 season, but they were relegated yet once again, and that too in the same season. Unfortunately, they have not returned to the Premier League since then.
5. Liverpool FC - 2 titles
Liverpool FC after winning the Premier League 2024-25 title. Image | Liverpool FC
The Anfield Giants are one of the most popular English Clubs. Midfield maestros Steven Gerrard and William Shankly were a few of the legends that the club produced.
However, Liverpool had to wait for 30 years for their first-ever Premier League title. The club won the Premier League once in 2019-20 under German tactician Jurgen Klopp. That was Liverpool's nineteenth overall title in England's top-tier football.
Mohamed Salah, with 19 goals, was one of the star performers for the Reds in that season.
As their most recent league success, Liverpool won the Premier League 2024-25 title with 4 games to go in the season. Arne Slot's first season as the Liverpool manager gave them their 20th Title in the top flight and 2nd in the Premier League era.
Mohamed Salah again played a pivotal role in their success with 28 goals and counting.
4. Arsenal FC - 3 titles
Arsenal won the 2003-04 title as Invincibles | Image: Getty
The London Giants Arsenal are one of the most famous football clubs on planet earth. They have won the title 3 times in the years 1997-98, 2001-02, and 2003-04.
They were the first club to create Premier League history by maintaining a 38-game unbeaten streak to win the title in 2003-04.
In domestic football, Arsenal has won 13 league titles, a record 14 FA Cups, two League Cups, and 17 FA Community Shields, but they haven't won a single European title yet.
Chelsea won their first Premier League title under Jose Mourinho in 2004-05 season | Image: Chelsea
Another London club, Chelsea, is on this list, and there is no doubt why they are the best London Club in the Premier League. They won the title 5 times in the years 2004-05, 2005-06, 2009-10, 2014-15, and 2016-17.
The Blues won their first Premier League title under the 'Special One'Jose Mourinho, who completely changed the face of this London Club alongside Roman Abramovich, who was the Chelsea owner at that time.
They have also won the Champions League 2 times, alongside 2 Europa League titles.
2. Manchester City - 8 titles
City players celebrating their sixth title in seven seaons.
Manchester City, the Blue side of Manchester, are the reigning champions of England and Europe. This team have won the title 7 times in the years 2011-12, 2013-14, 2017-18, 2018-19, 2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23 and 2023-24.
In the 2023-24 season, Manchester City became the first club to win the Premier League for a record fourth consecutive season. No side in English football history had ever won the top-flight more than three years back-to-back.
They are the second Club after Manchester United to complete the three-pit in the Premier League and win the European treble.
The club has won nine league titles, seven FA Cups, eight League Cups, six FA Community Shields, one UEFA Champions League, one European Cup Winners' Cup, one UEFA Super Cup, and one FIFA Club World Cup.
Manchester United are the most successful club in the Premier League era | Image: X
The team with the most Premier League Titles is Manchester United, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester. They are the most successful team in the English Premier League and also the most famous English Club on the Entire Planet. United were also the first-ever team to win the Premier League.
They were the first English club to ever win the European treble, and that remained a record until Manchester City finally matched it in the 2022-23 season. Manchester United won the titles in 1992-93, 1993-94, 1995-96, 1996-97, 1998-99, 1999-2000, 2000-01, 2002-03, 2006-07, 2007-08, 2008-09, 2010-11, and 2012-13.
They have also won the most number of trophies in England, and that happened because of the Scottish manager Sir Alex Ferguson. He managed Manchester United from 1986 to 2013. Sir Alex is widely regarded as one of the greatest managers of all time and has won more trophies than any other manager in the history of football
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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