FC Goa vs Bengaluru FC ISL 2024-25 Semi-final 1 Second Leg Highlights | Sunil Chhetri wins it for the Blues with an injury-time goal; Bengaluru march on to the Final | FT FCG 2-1 BFC (AGG 2-3)
Catch the highlights of the FC Goa vs Bengaluru FC semi-final 1 second-leg match in the ISL 2024-25 at the Fatorda Stadium, Goa.
Hello and welcome to another live coverage of Indian football as we continue bringing you all the live updates of the Indian Super League.
Tonight, we will bring you all the live updates, news, and live scores of the crucial second-leg encounter in the first semi-final tie between FC Goa and Bengaluru FC at the Fatorda Stadium in Goa.
Bengaluru FC have secured the lead in the tie against FC Goa, winning 2-0 in the first leg at home. Tonight, they will face Goa at their fortress to defend the two-goal aggregate and book a berth in the Final. On the other hand, Goa will capitalize on their home advantage to bounce back from the deficit.
As an intense encounter awaits us tonight, so just sit back and enjoy the match asSportz Pointprovides you with all the real-time updates, team news, live scores, and match commentary.
This is Soumit Bhattacharya, who will bring you all the updates of the match from the web desk.
Moreover, you can follow us on Twitter for all the updates. Join our Telegram and WhatsApp channelsto get all the news and scores.
LIVE Updates
Apr 6, 2025, 3:56 PM
Bengaluru FC qualify for the Indian Super League 2024-25 Final!
Apr 6, 2025, 3:55 PM
90'+7' | HERE GOES THE FULL-TIME WHISTLE! | FT FCG 2-1 BFC (AGG 2-3)
PEEP, PEEP, PEEEP! The Fatorda decided that Chhetri should have the final say!
Drazic's failed backpass was anticipated by Namgyal inside the box, who unleashed a beautiful cross on the other end, which was acrobatically met by Sunil Chhetri as he headed it home with a diving header!
Bengaluru are ahead again!
ABSOLUTE MADNESS AT FATORDA!
Apr 6, 2025, 3:49 PM
90' | 5 minutes of injury time added on
Apr 6, 2025, 3:48 PM
88' | GOOAALLLLLLLL! SADIKU DOES IT AT THE DEATH! | FCG 2-0 BFC (AGG 2-2)
Aakash Sangwan crossed a brilliant ball inside the box from the left, which was swiftly headed into the net by Armando Sadiku from the six-yard box!
Mayhem at Fatorda!
Goa have pulled off another goal to equalize the tie!
Apr 6, 2025, 3:41 PM
82' | Substitution for Bengaluru
In: Aleksander Jovanovic
Out: Edgar Mendez
Apr 6, 2025, 3:40 PM
80' | Huge appeal from the Gaurs!
Drazic attempted to produce a cross from the edge of the left side of the box, and the ball hit Namgyal Bhutia's hands. Goa players and staff from the bench voiced a huge appeal, but the referee did not give any penalty.
Odei Onaindia also received a yellow card for his behaviour off the bench.
Apr 6, 2025, 3:36 PM
77' | Chance for Goa
Drazic whipped in a cross inside the box that found Sadiku, but the striker flicked his header behind the target.
Apr 6, 2025, 3:34 PM
75' | Substitutions for FC Goa
In: Brison Fernandes, Jay Gupta, Armando Sadiku
Out: Ayush dev Chhetri, Udanta Singh, Odei Onaindia
Apr 6, 2025, 3:33 PM
74' | Chance for Goa
Boris placed an inch-perfect cross inside the box from the right. Iker Guarrotxena powered a header on target, but it was no way past Gurpreet!
Apr 6, 2025, 3:29 PM
69' | Back-to-back saves from Gurpreet!
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu shows his CLASS!
Iker Guarrotxena flicked the ball past Sana and fired a strike at the goal, which was quickly stopped by Gurpreet. The ball slipped in front of Ayush, who flashed another strike, and Gurpreet kept himself on the line to make another brilliant save!
Apr 6, 2025, 3:25 PM
66' | Williams goes off target
Ryan Williams fired a curler from the right flank, but the ball went over the bar.
Apr 6, 2025, 3:24 PM
65' | Save from Gurpreet!
Dejan Drazic is getting more and more dangerous on the left!
He entered the penalty area in a swift move and sliced another on-target strike that was stopped by Gurpreet. Ryan Williams cleared the second ball.
Apr 6, 2025, 3:21 PM
60' | Unbelievable!
Dejan Drazic brilliantly anticipated Iker's through pass inside the box and slotted the ball home with a perfectly-placed, curled, right-footed strike that went past Gurpreet!
However, just as the players started celebrating, the fourth official flagged the move for offside!
So close, but unlucky for the hosts!
Apr 6, 2025, 3:17 PM
58' | Hrithik stays alert
Noguera whipped in a cross into the box from the free-kick, but Hrithik Tiwari made a good jump and made a routine collection.
Apr 6, 2025, 3:14 PM
55' | Substitutions for Bengaluru FC
In: Sunil Chhetri, Ryan Williams
Out: Sivasakthi Narayanan, Jorge Pereyra Diaz
Apr 6, 2025, 3:13 PM
54' | Sahil goes off target
Sahil Tavora attempted a first-time strike from just outside the box, but he failed to find the power, resulting in the ball rolling wide off the target.
Apr 6, 2025, 3:11 PM
52' | Gurpreet collects
Gurpreet stayed alert this time in collecting a shot by Borja Herrera from a distance.
Goa received a free-kick just on the edge of the box. Borja Herrera unleashed a beautiful left-footed strike that soared past the wall and beat Gurpreet to go inside through the left side of the box.
Bengaluru are leading on aggregate, but Goa are back in business!
Apr 6, 2025, 3:04 PM
46' | The second half begins
Apr 6, 2025, 2:50 PM
45'-4' | The half-time whistle is blown! | HT FCG 0-0 BFC (AGG 0-2)
Apr 6, 2025, 2:49 PM
45'+3' | What a save from Gurpreet!
Udanta Singh moved to cut inside in front of the box and unleashed a powerful left-footed strike on target. Gurpreet dived to his left in the air to make a brilliant stop, punching the ball away.
Apr 6, 2025, 2:47 PM
45'+1' | Brilliant defensive display from Bengaluru
Goa had three successive attempts to construct an attack, but the Blues stayed robust like a wall to dismantle every attempt!
Apr 6, 2025, 2:45 PM
45' | 3 minutes of added time announced
Apr 6, 2025, 2:44 PM
44' | Yellow for Noguera
Alberto Noguera receives a booking for a nasty challenge on Borja Herrera from behind.
Apr 6, 2025, 2:41 PM
41' | Chance for Goa
A brilliant touch from Drazic flicked the ball toward Borja Herrera, who crossed it into the box, but the ball drifted away.
Apr 6, 2025, 2:39 PM
35' | Substitution for Goa
Huge blow for Goa, as Carl McHugh is forced to make his way out.
In: Borja Herrera
Out: Carl McHugh
Apr 6, 2025, 2:35 PM
34' | Effort from Sivasakthi
Sivasakthi Narayanan carried the ball on the right before unleashing a strike that went just over the crossbar!
Apr 6, 2025, 2:32 PM
32' | Substitution for Bengaluru FC
Suresh Wangjam is forced to be susbtituted.
In: Lalremtluanga Fanai
Out: Suresh Wangjam
Apr 6, 2025, 2:29 PM
28' | The match resumes
Suresh Wangjam seems to have sustained a hamstring strain. However, he continues to play as the game resumes.
Apr 6, 2025, 2:24 PM
24' | Effort from Ayush
Ayush Dev Chhetri took a shot from a distance outside the box, but it was not enough to beat Gurpreet under Bengaluru's sticks.
Apr 6, 2025, 2:24 PM
22' | Brilliant save from Hrithik!
Noguera whipped in a brilliant cross in his familiar manner, which was headed down by Rahul Bheke, who sprinted inside the box from the left. Hrithik had a touch on the ball, denying Pereyra Diaz from attempting a header.
However, Rahul Bheke was caught offside.
Apr 6, 2025, 2:21 PM
22' | Aakash gets booked
Aakash Sangwan gets the second yellow for Goa tonight for a foul on Noguera.
Apr 6, 2025, 2:20 PM
20' | Boris denies Roshan
Boris Singh made a brilliant jumped block to deny Roshan's cross from going inside.
The Goa full-back is playing his 50th ISL game tonight.
Apr 6, 2025, 2:16 PM
16' | Brilliant tackle from Sahil
Sahil Tavora shielded Edgar Mendez on the left and tackled at the very last moment to deny his attempt to put in a cross.
Apr 6, 2025, 2:15 PM
15' | Another chance for Drazic
Dejan Drazic found himself inside the box, but this time, he sailed his shot over the bar.
Apr 6, 2025, 2:14 PM
14' | Chance for Goa
Dejan Drazic unleashed a strike from the left but failed to gain power with the shot. Gurpreet easily collected the grounded shot.
Apr 6, 2025, 2:09 PM
9' | Guarrotxena goes off target
Iker Guarrotxena received the ball inside the right side of the box from Udanta on the flank. He quickly turned and lodged a left-footed strike, but it went over the far post.
Apr 6, 2025, 2:08 PM
8' | Aakash goes over
Aakash Sangwan unleashed a long-ranger strike from a distance that went way over the target.
Apr 6, 2025, 2:07 PM
7' | Goa is pressing
From the very first minute, Goa are expectedly pushing for an early lead. There have been a couple of chances for them, but they need to do better in the final third.
Apr 6, 2025, 2:03 PM
2' | Yellow for Iker
Iker Guarrotxena is booked for attempted play-acting!
Dejan Drazic passed the ball to a running Iker into the box, who fell to the ground after he seemingly got fouled.
The live telecast of the FC Goa vs Bengaluru FC match will be available on the Star Sports 3 TV Channel. The live streaming will also be available on the JioHostar App and website.
How can Indian Women's Football team qualify for the 2027 FIFA World Cup?
Good news for India! With the recent qualification for the AFC Asian Cup, the dream is alive for the Indian women's football team. How can Indian women's football team qualify for the 2027 FIFA World Cup? Explore their path and details here.
The ultimate dream for any footballing nation is to compete on the biggest stage like the World Cup, and for Indian women's football team, the dream feels closer now.
On July 5, 2025, India secured AFC Women's Asian Cup qualification with a 2-1 victory over Thailand. The sensational midfielder from Bengal, Sangita Basfore scored both the goals to seal this historic win for the nation!
This crucial win, added to their strong performances againsy Mongolia, Timor-Leste, and Iraq, marked their return to the Asian Cup after 22 years. This success has now fueled the high hopes and big dream of reaching the FIFA Women's World Cup.
Now the question is: How can Indian Women's Football team qualify for the 2027 FIFA World Cup? Let's explore the details below.
The AFC Women's Asian Cup. Image | Hindustan Times
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) is the regional body for football in Asia, operating under FIFA. Crucially, the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 isn't just a continental championship; it's Asia's direct qualifying tournament for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup.
For 2027, Asia gets six direct World Cup spots and two additional play-off chances. This means performing well in this tournament is absolutely vital for India's World Cup dreams.
They will have to fight for the World Cup spot against 11 nations (7 other qualifying nations from 2025, the host Australia, and the top 3 teams from the previous 2022 edition).
Teams qualified alongside India in 2025 Asian Cup qualifiers:
India's qualification roadmap for the 2027 FIFA World Cup
Winning moments from the decisive match against Thailand in Asian Cup qualifiers. Image | X
To reach the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup, India's performance at the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 is everything.
Here's how they can make it possible:
Reach the semi-finals: This is the clearest path for qualification as all four semi-finalists in the Asian Cup will automatically be eligible to qualify for WC.
In case they don't reach semi-finals: If India reaches the quarter-finals but loses, there's still a chance. The losing teams will play additional matches against each other for the remaining two direct World Cup spots and the two play-off berths.
In short, India must aim to be among the top six teams in the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 to have a direct shot at the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup.
Discover the most promising U-21 footballers in India who are set to define the future of Indian football. Know about their current status and journeys.
The dynamic landscape of Indian football is on the cusp of a new era and set to be carried forward by a generation of young talent. Finding the most promising U-21 footballers in India is the key, as they are the ones who will decide where we stand next.
Let's take a look at some special youngsters who are not only catching the eye of coaches, but are also inspiring the youth with their skill, dedication and ambition.
Suhail Ahmad Bhat (20 years)
Suhail Ahmad Bhat practicing with the Blue Tigers. Image | Facebook
Born: 8 April 2005, Jammu and Kashmir
Position: Centre-Forward
Current team: Mohun Bagan SG
Suhail Ahmad Bhat is a 20-year-old promising young talent, who has quickly become a name to watch in Indian football. He made his mark with the Indian Arrows, and his progress led him to Mohun Bagan Super Giant.
He has consistently proved his ability to find the net and did well across various competitions like the Durand Cup, CFL, and Super Cup. His journey began with early recognition, even being featured by The Guardian as one of the best young talents globally born in 2005.
Suhail already represented India in U-16 (where he scored on his debut match) and U-23 level. He also recently got called up for the senior India national team and debuted in 2025.
Joseph Sunny captured between practice sessions for Hyderabad FC. Image | X
Born: 13 October 2003, Kerala
Position: Forward
Current team: Hyderabad FC
Joseph Sunny is a tall attacking striker who has emerged as a key player for Hyderabad FC. His strength lies in his style of play, which turns out to be really impactful for the team. He played in tournaments like the Kalinga Super Cup and I-League and made his ISL debut in the 2023-24 season.
Sunny has made his deserving spot in the playing XI for Hyderabad, featuring in most of their matches. His ISL performances highlighted his eagerness to contribute to the team and also his rising stature.
Korou Singh Thingujam (18 years)
Korou Singh Thingujam playing for Kerala Blasters in ISL. Image | Instagram
Born: 3 December 2006, Manipur
Position: Second Striker, Right Winger
Current Team: Kerala Blasters FC
Korou Singh Thingujam has rapidly risen through the ranks at Kerala Blasters FC, showcasing exceptional skill as a second striker. He initially made an impact by scoring on his debut with the reserve team, and then quickly earned his spot in the senior team.
His ISL debut in 2024 made him one of the youngest players to do so. He also got an extension of contract for Kerala Blasters till 2029, which highlights the team's faith in his abilities.
Korou was a part of the Indian U-17 team that won the 2022 SAFF U-17 Championship, and even scored in the final. He also got to play for the U-20 side in 2024, scoring 1 goal in 5 appearances.
Mohammed Sanan (21 years)
Mohammed Sanan playing for Jamshedpur FC in ISL. Image | Instagram
Born: 5 April 2004, Kerala
Position: Left Winger
Current Team: Jamshedpur FC
Mohammed Sanan is a talented young left-winger, who emerged from the Reliance Foundation Young Champs' (RFYC) academy. His strong foundation saw him get a long-term deal with Jamshedpur FC.
Sanan quickly made his way to the senior team, starting with the Durand Cup and later making it to the ISL. He is the most reliable young performer in the team, who also appeared in two games for the India U-23 team in his international career.
Bikash Yumnam is a 21-year-old solid centre-back who has established himself as a decent defensive presence. He has gained experience playing for clubs like Chennaiyin FC and Punjab FC, before joining Kerala Blasters FC.
He seems to constantly develop his game, along with focusing on positioning, tackling, and aerial abilities.
Bikash was a part of the 2022 SAFF U-20 Championship winning squad of India and was also a part of the U-16 team that reached the quarterfinals of the 2018AFC U-18 Championship in Malaysia.
Tekcham Abhishek Singh (20 years)
Tekcham Abhishek Singh playing for Punjab FC. Image | Transfermarkt
Born: 2 January 2005, Manipur
Position: Left back
Current team: Punjab FC
Tekcham Abhishek Singh is a highly praised left-back, known for his defensive solidity and energetic run. His journey began at Minerva Academy, from where he moved to Punjab FC and became a crucial part of the team.
Abhishek's impressive ISL performance led to a tug-of-war between major Kolkata clubs for his signature, ultimately leading his move to Mohun Bagan SG. He will soon be joining their side and will continue to play brilliant football.
After playing for the U-20 and U-23 Indian teams, he got a call-up to the senior national team under coach Manolo Marquez. He has already made his debut with the team and has a long way to go.
Nikhil Barla (21 years)
Nikhil Barla in ISL. Image | X
Born: 5 August 2003, Jharkhand
Position: Right Back
Current team: Jamshedpur FC
Nikhil Barla is a 21-year-old emerging talent who trained at the prestigious TATA Football Academy. He began his journey with Jamshedpur FC's youth and reserve teams, where he worked tremendously hard to transition into the senior squad.
Barla quickly became an integral part of their defence and gained significant experience playing in the ISL. This hardworking boy is steadily climbing towards his dream with immense discipline and dedication.
His consistent performance earned him a place in India's U-23 probable squad, and there's more to come!
Vinith Venkatesh celebrates a goal for Bengaluru FC. Image | NDTV Sports
Born: 31 July 2005, Bengaluru
Position: Midfielder
Current team: Bengaluru FC
Vinith Venkatesh made his senior debut in the 2024 Durand Cup for Bengaluru FC, where he also scored against Mohun Bagan SG in the semi-finals. He made his ISL debut in the same year, potentially growing his skills while playing alongside experienced footballers.
Bengaluru FC is a club known for youth development, and the inclusion of a talented youngster like Vinith makes the vision for the future even brighter. As a midfielder, he contributes to ball distribution, tackling, and both offensive and defensive transitions.
Sahil Poonia (19 years)
Sahil Poonia in his debut ISL match for Bengaluru FC. Image | Instagram
Born: 8 March 2006, Haryana
Position: Goalkeeper
Current team: Bengaluru FC
Sahil Poonia is another 19-year-old young talent who represents Bengaluru FC as a goalkeeper. He hails from Haryana and has worked really hard to come his far and keep up with the dynamic football world.
Poonia has already featured for India at various youth levels, including U-17, U-20, and U-23 teams, which is a strong indicator of his potential as a future national team goalkeeper.
Singamayum Shami (18 years)
Singamayum Shami in ISL. Image | Cricketnmore
Born: 18 April 2007, Manipur
Position: Midfielder
Current team: Punjab FC
Singamayum Shami is a highly exciting attacking midfielder for Punjab FC. He swiftly made his mark in his flourishing career and became the youngest goalscorer in the history of ISL (at 17 years) in 2025.
Shami had an exceptional ability to handle pressure and even score at those times. He was a part of the India U-20 team that won the SAFF U-20 Championship in 2025. Not only was he a key part of the team, but also earned the mostvaluable player award of the tournament.
Gurnaj Singh Grewal representing East Bengal. Image | X
Born: 9 January 2007, Punjab
Position: Midfielder
Current team: East Bengal FC
Gurnaj Singh Grewal is a promising midfielder who has been a part of the youth setup at East Bengal FC. He has an amazing ability to control the tempo of the game and initiate offensive plays.
He has contributed to East Bengal's reserve squad, contributing to their success, including winning the Calcutta Football League 2024-25. Internationally, he represented India at the U-17 and U-19 levels and was a part of the SAFF U-19 Championship-winning squad.
There have been several players who led the Indian football team to reach the stage where it is right now. Let’s have a look at top 10 Indian football captains of all time.
Indian football is currently in its growing stage and has gained immense popularity in the last few years. The Indian football team is yet to achieve many big milestones on international level, which are anticipated to get achieved in the upcoming years. With the rise of Indian football over the years, there have been several players who led the Indian football team to reach the stage where it is right now.
Let’s have a look at top 10 Indian football captains of all time.
Top 10 Indian Football Captains
10. Talimeren Ao
Tenure: 1948
The very first captain of independent India, Talimeren Ao led the national side in it's first ever game at the Olympics in 1948.
He played only six times for India, but his name will be long remembered for being the very first captain of the new nation.
Hailing from Nagaland, Ao was a centre-back as well as a qualified physician. There are two stadiums in Assam named after him.
9. Prasun Banerjee
Tenure: 1980
The younger brother of PK Banerjee, Prasun played for India between 1974-1985 and captained the team five times in international tournaments.
He was a defensive midfielder in his playing days, but is currently an MP from Howrah in the Lok Sabha.
8. Mohammed Habib
Tenure: 1965-1975
Represented and captained the side between 1965-1975. Habib was a household name amongst football fans in the country back then with PK Banerjee once calling him 'the Indian Pele'.
7. Gurpreet Singh Sandhu
Tenure: Occasional captain
The giant goalie is another who has in recent years been handed the armband by coach Constantine. He led the side out against Puerto Rico in 2016.
6. Jarnail Singh
Tenure: 1965–67
Captained the Indian Football team between 1965-1967. Jarnail Singh was another in the long list of centre-backs to have captained the side.
He was notably named in the Asian All Star team of 1966.
5. Sailen Manna
Tenure: 1949–54
Considered one of the best defenders to pull on the India blue, Manna played 14 times for India between 1948-1956. He captained the side to gold at the Asian Games in 1951.
The English FA back in 1953 rated him amongst the 10 best captains in the world in it's annual yearbook.
4. Chuni Goswami
Tenure: 1960–64
He was one of those multi-sport figures having played international football for India as a striker as well as first-class cricket for the Bengal Ranji Trophy team. He earned 50 caps for India between 1956-1964.
He was captain when India won gold at the Asian Games in 1962 and silver at the Asia Cup two years later.
3. PK Banerjee
Tenure: 1960–61
Made 84 appearances for India and is one of the most distinguished Indian footballers of all time. He scored 65 times for the side after making his debut in 1955. He captained the side at the 1960 Olympics.
2. Bhaichung Bhutia
Tenure: 2000-11
The man who really popularized the game of football in the nineties and noughties, the Sikkimese Sniper Bhaichung Bhutia first became captain in 2000-2011.
The legendary striker who played for over 16 years for the team was captain on numerous occasions including the successful SAFF Championship run in 2005.
1. Sunil Chhetri
Tenure: 2012–24
The current record goalscorer for the national side, Sunil Chhetri has made the armband his since 2012. It started with the AFC Challenge Cup back then and it has been his to lose ever since.
With over 150 caps and 95 goals to his name and many other honours, Chhetri will go down as one of the most successful captains of all time when he hangs up his boots.
Chhetri captained India to a record-extending ninth SAFF Championship title. Not only did he finish as that edition’s top scorer with five goals, he became the joint-highest goalscorer in SAFF championship history with 23 goals, along with Maldives’ Ali Ashfaq.
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
Salt Lake Stadium, West Bengal. Image | News9live
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.
Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Delhi. Image | Wikipedia
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
Greenfield International Stadium, Kerala. Image | TOI
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.
EMS Stadium, Kozhikode, Kerala. Image | The Bridge
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
DY Patil Stadium, Mumbai, Maharashtra. Image | Mint
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
Jawarhalal Nehru International Stadium, Kaloor. Image | Facebook
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
Birsa Munda Football Stadium. Image | X
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!
The Indian Super League (ISL) has consistently served as a launch pad for India’s most promising football talent. Here are top 5 Indian players to watch in ISL 2025.
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.
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).
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.