FC Goa defeated Chennaiyin FC by 4-1 to become the third team to qualify for the Durand Cup 2023 semi-finals. The 2020-21 season winners of the tournament made a comeback after conceding an early goal. Chennaiyin FC got the lead via a brilliant header from Bikash Yunman but could not hold on to the lead as Carl McHugh, Carlos Martinez, Noah Sadaoui and Victor Rodriguez scored for FC Goa to win the match. The Gaurs now will play against the winner between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Mumbai City FC on 30th August

Read Also: East Bengal vs Gokulam Kerala, Durand Cup 2023: East Bengal goes past Gokulam by 2-1 to qualify for semis

FC Goa vs. Chennaiyin FC | First Half

Just like the last game between Emami East Bengal and Gokulam Kerala, a corner provided an early goal. Bikash Yunman's bullet header from an on-point corner by Ayush Adhikari gave the early goal to Chennaiyin FC in the fifth minute of the game. Seriton Fernandes failed to mark Bikash and the 19-year-old Manipuri defender did not miss the chance to net the ball.

Post the goal, FC Goa picked up their pace and created a few opportunities in the next few minutes. In the 9th minute, FC Goa nearly equalised with Carlos Martinez hitting the bar with a header. Noah Sadaoui provided the cross from the left flank for Carlos. Seconds later, Carlos had another chance from a low through ball from Noah but the Spaniard could not get a touch on the ball to score the equaliser.

FC Goa kept on attacking with Udanta on the right, Noah on the left and Carlos doing his trick in the middle. In the 13th minute, Undanta missed a good-looking chance. Carlos Martinez himself was in a scoring position but he passed it to Udanta in the right who shoots it wide from a difficult angle. In the next fifteen minutes, both teams looked to consolidate their defence. Sandesh Jhingan cleared a few balls to deny Chennaiyan FC whereas Bikash Yunman looked solid in defence for the Marina Machans.

Carl McHugh scored his debut goal for Chennaiyin FC to equalise the scoreline

Carl McHugh on his debut scored to equalise for FC Goa. In the 30th minute of the game, Udanta first played a one-two with Brandon before providing a cross to Noah on the left who dropped the ball by a header for Carl to shoot inside the goal. A minute later, Udanta Singh's cross was beautifully set up for Noah Sadaoui to head into the goal. But, this time Noah could not be on target to give FC Goa a lead.

Seven minutes after the equaliser, in 37th minute Carlos Martinez made fun of the Chennaiyin defenders to make a few turns before lobbing the ball over Shamik Mitra who was just out of his position. FC Goa continued dominating the position as Chennaiyin FC struggled to keep Noah and Udanta silent. In the added minutes, Noah created another chance from the left. But, his cross was first deflected by Rahil Ali but went straight to Saviour Gama whose shot was blocked by Sachu Saby to keep the scoreline 2-1 in the first half.

Read Also: "Yes," East Bengal coach Carles Cuadrat agrees that derby win helped the team gain confidence | Durand Cup 2023

FC Goa vs Chennaiyin FC | Second half

Chennaiyin kicked off the second half replacing Sachu Siby with Ajith Kumar in the defence. In the 50th minute, Chennaitin had the chance to make a comeback in the match but Rahil Ali could not at the right place at the right time. Jordan Murray provided a great cross from the right towards Rahil Ali who could not reach the ball for a tap-in.

In the 53rd minute, Noah's touch from outside of the boot was falling perfectly for Udanta but Aakash Sangwan's little touch deflects the ball. Sangwan had the chance to score from a set piece after Saviour Gama fouled Jordan Murray 35 yards outside the box to receive the first yellow card of the match. But, the defender could not be on target to bring everything to level. Post that, Alexandar Stewart brought a double change to bring some fresh leg. Rahim Ali and Cristian Battocchio were replaced by Jiteshwor Singh.

Indian National team defender Sandesh Jhingan who has a habit of scoring from set pieces, nearly was on target via a header in the 62nd minute. Brandon's inswinging free-kick from just outside the box was just perfect for Jhinghan but he could not control his header. As the game progressed, FC Goa made a double change to keep their lead. Defender Saviour Gama and midfielder Raynier Fernandes were replaced by Jay Gupta and Rowling Borges.

Chennaiyin found some rhythm in the second half

In the 72nd minute, Jordan Murray tried to make something happen for Chennaiyin FC against the run of play but Jhinghan was there to make the slide and giveaway a corner. Seconds later Dheeraj Singh was forced to make his first save of the second half after Murray's header was on target. Substitute Ajith Kumar provided the cross for him.

Chennaiyin FC managed to gain some rhythm as the game entered the final 15 minutes. In the 79th minute, Chennaiyin FC received a free-kick from five yards outside the box as Jay Gupta fouled Jordan in the right. Aakash Sangwan was on target this time from the spot but Dheeraj Singh was ready to punch it over the bar.

Goa increased the lead in the final minutes of the game

As Chennaiyin FC looked for the equaliser, FC Goa nearly found another goal in the counterattack. In the 84th minute, Substitute Borris Singh from right made a great run but his cross towards Noah in the middle of the box was cleared by Ajith. In the added minutes, Noah Sadaoui scored his fifth goal of the tournament as Carl McHugh provided a delicious pass to him inside the six yards. Noah calmly did the rest of the thing to make it 3-1 for them.

In the 93rd minute, Victor Rodriguez increased the lead to make sure FC Goa qualified for the semis of the Durand Cup. The substitute received a great assist from another substitute Borris and then curled in inside the goal to make it 4-1 for the Gaurs.

FC Goa will face the winners between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Mumbai City FC on 30th August at Yuba Bharati Stadium in Kolkata.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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 

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. 

Pushing harder everyday 💪🏻⚡️#MBSG #JoyMohunBagan #আমরাসবুজমেরুন #KalingaSuperCup pic.twitter.com/p8txwYRUer

— Mohun Bagan Super Giant (@mohunbagansg) April 23, 2025

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

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.

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

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.

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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.

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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.

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.

Mohun Bagan Super Giant came back from trailing to beat Bengaluru FC 2-1 in the Indian Super League 2024-25 Final. 

The Blues took the lead in the 49th minute of the game through an own goal from the Mariners. However, the 2024-25 ISL League Shield Winners turned the tables around in the 72nd minute when they pulled off the equalizer from the spotkick.

In the added extra time, Mohun Bagan SG netted the winner in the 96th minute to ensure their historic league double: winning the shield and the cup in the same season!

Read Also | Mohun Bagan SG vs Bengaluru FC ISL 2024-25 Final Highlights | Mohun Bagan complete the league double, wins the ISL Cup coming from behind | FT MBSG 2-1 BFC

So, it's time we look at the ISL winners' List since 2014.

Read Also: Mohun Bagan vs Mumbai City FC ISL 2023-24 Final Highlights | Mumbai win the ISL 2023-24 beating Mohun Bagan by 3-1

Who won the first ISL title?

In the inaugural season, ATK, formerly known as Atlético de Kolkata, were crowned the winner as they defeated Kerala Blasters 1-0 in the final. Mohammed Rafique scored an injury-time goal to win the game for his side under head coach Antonio Lopez Habas. The 2014 season featured eight teams, each playing 14 matches during the regular season.

Who have won the most ISL titles?

ATK have been the most dominant team, having secured the title three times. They were dissolved and merged with Mohun Bagan SG (ATK Mohun Bagan previously), who have won the title twice, in the 2024-25 and in the 2022-23 season. 

Chennaiyin FC and Mumbai City FC are the teams who have lifted the titles twice. Hyderabad FC and Bengaluru FC have also won one title each.

Read Also: ISL 2023-24: Top Goal Scorers List

ISL Winners List since 2014