East Bengal FC will face Hyderabad FC in the first match of Group A in the Kalinga Super Cup 2024 on 9th January at the Kalinga Stadium. Hyderabad hasn't registered a victory in the 2023-24 ISL so far and is sitting at the bottom of the table after playing 11 games. Meanwhile, East Bengal has performed brilliantly defensively but has failed to score goals regularly. The Kolkata-based club is hanging 8th in the table with 2 victories, 5 draws, and 3 losses.

Also Read: Indian Super League clubs with the highest Instagram followers

With both teams eyeing a victory in their first match, this encounter promises to be an exciting one. Carles Cuadrat would love to see his team scoring goals which he expected after seeing East Bengal score 5 against NorthEast. Since then, Cuadrad's side hasn't scored any goals and played three 0-0 draws.

On the other side, Hyderabad FC has failed to replicate what they did last season in the ISL. The fans are expecting to witness their favourite club fighting positively for the first time this season when they face the Red & Gold Brigade at the Kalinga Stadium on Tuesday.

Match Details:

• Fixture: East Bengal vs Hyderabad: Kalinga Super Cup 2024

• Date: January 9

• Time: 2:00 PM (IST)

• Venue: Kalinga Stadium, Odisha

Where can we watch the East Bengal vs Hyderabad match?

All the matches of the Kalinga Super Cup 2024 including the East Bengal vs Hyderabad will be televised on Sports18 channel in India. Moreover, fans can watch the match on Jio Cinema as well.

Also Read: Kalinga Super Cup 2024 Mohun Bagan vs Sreenidi Deccan Match Preview, Team News, Possible Lineups, Head-to-head and Dream 11 Prediction

East Bengal vs Hyderabad: Team News

East Bengal FC

The Red and Gold brigade has put in a lot of effort defensively and given a tough fight to their opponents but have missed lots of opportunities in front of the goal. Cuadrat will hope for his Brazilian striker Cleiton Silva to replicate his league form in the Kalinga Super Cup 2024. Cleiton has scored 5 goals in the league and can be the differencemaker against Hyderabad FC on Tuesday.

Mandar Rao Desai might miss tomorrow's match. He didn't practice today. East Bengal would be expecting Nandha Kumar Sekar to create chances for the forwards. The 28-year-old creator has scored 2 goals and provided 3 assists in the league. Naorem Mahesh Singh has also scored 2 goals in 10 appearances in the league. Lalchungnunga and Naorem Mahesh will miss the game due to the call-up he received from the National Team.

Hyderabad FC

Hyderabad are struggling with financial issues. Their on-field and off-field problems have merged and it's not a positive atmosphere in the Nizam's camp right now. Hyderabad will miss the attacking power of Jonathan Moya. He left the club to join Liga Deportiva Alajuelense.

⚽️ Ready for the #KalingaSuperCup!#TheNawabs 💛🖤 pic.twitter.com/rgFpHndGBU

— Hyderabad FC (@HydFCOfficial) January 8, 2024

They will miss the likes of Nikhil Poojary who has been called up for the national team for the upcoming Asia Cup 2023. Hyderabad would like to register their first victory of the season but it wouldn't be easy against the defensively solid, East Bengal side.

Also Read: Indian Football News: The Kalinga Super Cup will kick off in Odisha from January 9, 2024

East Bengal vs Hyderabad: Head-to-Head

Total Matches â€“ 7

East Bengal FC wins â€“ 1

Hyderabad FC wins â€“ 4

Draw – 2

Possible Starting Lineup:

East Bengal: Prabhsukhan Gill (GK), Nishu Kumar, Vishnu Puthiya Valappill, Hijazi Maher, Mohammad Rakip, Saul Crespo, Souvik Chakrabarti, Borja Herrera, Jose Antonio Pardo, Nandhakumar Sekar, Cleiton Silva.

Hyderabad FC: Gurmeet Singh (GK), Alex Saji, Chinglensana Singh, Nim Dorjee Tamang, Vignesh Dakshinamurthy, Sahil Tavora, Joao Victor, Mohammad Yasir, Petteri Pennanen, Joseph Knowles, Aaren D'Silva.

East Bengal vs Hyderabad: Dream XI Team Prediction

Indian football continues to grow, and the stadiums where the game is played are a key part of its story. The nation has a collection of incredible stadiums that have a history of holding the most high-stakes and celebrated matches.

The capacity of a football stadium directly impacts the overall experience. The larger a stadium, the more fans it can hold, and the bigger the atmosphere for a match. Therefore, this article notes down the best Indian football stadiums ranked by capacity.

1. Salt Lake Stadium (VYBK), West Bengal

• Capacity: 85,000
• Built in: 1984

The Salt Lake Stadium, officially known as Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, is the largest Indian football stadium with a seating capacity of 85,000. Located at the heart of Kolkata, a city that breathes football, in West Bengal, it is simply an electrifying hub for the game.

Originally built in 1984, this stadium has undergone multiple renovations, including a major one for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup, 2017. The stadium saw legendary moments, like when Lionel Messi played here in 2011, or when Diego Maradona visited in 2008, drawing massive crowds.

This stadium is the most reliable venue for hosting major football matches that are played in India, which shows that it is fit for big international events.

Additionally, the famous Kolkata Derby (East Bengal vs. Mohun Bagan) regularly fills the stadium, creating an unforgettable experience for players and fans.

Read Also: East Bengal vs Mohun Bagan: Biggest wins in Kolkata derby history

2. Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Delhi

• Capacity: 60,254
• Built in: 1982

Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium is the second-largest Indian football stadium with a capacity of 60,254. It was originally built to host the events of 1982 Asian Games, and also hosted the 1989 Asian Championships in Athletics.

The stadium went through a modernised renovation for the 2010 Commonwealth Games, and hosted all the track and field events. Because it's in the nation's capital, it often hosts international friendly matches and national football tournaments.

It is a well-equipped grand venue that offers a big stage for players and a comfortable experience for the spectators.

3. Greenfield International Stadium, Kerala

• Capacity: 50,000
• Built in: 2015

The Greenfield International Stadium in Kerala, also known as "The Sports Hub, Trivandrum," can hold 50,000 spectators, which is the 3rd highest in India. It is relatively new and built as a multi-purpose stadium, having top-notch facilities.

The stadium hosted its first international football tournament in 2015 (SAFF Championship). It is mostly known for hosting cricket matches, making it the home ground for the Kerala Cricket Association.

Read Also: Top scorers in ISL history

4. EMS Stadium, Kerala

• Capacity: 50,000
• Built in: 1977

The EMS Stadium in Kozhikode, Kerala, is another multi-purpose stadium that has a capacity of 50,000. It is a very old and precious football venue of the state, famous for its deep connection with local football and drawing of enthusiastic fans.

It is home to the I-League club Gokulam Kerala FC, and has hosted big tournaments like the Super Cup, Santosh Trophy, and the Sait Nagjee Football tournament.

5. DY Patil Stadium, Maharashtra

• Capacity: 45,300
• Built in: 2008

DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai is a spacious and modern multi-purpose sports arena, with a seating capacity of 45,300. While it is also used for cricket and big concerts, it's a very capable football stadium.

It has high-quality seating areas, awesome screens and sound system. The stadium has hosted matches during the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup, 2022 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, 2022 AFC Women's Asian Cup and the 2023–24 AFC Champions League.

6. Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium, Kaloor, Kerala

• Capacity: 41,000
• Built in: 1996

This stadium in Kerala holds 41,000 spectators and is famous for its incredibly passionate football fans. It is the home ground for the Kerala Blasters, a popular team in the ISL. 

The energy here during the ISL matches is phenomenal. It is often known to have one of the best football atmospheres in India. This stadium is often picked because of its decent quality and overall experience.

7. Birsa Munda Football Stadium, Jharkhand

• Capacity: 40,000
• Built in: 2009

With a capacity of 40,000, Birsa Munda Football Stadium in Ranchi is a major football hub in Jharkhand. It was opened in 2009, and has hosted many national tournaments with good remarks.

Its unique design makes it look eye-catching. It provides a significant platform for local teams and works to help the sport get bigger!

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Other stadiums with a 40,000 capacity:

• Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
• Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium, Kollam, Kerala
• Mangala Stadium, Mangalore, Karnataka
• Kanchenjunga Stadium, Siliguri, West Bengal

The Indian Super League (ISL) has consistently served as a launch pad for India’s most promising football talent. The ISL 2024-25 season was no different, with young stars lighting up the league and charting the future course of Indian football.

Here are top 5 Indian players to watch in ISL 2025.

Also Read: Highest scoring footballers of the 21st century

Indian Players to Watch in ISL 2025

1. Dippendu Biswas | Mohun Bagan Super Giant

Dippendu Biswas, 21, made 14 appearances in a star-studded MBSG line-up and carved an impact with his defensive contributions, comprising 14 interceptions and victorious tackles each, 42 duels won and 39 recoveries.

He also occasionally delivered upfront; producing a goal and two assists and was named the ISL Emerging Player of the Month for February 2025.

2. Vinith Venkatesh | Bengaluru FC

Bengaluru FC has a track record of producing young talent for the nation. With Gerard Zaragoza in the managerial position, one of the players who made his mark this season is Vinith Venkatesh.

The 19-year-old impressed many with his dribbling and passing ability. A passing accuracy of 80per cent alongside 191 successful passes and 9 successful dribbles in only 602 minutes makes him a great prospect for the Blues’ future. Vinith has not only got a solitary goal and two assists to his name this ISL season but has also scored twice against Mohammedan SC and once against Mohun Bagan in the Durand Cup.

3. Brison Fernandes | FC Goa

Another player that has been a break-out talent this year is Brison Fernandes. From Goa’s under 18 team to being an out right starter, it has been quite a rise for Brison.

Brison has managed to impress with his dribbling and shooting capability scoring seven goals and assisting twice. The 23-year-old created 27 chances for the Gaurs and provided 25 key passes into the final third. With his direct play, the left-winger emerged as one of the most exciting young Indian players to watch this season.

4. Tekcham Abhishek Singh | Punjab FC

In only his second ISL campaign, defender Tekcham Abhishek Singh impressed with returns that saw him become the player with the third-most interceptions (47).

The 20-year-old won seven aerial duels, 17 tackles, 23 clearances, in addition to making 70 recoveries, while forming an impeccable partnership with Nikhil Prabhu, who made the most interceptions in the league in the season gone by (56).

Also Read: Top scorers in ISL history

5. Macarton Louis Nickson | NorthEast United FC

NorthEast United made it to the play-offs after three years, while most of the credits go to its foreign players like Alaaeddine Ajaraie and Nestor Albiach, a player that went under the radar is young midfielder Macarton Nickson.

With 21 appearances and a passing accuracy of 73 per cent, he has really shone under Juan Pedro Benali this season. The 21-year-old has established himself as a box to box midfielder providing both in defence and attack. 

Defensively, Macarton has 97 recoveries and 13 interceptions. In attack as well, he has been able to support by providing 2two goals, one assists and 22 successful dribbles making him a beautiful player to watch.

NorthEast United FC on Friday announced that India international Jithin MS has signed a contract extension with the club, which will keep him with the club until the end of the 2028 season. 

Jithin, 27, joined the club at the start of the 2022-23 season and turned out for the Highlanders 79 times across competitions with 14 goals and 15 assists so far. Jithin, who won the Santosh Trophy with Kerala (2017-18) and multiple I-League titles with Gokulam Kerala (2020-21, 2021-22), has flourished at NorthEast United FC. 

Jithin’s impact reached new heights during the 133rd Durand Cup, where he was awarded the prestigious Golden Ball as the tournament’s Most Valuable Player. He scored four goals and provided three assists during the campaign, helping NorthEast United FC lift their first-ever major trophy.

Read Also | Top scorers in ISL history

In the 2024–25 ISL season, Jithin continued to impress with his electrifying pace and flair down the flanks. He was the only Indian player to feature in the league’s top ten for assists, finishing with five. He is sixth on the list of players with the most chances created (41 chances) and is one of the three NorthEast United FC players on the top-10 list, alongside Alaaeddine Ajaraie (52) and Buanthanglun Samte (43).

Read Also | 7 big footballing nations which can miss the FIFA World Cup 2026

“My teammates and the coaching staff have helped me improve a lot, and their support has been instrumental in winning the Golden Ball and earning a call-up to the national team. I’m proud to have achieved these milestones with NorthEast United FC. This club has become home over the past three years, and I’m delighted to continue for another three years,” Jithin said.

“Jithin is an exceptional footballer, one of the best Indian players in his position, and what he has accomplished so far is truly commendable. His rise to becoming an India international is a testament to his relentless hard work, dedication, and hunger to grow every single day. I’m delighted that a player of Jithin’s calibre will continue with us for the next three years,” Juan Pedro Benali, head coach of NorthEast United FC, said.

“Jithin’s journey has been inspiring. His India call-up highlights the dedication and professionalism he brings to the pitch, embodying everything we strive for at NorthEast United FC. He is a key part of our journey, and we’re thrilled to have him with us for three more years,” Mandar Tamhane, CEO, NorthEast United FC, said.

The Indian Super League has completed 11 seasons, which have given us sensational moments to cherish in Indian football. We have witnessed some thrilling matches, and in this highly competitive tournament, players around the globe joined hands to bring the best out of this sport.

Get ready to find out the top scorers in ISL history, with Sunil Chhetri single-handedly dominating the charts with 75 goals.

1. Sunil Chhetri (75 goals)

• Goals: 75
• Appearances: 183 (2015-2025)
• Nationality: Indian 🇮🇳
• Teams played for in ISL: Mumbai City FC, Bengaluru FC

The undisputed king of ISL goal scoring, Sunil Chhetri, is the top scorer with 75 goals in the tournament's history. He is the only Indian footballer in the list who is not only in the top 5, but also holds the first place.

Chhetri has consistently been one of the best performers and a multiple-time ISL Golden Boot contender. He is also the oldest player to score an ISL hat-trick, at the age of 40 years and 126 days in 2024 for his current team, Bengaluru FC.

Read Also: Sunil Chhetri Special Moments in Indian Football

2. Bartholomew Ogbeche (63 goals)

• Goals: 65
• Appearances: 98 (2018-2025)
• Nationality: Nigerian 🇳🇬
• Teams played for in ISL: NorthEast United, Kerala Blasters, Mumbai City FC, Hyderabad FC.

Bartholomew Ogbeche, known for his adaptability and lethal finishing, has scored 65 goals in the ISL. He found success across multiple clubs and has been a key part of Hyderabad FC's championship-winning side.

Ogbeche won the Golden Boot in the 2021-22 season and holds the record for most hat-tricks in ISL history, scoring 4 hat-tricks in his career.

3. Roy Krishna (58 goals)

• Goals: 58
• Appearances: 116 (2020-2025)
• Nationality: Fijian 🇫🇯
• Teams played for in ISL: ATK Mohun Bagan, Bengaluru FC, Odisha FC

Roy Krishna made his ISL debut in 2020 and climbed to the Top 3 in a very short period of time. His contributions with goals as well as assists become a vital part of every team he plays for, especially his current club, Odisha FC.

Krishna is a constant threat in the tournament, known for his ability to score from various positions. He holds the record for most goals scored by an individual against a single club in ISL (10 goals against Jamshedpur FC).

Read Also: Football teams with the most international trophies.

4. Ferran Corominas (48 goals)

• Goals: 48
• Appearances: 57 (2017-2020)
• Nationality: Spanish 🇪🇸
• Teams played for in ISL: FC Goa

The fiery Spanish striker, Ferran Corominas, holds the fourth place, having scored 48 goals in only 57 appearances. He showcased his immediate impact by scoring hat-tricks in his third and fourth ISL matches for FC Goa.

Coro has won the most ISL Golden Boot awards (2 times), in consecutive years (2017-18 with 18 goals and 2018-19 with 16 goals). He is one of the incredible footballers in the tournament who set the standard for foreign strikers.

5. Diego Mauricio (47 goals)

• Goals: 47
• Appearances: 92 (2020-2025)
• Nationality: Brazilian 🇧🇷
• Teams played for in ISL: Mumbai City FC, Odisha FC

Diego Mauricio has been a powerful striker for Odisha FC since his debut season in 2020. He scored 47 goals in his ISL career so far and made his mark brilliantly.

He won the Golden Boot in the 2022-23 season with 12 goals, also helping them qualify for the playoffs for the first time. Diego was a key player in Odisha FC's Kalinga Super Cup triumph in 2023, which is their first-ever major title.

Read Also: Manolo Marquez likely to step down as Indian Football team coach

6. Lallianzuala Chhangte (45 goals)

• Goals: 45
• Appearances: 163 (2017-2025)
• Nationality: Indian 🇮🇳
• Teams played for in ISL: Delhi Dynamos FC, Chennaiyin FC, Mumbai City FC

Lallianzuala Chhangte is the only Indian footballer, after Chhetri, to cross the 40-goal mark in ISL history. Known for his speed and dribbling skills, he scored 45 goals, spanning from 2017 to 2025.

Chhangte has consistently improved during his ISL career, playing for clubs like Mumbai City FC and achieving a swift pace in his goal-scoring technique.

7. Cleiton Silva (36 goals)

• Goals: 36
• Appearances: 95 (2020-2025)
• Nationality: Brazilian 🇧🇷
• Teams played for in ISL: Bengaluru FC, East Bengal FC

The Brazilian forward, Cleiton Silva, is known as a reliable goal scorer and calm finisher. He has performed well for both Bengaluru FC and East Bengal FC, often keeping the limelight.

He has scored 36 goals throughout his ISL career, which places him in the 7th position here.

Read Also: Is 2025 the miraculous year in sports history?

8. Marcelinho (34 goals)

• Goals: 34 goals
• Appearances: 87 (2016-2022)
• Nationality: Brazilian 🇧🇷
• Teams played for in ISL: Delhi Dynamos FC, FC Pune City, Hyderabad FC, Odisha FC, ATK Mohun Bagan, NorthEast United. FC

Marcelinho is one of the early stars of this tournament, who played his last ISL season for NorthEast United FC in 2021-22. He scored 34 goals in his tenure and also won the Golden Boot in 2016 with Delhi Dynamos FC, scoring 10 goals in that season.

He is known for his powerful shots and ability to create scoring chances.

9. Hugo Boumous (34 goals)

• Goals: 34
• Appearances: 122 (2017-2025)
• Nationality: French 🇫🇷
• Teams played for in ISL: FC Goa, Mumbai City FC, ATK Mohun Bagan, Odisha F.C.

Hugo Boumous stands out as the only midfielder in this list, having scored 34 goals in his ISL career. He has been a key player for multiple teams and is known for his creativity, scoring, and assisting.

Boumous is among the top players for all-time ISL goal contributions (goals + assists).

Read Also:  ISL Winners List since 2014

10. Jorge Pereyra Diaz (31 goals)

• Goals: 31
• Appearances: 72 (2021-2025)
• Nationality: Argentine 🇦🇷
• Teams played for in ISL: Kerala Blasters FC, Mumbai City FC, Bengaluru FC

Jorge Pereyra Diaz is a hard-working forward who debuted for Kerala Blasters FC in 2021. He mainly contributes with goals and link-up play. He scored 31 goals in his 72 ISL appearances.

Diaz was a key figure in Mumbai City FC's League Shield triumph in 2023 and ISL Cup win in 2023-24.

In a major step toward strengthening the integrity of grassroots and youth football in India, the Double Pass Development League (DPDL) has announced the rollout of a comprehensive set of age verification reforms for the upcoming season.

The new regulatory framework is designed to curb age and identity fraud — a growing concern that has undermined the credibility of youth competitions nationwide.

Founded in 2019, the Double Pass Development League (DPDL) is India’s largest AIFF-approved grassroots and youth football league. With operations in multiple cities including Bengaluru, Mumbai and New Delhi, and a partnership with European football development leader Double Pass, DPDL delivers structured, competitive, and long-term development environments for players aged 5 to 18.

The new measures, effective immediately across all DPDL cities, aim to ensure fair participation, safeguard honest academies, and promote age-appropriate player development.

The league, which has operated since 2019 in partnership with Belgium-based Double Pass and is recognised by the All India Football Federation (AIFF), is among the most structured youth football ecosystems in the country.

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

Key regulatory updates

• Introduction of the DPDL Digital ID Card
  Each player will now receive a unique DPDL ID card embedded with a photograph, date of birth, verified documents, and a QR code for on-ground verification. This will be scanned at match venues to prevent impersonation and misrepresentation.

• Two-Season Limit Per Age Category
  In a move to ensure players compete at appropriate age levels, individuals will now be allowed to participate in a single age category for a maximum of two seasons. This rule will also take into account participation in past seasons dating back to 2019.

• Independent Age Verification Committee
  An expert panel will be established to evaluate disputed or extreme cases of suspected age discrepancy. The committee will include senior DPDL officials, football association representatives, pediatric specialists, and documentation experts. Where necessary, advanced assessments such as TW3 bone age tests may be recommended.

• Two-Year Ban for Proven Violations
  Teams found guilty of age or identity fraud will face suspension from all DPDL competitions for two consecutive seasons. The league has also stated that coaches or staff complicit in such cases may be subject to further disciplinary measures.

• Standardised Physical Benchmarks for Younger Age Groups
  For the U7, U9, and U11 categories, DPDL will implement height and weight benchmarks defined by pediatric consultants. This step addresses concerns regarding physical dominance in early age groups that may not align with documented age.

“Youth football must be built on the pillars of fairness and integrity,” said Sarthak Dubey, Founder and CEO of DPDL. “These reforms are not just administrative updates — they are essential safeguards to ensure that honest players and ethical academies are protected. We are committed to building a credible and transparent footballing pathway for India.”

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The announcement builds on DPDL’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its integrity framework, following isolated incidents in past seasons where discrepancies in player documentation and eligibility were identified.

In each confirmed case, the league took prompt and appropriate disciplinary action — including point deductions, disqualification from knockout stages, and temporary suspensions of involved personnel — reinforcing its commitment to fair play and accountability.

With the new framework in place, DPDL hopes to set a national benchmark for how youth football leagues across the country address age fraud.

Note: This article has been created from an official press release