India U-17 has defeated Bangladesh U-17 in the final by 2-0 to become the SAFF U-17 Championship 2024 Champions. India's Mohammed Kaif and Mohammed Arbash scored the goals for India U-17 to lead the team to be the champions for the second time in the U-17 category and the 6th title in the age category overall.

Read Also | SAFF U-17 Championship 2024 Semi-finals overview

A Speedy Start from both teams 

The game saw back-to-back attacks and counter-attacks from both teams right from the very first minute and in the first quarter of the match. India created a few chances but was denied by Bangladesh's defence. Bangladesh carried out some counter-attacks as well but those remained unfruitful and the credit mostly goes to the Indian Keeper Suraj Singh. 

An attempted header by Indian forward Lunkim in the 3rd minute went over the Bangladesh goal. In the 11th minute, Shafiq Rahman for Bangladesh pulled the trigger from a long range but the ball was too weak to beat Suraj in goal. 

Indian domination in the second quarter 

In the 28th minute, Indian defender Mohammad Kaif received the first yellow of the game. Shortly after, Levis Zangminlun took the free-kick that India received just in front of the penalty box, but the kick rolled wide from the Bangladesh goal.

Close opportunities for India 

In the 35th minute, India's Md. Arbash ran into the Bangladesh goal with a through run from the left and his strike went past Bangladesh's Keeper but could not find the net. In the 40th minute, Vishal Yadav delivered a cross in the Bangladesh box but Bangladesh keeper Nahidul Islam intercepted the ball very well, denying other Indian players from connecting. Samson attempted another shot from outside the box in the 45+2' minute but the ball was well-blocked by Bangladesh's defence. 

However, the Indian team kept pushing for the coveted opener but they could not break the deadlock in the first half. Bangladesh team displayed a strong command in their defence as well and strongly held their ground in the first half. 

Read Also | SAFF U-17 Championship 2024: Group stage overview

A strong start from India in the second half 

Indian team picked up where they left as they produced numerous attacks right from the first minute of the second half. Soram delivered a beautiful cross inside the box after recovering the ball from Bangladesh's defence in the left flank, but the intercepting header from Arbash went over the target in the 55th minute.

Kaif opened the account for India 

India's continuous push to score for almost 50 minutes paid off soon after Arbash missed his header. India finally opened the account from a header by Mohammad Kaif in the 58th minute, as Indian Captain Mate delivered a swift cross from a corner. India took the lead by 1-0! 

Neck-to-neck clash in the fifth quarter 

Bangladesh made some substitutions to reinforce their attack and the Bangladesh coach brought in Mohammad Manik who scored the brace in the semifinal against Pakistan. 

Indian Keeper Suraj showed his utmost brilliance again in the 67th minute by coming forward to deny an attempt by Bangladesh while the Bangladesh forward was running through the open goal without any Indian defender marking him. 

Read Also |  Indian Football Team drops to 126th in the latest FIFA Rankings

Bangladesh fought back in the last quarter 

In the 80th minute, Bangladesh forward Murshed Ali delivered a cross from a set-piece but Suraj showed his goalkeeping skills again as he collected the ball confidently. In the 90+3 minute, Bangladesh had another good chance but they could not convert it. Bangladesh kept pressing hard for a goal, but the Indian defence did not give any chance to put it in. Both the Indian defence and Keeper Suraj kept their cool to lead the Indian team to seal the victory.

The sealing strike 

The Indian team sealed their victory in the 4th minute into injury time as Indian midfielder Arbash pulled off a boastful left-footed strike and registered a well-deserved goal by his name. His goal confirmed the India U-17 team's victory by 2-0. 

India U-17 becomes the SAFF U-17 Champions for the second consecutive time after 2022 and this is their 6th title in the age category.

Odisha FC's star striker and the third highest goal scorer of Indian Super League (ISL) history, Roy Krishna has been sidelined for the remainder of the season due to a grade 3 ACL injury he sustained during the game against Hyderabad FC last week.

The Fijian striker had already scored three goals this season in ISL for the Juggernauts and has been one of the most impressive players in the league's history since he joined in 2019. He joined Odisha FC in 2023 after spending fruitful years with Bengaluru FC, ATK and ATK Mohun Bagan before joining the 2023 Super League winners.

Read Also | ISL transfer news: All completed transfers before ISL 2024-25

"We will miss him on the pitch:" Lobera

Roy was one of the key clogs in Sergio Lobera's plan and without him, they would have a gigantic boot to fill in. However, Lobera feels Roy's absence will not hurt the team that much as the team is focused on the challenges ahead. 

"It's sad news for the team. Roy is not just an incredible player but also a fantastic human being. We’ll miss him on the pitch, but I’m sure he’ll continue to support us off it. He’s one of the best professionals I’ve worked with, and I wish him a speedy recovery," Lpbera stated via an official press release by Odisha FC. 

"It’s not easy when you have just two training sessions, primarily focused on recovery and compensation. But we don’t make excuses. This is football, and we need to adapt. It’s another challenge for us to overcome, and I believe we’re ready," he added.

Odisha FC are currently 3rd in the ISL standings with 15 points from 10 matches after returning to winning ways against an in-form Bengaluru FC with a 4-1 win at home. Next, they will face Mumbai City FC on 5th December at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneshwar. 

Read Also | I-League broadcast: Sony Sports Network will telecast the matches on TV from second round

Match Details:

Odisha FC vs Mumbai City FC
5th Dec | Thursday | 7.30 PM | Kalinga Stadium
Live on Sports18, JioCinema, Star Sports-3

Sony Sports Network is set to acquire the TV broadcasting rights of the I-League 2024-25 following the extensive feud between the I League clubs association and AIFF. 

SSEN acquired the OTT rights before and they will continue to stream the matches on its official app whereas Sony Sports Network Channels will broadcast the matches on TV. 

The I-League is about to kick-off from today but. the dispute between I-League clubs association and AIFF has delayed the TV broadcasting. Matches scheduled for first round will not be telecasted on TV but football fans can watch the I-League games live on TV on and from 29 November 2024. 

The I-League clubs association headed by Delhi FC owner Ranjit Bajaj announced in a letter to AIFF yesterday that the 12 I-League clubs have decided to boycott the league and they will not play unless the broadcasting issues are resolved. Shrachi Sports' venture SSEN also announced yesterday that fans can watch the matches 'only' on SSEN app which added fuel to the fire. 

However, in an overnight development, AIFF has finalized Sony as the TV broadcasting partner for the I-League 2024-25 and the clubs expect that over 100 of the scheduled 132 matches will be telecasted live on TV. 

Participating clubs will reportedly pay 12 Lakh rupees each to the Sony Sports Network to cover the broadcasting costs which does not include the participation fees of 7 Lakhs paid to the AIFF. 

The uncertainty regarding the broadcasting issues have finally been resolved and the I-League 2024-25 will start according to the announced fixtures. Sreenidi Deccan will take on Gokulam Kerala in a blockbuster opening game set to kick off today at 4:30 PM IST. Later today, Inter Kashi will face newly promoted Sporting Club Bengaluru in the second match of the opening day, scheduled to start today at 7:00 PM IST. 

Indian football fans better sit tight as one of the most prestigious accolades in Indian Football, the I-League 2024-25 is around the corner. Sreenidi Deccan will take on Gokulam Kerala tomorrow in Hyderabad in the opening match of this season.

From Complete fixtures to the participating teams, here is everything you need to know about the 18th season of the I-League.

Teams to participate in the I-League 2024-25

10 teams from the 2023-24 I-League will compete this season along with 2 teams that achieved promotion to the I-League from the I-League 2. 

2023-24 I-League 2 Champions Sporting Bengaluru and Runner-ups Dempo SC are the new inclusions this season.

• Aizawl FC

• Churchill Brothers

• Delhi FC

• Dempo SC

• Gokulamn Kerala

• Inter Kashi

• Namdhari FC

• Rajasthan United

• Real Kashmir

• Shillong Lajong

• Sporting Bengaluru

• Sreenidi Deccan

Teams to watch this season

Gokulam Kerala will be eyeing for their third I-League title after falling 10 points short of the champions Mohammedan SC. Gokulam finished third last season and they have to strong squad to compete under new manager Antonio Rueda Fernandez. Players such as Sergio Llamas, Martín Cháves, VP Suhair, and last season's Golden Boot winner Álex Sánchez will be crucial for Gokulam's journey this season.

Sreenidi Deccan, the runner-up of last season and the 2022-23 season as well, will suit up for the league title and they have retained the almost same squad from last season. Portuguese coach Rui Amorim has been appointed as the new coach and the Hyderabad-based club will leave no stone unturned for their title charge. Players like David Castañeda, William Alves, Brandon Vanlalremdika, and Eli Sabiá can make Sreenidi fans dream of their maiden I-League title.

Inter Kashi debuted in the 2023-24 I-League as a new inductee and finished in the 4th position. However, they have appointed Antonio Lopez Habas as the new gaffer who is arguably the best coach in ISL history. Mario Barco, Joni Kauko, and Nikola Stojanović will strengthen Kashi's squad whereas they have renowned Indian players such as Edmund Lalrindika, Arindam Bhattacharya, and Narayan Das. inter Kashi will be a very interesting team to watch this season. 

Churchill Brothers will again represent Goa after finishing seventh last season along with the Goa counterpart Dempo SC, the club that returned to the I-League after nine long years. Shillong Lajong displayed a good show of football in the Durand Cup 2024 and they hope to continue to do so. 

Previous Winners

Complete Fixtures 

Indian National Football Team head coach Manolo Marquez has called up FC Goa defender Jay Gupta ahead of the friendly against Malaysia on Monday. Defenders Aakash Sngwan and Asish Rai have left the national camp in Hyderabad due to injuries. 

#BlueTigers Update 🚨🇮🇳

Jay Gupta has joined the Indian squad in Hyderabad ahead of tomorrow's friendly against Malaysia. Aakash Sangwan and Asish Rai have been released due to injuries.#IndianFootball ⚽ pic.twitter.com/lRFJpohUCR

— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) November 17, 2024

Jay Gupta made his national team debut against Kuwait in a goalless draw on 6 June 2024. The 23-year-old FC Goa defender plays as a left-back and he will replace his club teammate Aakash Sangwan who also plays as a left-back.

Asish Rai felt minor discomforts in the training sessions for his club Mohun Bagan ahead of their game against Hyderabad FC. However, he is knocked out of the national squad as well. 

Read Also | India vs Malaysia Friendly: Here are everything you need to know

Returning to the Indian national team 🇮🇳 after 10 months, @SandeshJhingan opened up about the recovery journey, regret of missing out on playing for the country & much more

Read more 🔗 https://t.co/I7KTWLg8KF

Watch full interview 👉 https://t.co/c6dQWjkL2Q#IndianFootball ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/N5qxkcGQ3Z

— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) November 16, 2024

It will be interesting to see how Manolo Marquez is going to combine the defensive line-up against Malaysia. Sandesh Jhingan was called up for the national team after recovering from a long-term injury but Anwar Ali is likely to start against Malaysia. However, Subhashish Bose was dropped from the squad but Manolo still has options such as Chinglensana Singh, Hmingthanmawia Ralte, and Rahul Bheke. 

India squad against Malaysia 

Goalkeepers: Amrinder Singh, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Vishal Kaith

Defenders: Anwar Ali, Chinglensana Singh, Hmingthanmawia Ralte, Mehtab Singh, Rahul Bheke, Roshan Singh Naorem, Sandesh Jhingan, Jay Gupta

Midfielders: Brandon Fernandes, Jeakson Singh, Jithin MS, Lalengmawia Ralte, Liston Colaco, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Vibin Mohanan, Thoiba Singh

Forwards: Edmund Lalrindika, Irfan Yadwad, Farukh Choudhary, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Manvir Singh

Match Details

Match: India vs Malaysia

Date: 18 November 2024

Time: 7:30 IST

Venue: GMC Balayogi Athletic Stadium, Gachibowli, Hyderabad

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has reportedly proposed a new four-tier structure for Indian national football leagues and state leagues to the State FAs and the other stakeholders of Indian football. The four-tier structure will introduce a new second-tier national league and new flagship state leagues that will completely revamp the men's football structure in India. 

According to 90ndstoppage, AIFF has not proposed anything on promotion and relegations and so many questions about the new structure remain there. AIFF State Gradation and State Specific Strategic Plans meeting concluded on 14 November but there is no official confirmation about the new structure. 

The newly proposed structure

According to 90ndstoppage, the newly proposed structural overhaul will let the Indian Super League continue as the Tier 1 National League in India. However, 16 teams will compete in the ISL. 

I League is the Tier 2 National League in India as per the current structure; whereas I League 2 and I League 3 continue to be the third and fourth-tier respectively. The revamped structure is likely to merge the I League, I League 2 and I League 3 into one single National League which will include 16 clubs in total and continue as the second-tier National League in India. 

However, AIFF plans to introduce flagship state franchise leagues in 12 states with high footballing activities which will include 6 teams in each state league in the beginning and will expand to 10 teams by 2030. This new franchise state leagues will be considered the new Tier 3. 

The existing state league will be continued as Tier 4 in the newly proposed structure.

AIFF reportedly proposed a new structure for the Santosh Trophy as well.

AIFF in it's recent conclave with Member Associations (State FAs) floated the idea of new structured Men's NFC! 👀🏆

Thoughts? 🤔 #90ndstoppage pic.twitter.com/yTMge0HqOI

— 90ndstoppage (@90ndstoppage) November 16, 2024

Remaining questions

The current footballing structure for men's football in India has no relegation in the Indian Super League, but the second-tier I League has one promotion berth to the ISL and one relegation berth to the I League 2. Similarly, I League 2 has 2 promotions to the I League and 2 relegations to the I League 3. 

AIFF wants to do a franchise league in states and the winner of those leagues will go into the something called a national league and the winner of that league will be promoted to ISL. #Indianfootball #Ileague #PressConference

— football news india (@fni) November 16, 2024

However, it is not yet clear if ISL will finally adopt the Promotion-relegation format as well in the new structure. There is no clear indication of how the one consolidated second-tier National League will work with only 16 clubs; whereas the I League, I League 2 and I League 3 have 49 clubs in total that play in the national level of Indian football.

Various questions remain for the proposed state franchise leagues. It will be exciting to see if AIFF fixes a certain franchise fee for clubs to be paid to participate in the new flagship state leagues. If so, how the existing clubs will participate without proper sponsors and prominent infrastructure remains clouded.