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India Gazette
13-07-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
Top 5 full-back duos in ISL history
New Delhi [India], July 13 (ANI): The foundation of a competitive squad lies in maintaining the right balance across all areas of the pitch, including positions that have evolved considerably over time, as per the official website of the Indian Super League (ISL). Among them, the role of full-backs has undergone one of the most dramatic transformations in modern football. No longer limited to purely defensive duties, full-backs are now expected to contribute at both ends of the pitch, offering tactical width, supporting build-up play, while also aiding in transitions. In the Indian Super League (ISL), several teams have benefited from exceptional full-back duos who exemplify this evolution. These combinations have proven to be valuable assets in their coaches' strategies, seamlessly blending defensive resilience with attacking support. Asish Rai and Akash Mishra came to prominence at Hyderabad FC under the guidance of Manolo Marquez. While Asish joined the team earlier, Akash arrived a season later, and together, they formed one of the most exciting young full-back pairings Indian football has seen. Both players were dynamic, quick, and fearless: qualities that fit perfectly into Marquez's high-tempo, possession-based system. Their ability to balance attacking intent with defensive responsibility made them invaluable on either flank. Tenacious in defence and adventurous in attack, the duo played a vital role in Hyderabad FC's ISL Cup-winning campaign in 2021-22. They were the perfect example of modern-day full-backs -- capable of stretching play, winning duels, and contributing going forward. Between them, they were involved in 11 goals during their time together, all while being part of one of the most solid and well-organised defensive lines in the league. After rising to prominence at Hyderabad FC, Asish Rai took the next step in his career by joining Mohun Bagan Super Giant and found the perfect partner on the opposite flank in Subhasish Bose. While Asish brought pace, energy, and relentless pressing on the right, Bose offered composure, experience, and tactical discipline on the left. The combination of youthful dynamism and seasoned maturity made them one of the most balanced and reliable full-back duos in recent ISL seasons. With Bose now captaining the side and Asish continuing to develop his all-round game, the pair has played a key role in MBSG's sustained domestic success. Together, they've been part of a backline that has powered the Mariners to two ISL Shields and two ISL Cups over the last three seasons, which is a testament to their consistency, synergy, and ability to deliver on the biggest stage. While Mandar Rao Dessai had been part of FC Goa since 2014, it wasn't until the 2018-19 season under Sergio Lobera that he was reinvented as a full-back, transitioning from his natural position as a winger to the left side of defence. On the opposite flank, Seriton Fernandes had already established himself as a calm and composed right-back, and together, they went on to form a balanced and dynamic full-back pairing. Though the role was new for Mandar, his experience, composure, and attacking instincts allowed him to adapt quickly. Seriton, more reserved and positionally sound, complemented Mandar perfectly on the other side. In their first season together as a full-back pair, FC Goa narrowly missed out on the ISL Cup, but the following campaign saw them clinch the ISL Shield. Over two strong seasons, Seriton and Mandar were vital in shaping the wide structure of the Gaurs' play and provided both width and stability in equal measure. To this day, FC Goa fans fondly remember the consistency, chemistry, and tactical importance of the Seriton-Mandar full-back pairing. After a successful spell at FC Goa, Mandar Rao Dessai followed head coach Sergio Lobera to Mumbai City FC, where he continued in his role as a left-back. On the opposite flank, a relatively young Amey Ranawade, who had a brief stint at FC Goa earlier, stepped into the right-back position. Together, they formed a well-balanced full-back duo in a side that was tactically fluid and dominant in possession. Mandar brought experience to the left, excelling in ball circulation and positioning. Amey, on the other hand, offered bursts of pace and energy down the right, regularly making overlapping runs and stretching the play. Their combination was a crucial component of Mumbai City FC's ISL double-winning campaign in 2020-21 under Lobera. In Lobera's possession-heavy system, quick switches of play and wide build-ups were essential. The Amey-Mandar pairing functioned as the engine that transitioned play efficiently from one flank to the other, creating gaps in the opposition's half and helping unlock space in central areas. The duo perfectly matched the demands of modern football. Before shifting to the centre of defence later in his career, Rahul Bheke was one of the most dependable right-backs in the ISL. Paired with a young and energetic Nishu Kumar on the opposite flank, Bengaluru FC found a full-back duo that blended grit with athleticism during their early seasons in the league. While Nishu initially featured as a substitute, he broke into the starting XI during the 2018-19 campaign under Carles Cuadrat, locking down the left-back position as Bheke continued to occupy the right. Their styles complemented each other well. Bheke was more defensive and disciplined, while Nishu offered thrust going forward, often linking up with Sunil Chhetri and whipping in dangerous crosses from the left. The pairing clicked instantly and was a key reason behind Bengaluru FC's defensive dominance that season. Their balance and work ethic helped the Blues lift the ISL Cup in 2018-19. The duo continued for one more season before Nishu made the switch to Kerala Blasters FC, but their time together remains one of the standout full-back pairings in the club's ISL history. (ANI)
India Gazette
12-07-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
Carl McHugh, Laxmikant Kattimani headline FC Goa's latest departures
New Delhi [India], July 12 (ANI): Indian Super League (ISL) side FC Goa have confirmed the departure of four more players, including three local players, through their social media handles on Saturday. The players of FC Goa are Carl McHugh, Laxmikant Kattimani, Rowllin Borges, and Aaren D'Silva, as per the press release from ISL. Carl McHugh, who joined FC Goa in 2023 after a successful spell with Mohun Bagan Super Giant, quickly established himself as a crucial figure in midfield. Known for his ability to shield the defence and initiate attacks, the Irishman ranked among the team's best in successful passes and interceptions over two seasons. He contributed to six goals during his time at the club and played a key role in back-to-back semi-final appearances in the ISL. McHugh also played a crucial role in FC Goa's Kalinga Super Cup triumph, helping the team return to the continental stage. Rowllin Borges, another 2023 signing, became a reliable presence in the middle of the park. The experienced midfielder made 31 ISL appearances across two seasons, including 19 in his debut campaign with the Gaurs. He chipped in with three goals and one assist while also recording 131 recoveries, 70 duels won, and creating 22 chances, proving his all-round influence under Manolo Marquez. Laxmikant Kattimani returned to the Gaurs for the 2024-25 season after a successful spell with Hyderabad FC. He started the season as the first-choice goalkeeper, featuring in the first six matches before injury cut his campaign short. Hrithik Tiwari stepped up in his absence and became the club's first-choice goalkeeper. He was part of FC Goa since their inception in 2014, had many memorable moments in his first spell before departing for Hyderabad FC in 2019. Aaren D'Silva's second stint with FC Goa also comes to an end. He re-joined the club on a short-term deal in January 2025 but did not make any appearances in the ISL, the press release added. In his first spell, Aaren joined FC Goa's Development Team in 2017 and was promoted to the first team ahead of the 2020-21 ISL season. He later moved to Hyderabad FC, where he made his ISL debut under Manolo Marquez and was part of their title-winning squad in the 2021-22 season. (ANI)
India Today
26-04-2025
- General
- India Today
This Delhi couple left it all to bring football and education to Bengal's tribal kids
In the chaotic newsrooms of Delhi, Biswajit Jha was living what many would call a dream career. As a sports editor in a major media house, he was rubbing shoulders with athletes, writing stories that millions wife, Dr Sanjukta Saha, thrived in her own world too, teaching at a top management college. Yet, the call of home -- the dusty lanes of Mendabari village in West Bengal -- grew louder with each passing knew what it felt like to study without an English teacher, to grow up without proper resources. 'I started learning English on my own when I was in the 9th standard,' he shared. The idea of giving tribal kids a better chance at life wasn't a fleeting thought for him -- it was a promise he carried in his heart for their son was born in 2013, Biswajit and Sanjukta made a decision that would change hundreds of lives. They quit their Delhi jobs and moved back to Bengal, determined to build something lasting for the children of Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar, and Alipurduar FROM SCRATCHStarting small wasn't a choice -- it was the only option for the couple. A tiny rented room became their classroom. There, they taught English, maths, music, dance, computers -- everything they could manage. The response was slow at first, but word who had dropped out of school returned. Parents, initially sceptical, began to see their children's eyes light up with curiosity and hope. With savings from their Delhi days, they bought a piece of land and built a more permanent school. But this wasn't just about academic scores. 'This school provides not just academic learning but also practical skills that will help children in the future,' said Dr blended traditional wisdom with modern skills, making sure the children stayed connected to their roots while preparing for the wider MORE THAN JUST A GAMEIf there's one thing Biswajit knew from his years as a sports journalist, it was that India's remotest areas hid immense football talent. 'Talents in football are in the remote areas in the country,' he seen young players rise to the national stage, like Manoj Mohammad who now plays for ISL club Hyderabad FC, Biswajit was convinced Mendabari's kids could make it years ago, they started a football academy alongside the school. Today, some of their students are training with top clubs in Kolkata.'Mendabari can be a hot spot for football talents,' he said, and watching these children chase dreams on the field makes that belief stronger every day. WHEN THE VILLAGE CHANGED ITS MINDStarting a school was one thing. Winning over a village was from Delhi, Biswajit initially struggled to bridge the communication gap.'Working in a village you need to have the communication of a common man,' he said. People were suspicious. Why would someone leave a cushy life to work among them? Slowly but surely, trust was the very parents who once hesitated now proudly send their daughters to school instead of marrying them off early. Girls are not just studying but also dancing, singing, and playing football. Mendabari is buzzing with energy it hadn't seen before.'The drop-out rate has reduced. Young girls, who were getting married early, are now studying, playing, learning music and dancing in our school,' Biswajit shared with a quiet ROOTS ALIVEApart from academics and sports, the school weaves in tribal traditions too -- through music, dance, storytelling, and art. Dr Saha believes that preserving culture is just as important as learning coding or maths. Children are learning to be proud of who they are, even as they dream bigger. The school has also brought environmental lessons into its classrooms. Students plant trees, learn about waste management, and even try their hand at organic here isn't trapped in textbooks -- it spills out into the fields, the forests, and their everyday IT FORWARDRunning a free school and football academy needs money. That's where Epic Public School in Cooch Behar comes in. It's a formal school they run under the Rajganj Maa Sarada Shishu Tirtha Charitable Society.'The surplus amount which we collect from Epic Public School, we use it in the school and football academy at Mendabari,' Biswajit explained. It's a smart model -- urban students fund rural TO THE FUTUREThe journey has only just begun. Biswajit dreams of scaling up -- finding corporate sponsors, starting livelihood programmes for the villagers, and replicating Mendabari's success across other tribal villages.'Mendabari is one of the poorest villages in India,' he said, but there's rich potential waiting to be a small room with a few students to a vibrant centre of learning and sports, Biswajit and Sanjukta's journey is a reminder that real change doesn't always start with huge grants or flashy it starts with two people, a bit of savings, and a stubborn belief that things can be in Mendabari, that belief is now growing strong -- one child, one football, and one song at a time. advertisement
United News of India
25-04-2025
- Sport
- United News of India
Jamshedpur FC march into Kalinga Super Cup quarter-finals
Bhubaneswar, Apr 25 (UNI) Jamshedpur FC continued their strong run of form with a commanding 2-0 win over Hyderabad FC in their Round of 16 encounter of the 2025 Kalinga Super Cup, held at the Kalinga Stadium here. Goals from Javier Siverio (39' p) and Stephen Eze (64') ensured a comfortable passage for the Men of Steel on Thursday night, who will now face NorthEast United in the quarter-finals. Having finished fifth in the Indian Super League (ISL) table and narrowly missing out on the final after a semi-final loss to Mohun Bagan SG, Jamshedpur entered the tournament with high expectations and looked the more composed and purposeful side throughout the match. In contrast, Hyderabad FC, who endured a torrid ISL campaign and finishing 12th, came into the game as clear underdogs. The game began on a quiet note, with both sides tentative in the opening exchanges. Hyderabad were content to sit deep, while Jamshedpur tried to establish control. As the minutes ticked by, the trio of Jordan Murray, Javier Hernandez, and Javier Siverio began to combine effectively, steadily putting pressure on the Hyderabad backline. Despite enjoying the lion's share of possession, Jamshedpur initially struggled to create clear openings, with Hyderabad defending in numbers and closing down space effectively. However, the deadlock was finally broken in the 39th minute following a well-constructed move. Eze sent a pinpoint ball into the box for Ashutosh Mehta, who made a surging run down the right. As Mehta attempted to control the ball, he was brought down by Manoj Mohammad, prompting the referee to award a penalty. Siverio stepped up and calmly slotted the ball past Arshdeep Singh, sending the Hyderabad keeper the wrong way to give Jamshedpur a deserved lead heading into the break. Just before half-time, Jamshedpur nearly added a second from a free-kick, but Hyderabad's defenders held firm with some brave last-ditch defending. Hyderabad made a few changes in the second half in an attempt to wrest back control, but the momentum remained firmly with Jamshedpur. The Men of Steel continued to control the midfield and showed great discipline in defence, rarely allowing Hyderabad a chance to get into dangerous areas. The result was sealed in the 64th minute when Jordan Murray, who had been a constant menace, charged into the box and laid the ball off for Stephen Eze. The towering defender made no mistake from close range, tapping home to double Jamshedpur's lead. From then on, it was smooth sailing for Jamshedpur, who managed the game effectively and kept Hyderabad at bay with relative ease. Hyderabad's attempts to create a late spark were snuffed out by a well-organised Jamshedpur defence, and the match ended in a comfortable 2-0 win for Khalid Jamil's men. Javier Hernandez was presented the Kalinga Player of the Match award by Asish Kumar Rout, Officer on Special Duty, Sports and Youth Services Department, Government of Odisha. UNI BM
News18
23-04-2025
- Sport
- News18
Jamshedpur FC Vs Hyderabad FC Live Football Streaming For Kalinga Super Cup 2025 Round of 16 Match: How to Watch JFC Vs HFC Coverage on TV And Online
Last Updated: Check out the live streaming details for Jamshedpur FC and Hyderabad FC Kalinga Super Cup 2025 Round of 16 match to be played at Kalinga Stadium. Jamshedpur FC vs Hyderabad FC Live Football Streaming For Kalinga Super Cup 2025 Round of 16 Match: After securing a top-five finish in the Indian Super League (ISL), Jamshedpur FC are now set to battle it out in the Kalinga Super Cup. The Red Miners will clash against fellow ISL side, Hyderabad FC, in the tournament opener. The match is slated to be played at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneshwar on Thursday, April 25. Jamshedpur put up a scintillating performance in the group stage of the last Super Cup. They won three matches in a row, but failed to surpass eventual champions East Bengal in the semi-finals. If Jamshedpur beat Hyderabad in the Round of 16 fixture, they will be up against either NorthEast United or Mohammedan SC in the knockout round. Hyderabad FC had a disastrous ISL campaign this season. They managed only four wins in 24 matches and finished in the second-last spot in the final league standings. Hyderabad were winless in the previous edition of the Super Cup. Sharing the group with East Bengal, Sreenidi Deccan and Mohun Bagan Super Giants, the Nizams lost all of their league matches. This time, a solitary win will be enough for Hyderabad to reach the last four of the Super Cup. Ahead of Thursday's Jamshedpur FC vs Hyderabad FC Kalinga Super Cup 2025 Round of 16 match, here's all you need to know: What date Jamshedpur FC vs Hyderabad FC Kalinga Super Cup 2025 Round of 16 will be played? JFC vs HFC will be played on Thursday, April 24. JFC vs HFC will be played at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneshwar. What time will the Jamshedpur FC vs Hyderabad FC Kalinga Super Cup 2025 Round of 16 begin? JFC vs HFC will start at 8 pm IST. Which TV channels will broadcast Jamshedpur FC vs Hyderabad FC Kalinga Super Cup 2025 Round of 16 match? JFC vs HFC will be televised on the Star Sports Network in India. How do I watch Jamshedpur FC vs Hyderabad FC Kalinga Super Cup 2025 Round of 16 match live streaming? JFC vs HFC will be streamed live on the JioHotstar app and website in India. What are the Predicted Line-ups for Jamshedpur FC vs Hyderabad FC Kalinga Super Cup 2025 Round of 16 game? Jamshedpur FC Probable XI: Albino Gomes (GK), Pratik Chaudhari, Seiminlen Doungel, Nikhil Barla, Pronay Halder, Mobashir Rehman, Francisco Javier Hernandez Gonzalez, Rei Tachikawa, Lalhriatpuia Chawngthu, Samir Murmu, Jordan Murray Hyderabad FC Probable XI: Arshdeep Singh (GK), Alex Saji, Muhammed Rafi, Parag Shrivas, Leander D'Cunha, Ayush Adhikari, Isaac Vanmalsawma, Lenny Rodrigues, Abijith PA, Edmilson Correia, Joseph Sunny First Published:
