Category: Calcutta Football League

by Abhishek Shukla

CFL 2019/20: Sadhna News to broadcast 33 matches live this season

KOLKATA: The Indian Football Association (IFA) has circulated the fixtures of the 2019/20 Calcutta Football League Premier Division ‘A’ till August 14, 2019 on Wednesday.

This season a total number of 12 teams in Mohun Bagan, Mohammedan Sporting Club, BSS Sporting Club, East Bengal, Rainbow Athletic Club, Calcutta Customs, Southern Samity, Kalighat Milan Sangha, Bhawanipore FC, George Telegraph, Aryan Club and Peerless Sports Club will battle to crown champions in Kolkata’s top football competition.

Two teams who would finish at the bottom of the table will exchange their positions with top two teams of Calcutta Football League Premier Division ‘B’ in the next season. The champion team will get Rs. 25 lacs and the runners Up team will get Rs. 20 lacs as prize money, while best coach will be awarded Amal Dutta Memorial Trophy.

The matches of 2019/20 CFL Premier Division ‘A’ will be played primarily at Saltlake Stadium, East Bengal Ground, Mohun Bagan Ground and Mohammedan Sporting Ground besides Barasat Stadium, Gayeshpur Stadium, Howrah Stadium, and Kalyani Stadium.

Defending champions Mohun Bagan will take on Peerless Club in the opener on July 26, 2019 at Mohun Bagan Ground, while other two Kolkata heavyweights Mohammedan Sporting Club and East Bengal will take on Aryan Club and Gerore Telegraph respectively on July 29, 2019 and July 31, 2019 at their own backyard.

Bengali satellite news channel Sadhana News is the official broadcasters for CFL Premier Division ‘A’ this year and a total of 33 matches will be televised.

by India Footy

CFL: East Bengal lifts seventh successive league title; down Mohammedan SC 1-0

KALYANI: A wasteful Mohammedan Sporting Club went down 0-1 to East Bengal in their penultimate game of the Calcutta Football League on Thursday at Kalyani Stadium.

In a evenly matched Kolkata Derby, Do Dong Hyun’s goal from the spot in the 73rd minute did not only separated both teams but also ensured East Bengal’s seventh successive Calcutta Football League title after Mohun Bagan lost 0-1 to Tollygunge Agragami in a different fixture at Mohun Bagan Ground.

Going into the match Mohammedan SC coach Mridul Banerjee made three changes to the team that drew against United SC last week. While James Kithan replaced Sayan Roy under the bar, Atinder Mani and Pranit Lama Tamang came at the expenses of Mohammad Saukat and Kamran Farooque.

It was East Bengal who began the game aggressively and pushed up from the very beginning. Lalrindika Ralte was the first to go close when his effort narrowly missed the target in the 9th minute.

After soaking some pressure, Mohammedan SC began making inroads in the rival defense while Mohammedan SC push forward close chances fell for Leonce Dodoz, Manvir Singh and Dipankar Das but it was the lack of finishing that let them down as the first half ended goalless.

The second half was a similar story to the first as Mohammedan SC continued to dominate proceedings but attackes ran out of ideas on entering the penetrative zone of East Bengal.

While Mohammedan SC pressed high up, East Bengal managed to take the lead against the run of the play at the other end when Dong converetd a spot kick after Mohammedan SC custodian James Kithan fouled Lalrindika in prohibited area.

Mohammedan SC, afterwards, had numerous chances to equalise, but East Bengal managed to hold on with some solid defending as the game ended 1-0.

Mohammedan SC will play their final game in the competition on Sunday against Mohun Bagan, which will be another Derby, at Kalyani while East Bengal plays Aryan Club on the same day at Barasat.

Mohammedan SC XI – James Kaitan (GK); Nitesh Chikkaria, Lancing Toure, Rana Gharami (c), Pranit Lama Tamang; Atinder Mani (Sajeer KV – 61), Dipankar Das, Dipendu Dowary, Mumtaz Akhtar; Manvir Singh, Leonce Dodoz.

East Bengal XI – Dibyendu Sarkar (GK); Samad Ali Mallick (Koushik Sarkar – 93′), Arnab Mondal (c), Callum Angus, Narayan Das; Rahul Bheke, Mehtab Hossein, Mohammed Rafique (Bikash Jairu – 92′), Lalrindika Ralte; Do Dong Hyun (Abinash Ruidas-93′), Jiten Murmu.

Photo By Santanu Biswas.

by Abhishek Shukla

CFL: Tough task awaits Bagan against Tollygunge

By Ajay Majumder

KOLKATA: Mohun Bagan coach Sankarlal Chakraborty has urged his side to forget the 6-0 drubbing they handed out to Army XI last weekend when they face Tollygunge Agragami in the Calcutta Football League on Thursday.

The match was originally scheduled on August 29 but has been abandoned in stoppage time at tied 1-1 after assistant referee Ujjal Haldar canceled Bagan’s Azharuddin Mallick’s goal for offside which saw Mohun Bagan fans invaded the playing area and threw objects on the ground.

Bagan officials later demanded for a replay which IFA accepted however Tollygunge, initially, did oppose the decision but eventually agreed to play the match avoiding a clash with the parent body.

“Tollygune is a strong side. They have put on a great show in the game that has been abandoned so we have to be cautious in our approach and need to avoid mistakes, committed last time around,” coach Sankarlal said ahead his team’s penultimate game in the CFL.

Going into the game Mohun Bagan will be without the services of regular centre-backs in Sanjay Balmuchu and Raju Gaikwad alongside winger Prabir Das who left for their respective ISL franchises. However, coach Sankarlal feels that it’s high time for the young players in the squad to step up in the absence of the seniors which will be a good positive sign for their future.

Tollygune, on the other hand, are on 8 points from 6 games just a point above the relegation zone therefor the Ranjan Chaudhury-led side will be eager to notch up a positive result allowing themselves some breating space in the league table.

Facing Mohun Bagan, Tollygunge will be relying on strike pair of Joel Sunday and Alfred Jaryan for goals upfront. Joining them will be the likes of Surabuddin Mallick,  Rakesh Masih and Reisangmei Vashum who would play a crucial role in the midfield.

The game at Mohun Bagan Ground kicks off at 5.30 pm on Thursday and there will be no telecast.

by ujjalsarkhel

CFL: Mohun Bagan will face-off against Army XI

Ujjal Sarkhel

Kolkata: Mohun Bagan will look to put the controvery over the Kolkata Derby, which never happend, behind when they face off against Army XI in their next match of the ongoing Calcutta Football League at Mohun Bagan Ground on Saturday.

Mohun Bagan were scheduled to play the first Kolkata Derby of the season against East Bengal on Wednesday but the match was called off after Mohun Bagan turned down to play the derby saying they needed at least one day for practice at Kalyani Stadium before the match and over 6,000 tickets for their members and gave walkover to East Bengal.

This almost ensured the championship for East Bengal as the Red and Golds only need one point to console their seventh successive league title, eclipsing their own feat of six back-to-back triumphs.

However, if East Bengal looses in their last two matches and Mohun Bagan wins their remaining three then they will have a chance to win the CFL, which is Mohun Bagan’s only motivation going into the game against Army XI.

Talking about this tie Bagan coach will maintain the same starting lineup which played in their last match against United Sports Club. Daniel Bidemi will pair with Darryl Duffy in upfront. Pankaj Moula, Prabir Das, Azaharuddin Mallick and Saran Singh will take the responsibility in midfield while Raju Gaikward and Sanjay Balmuchu will lead in central  defense and Chinta Chandrasekhar  Rao and Tanmoy Ghosh as the side backs.

“Though my team not played in the derby match due to some problems, but my boys are fully focused to play the last three matches and will give 100% to win those, I am still hoping for some miracle in the league.Army XI is a very good team with have some quality players but my boys is ready to face the chllange” said Bagan coach Sankarlal Chakrabarty.

Army XI, on the other hand, will go all out to win their crucial tie after beating Bhawanipore Club 3-2 in their last fixture.

For the record last year in CFL Army XI defeated 1-0 Mohun Bagan in an exciting encounter. This year Army’s front line have weakened a bit with their star player Arjun Tudu has left for ISL 3 but the likes of Francis Zonuthanga, Lallianmawia, Sinenlo Kath Rengma and Jain Punchakadan are back from Durand Cup which will give a lot of confidence to the Army side.

The match will kick off at 5.30 pm and will televised at ETV News Bangla.

by Abhishek Shukla

CFL: Mohammedan SC’s title hopes ends after a 2-2 draw against United SC

By Ajay Majumder

KOLKATA: Mohammedan Sporting Club’s title hopes in the ongoing CFL Premier Division – A crushed following a 2-2 draw against United SC on Thursday.

After a barren first-half Mohammedan SC surged ahead through Leonce Dodoz (64th) before Manvir Singh doubled the advantage four minutes later. United SC, meanwhile, fought back in the later stages and equalised through Eric Brown (76th) and Manotosh Chakladar (80th) at Barasat Stadium.

Going into the game Mohammedan SC head coach Mridul Banerjee made two changes from the side that played goalless aganist Peerless SC. Kamran Farooque and Mohammad Soukat came at the expenses of Pranit Lama and Usman Ashik.

The Black Panthers began the game in attacking mode and created a couple of close chances early on. While Manvir did well to get into spaces, the striker lacked the finish in the final third.

As the half progressed, Mohammedan SC started dominating the possession. On the other hand, United SC defended deep and had their custodian Abhijit Das to thank after he denied Dodoz and Manvir on several occasions as both sides went into the breather tied at goalless.

The second half began with both sides engaging in some end-to-end action in the opening minutes. Having gone close on a few occasions early on, Mohammedan SC took the lead in the 64th minute. A low cross floated in from the left by Dipendu Dowary found Dodoz in the box and the Ivorian slotted with a powerful low shot across the goal.

Having scored, Mohammedan SC increased their pressure and attacked the rival goal ferociously going close on a few occasions. Four minutes later, Mohammedan SC’s pressure yielded another goal when Manvir got on the scoresheet off an Mumtaz Akhtar pass.

United SC, at the other end, pulled a goal back when Eric converted from the spot. The penalty was awarded to United SC after Kamran brought down Jagannath Oraon inside the box.

Thereafter, Mohammedan SC continued to push up and create chances but once again lack of finishing touch in the rival box led them down.

While Mohammedan SC pressed high up, opponents United SC managed to take the lead against the run of the play. Manotosh Chakladar capitalised on error by Mohammedan SC custodian Sayan Roy to score the equaliser.

In the final few minutes of the game, both sides tried hard for the winner couldn’t break the deadlock as the game ended in a 2-2 draw.

Mohammedan SC, who are on 17 points from 8 games, are now out of the title contention and will face East Bengal next on Sunday at Kalyani Stadium.

Photo by: Ujjal Sarkhel

by Abhishek Shukla

CFL: Mohun Bagan gave walkover to East Bengal

KOLKATA: For the first time in 31 years Kolkata Derby witnessed walkover, when Mohun Bagan did not fielded their team against East Bengal in a CFL tie at Kalyani Stadium on Wednesday.

Since beginning, the match was mired in controversy after a makeshift structure to enhance the capacity to 16000 from 7500, did not meet safety requirements and Mohun Bagan cited a shortfall in the tickets made available to their 6234 club members.

Mohun Bagan further demanded for at least 48 hours of practice at the match venue and stated said they are not turning up at the venue on Wednesday, unless it’s deferred.

However, The Governing Body of West Bengal football was in no mood to defer the match beyond September 7 and informed that the match will take place on it’s slated date, after a meeting held Tuesday afternoon.

Mohun Bagan, meanwhile, remain firm on their stand and stated it won’t be possible for them to play the match if their both demands are not fulfilled.

This led to East Bengal getting a walkover first time since 1985. The Red and Golds players as well as fans arrived at the Stadium with banners and flags in the match, but nowhere were the Mohun Bagan team seen.

by Abhishek Shukla

CFL: Mohammedan SC face United Sports in a crucial tie

By Ajay Majumder

KOLKATA: Mohammedan Sporting Club face a daunting task against United Sports Club at the Barasat Stadium on Thursday.

The CFL Premier Division – A fixture promises to be a intense battle involving high stakes. If Mohammedan SC, who are on 16 points, fails to win then they will be out of the out of the title contention while a negetive result would make United SC’s relegation battle harder.

Mohammedan SC’s title chase have faltered after a goalless draw against Peerless SC on Sunday, but a win against United SC would definately rekindle their hopes. Mohammedan SC are five points behind the leaders East Bengal, against whom they have the match left, there is a feeling in the camp that all is not lost yet.

“I am not willing to look at the title. That is still some time away. I am only interested in the game against United SC and we will look at other possibilities only later,” said Mohammedan SC head coach Mridul Bannerjee.

“At the beginning nobody gave us a chance but boys showed tremendous character to bring us where we are right now. The league is not over yet what we have to do is just keep winning. It’s not easy but certainly achievable,” he continued.

Like coach Bannerjee said, winning every game will not be easy, and he admitted it will not be a cakewalk against a fighting United SC.

The addition of Eric Brown has changed United SC’s fortunes as the Purple Brigade now look more dangerous, and proved this with a couple of victories against George Telegraph and Bhawanipore.

They were however pegged back by Mohun Bagan in the last game. But with the likes of Suhair VP, Sankar Oraon, Budhiram Tudu, Bello Rasaq and Manotosh Chakladar in their ranks the Partha Sen-led side is confident that they can avoid the drop.

“We have to be alert in defence against United SC. They are a strong side in attack and can cause problems for any team but with all said and done tomorrow we are going all out for the win,” coach Bannerjee concluded.

Facing United SC, The Black Panthers will be without the services of left-back Pranit Lama Tamang, who picked up a couple of yellow cards, and Kamran Farooque is likely fill in as the replacement.

Last time when these two teams meet in the CFL Premier Division in 2013, Mohammedan SC escaped with a narrow 3-2 win courtesy a goal each from Josimar, Dipendu Biswas and Basanta Singh at Saltlake Stadium.

The game at Barasat Stadium kicks off at 5.30 pm on Thursday and it will be televised live on ETV News Bangla.

Photo By Santanu Biswas.

by Abhishek Shukla

CFL: Mohun Bagan decides not to play the Kolkata derby

By Ajay Majumder

KOLKATA: After an extended period of drama, Mohun Bagan on Tuesday finally decided not to play the CFL Premier Division – A derby scheduled to take place at Kalyani Stadium on Wednesday.

In a letter sent to IFA yesterday, Mohun Bagan demanded for at least 48 hours of practice at the match venue and a total of over 6000 tickets for their club members and asked for the game to be rescheduled for a later date.

However, The Governing Body of West Bengal football was in no mood to defer the match beyond September 7 and informed that the match will take place on it’s slated time, after a meeting held this afternoon.

 

Mohun Bagan, meanwhile, remain firm on their stand and stated it won’t be possible for them to play the match if their both demands are not fulfilled.

“As a governing body of football in the state you should accept to our logic of providing 48 hours for preparation as it very essential for the team to understand the surface and size of the field and get themselves accustomed with the condition,” Mohun Bagan stated in a letter sent to IFA this evening.

 We once again reiterate that at least 48 hours of time has to be provided to our team for preparation of the match at Kalyani stadium and accordingly defer the date of the match as it will not possible to play the match tomorrow.”  The letter continued.

This will result in a walkover to their opponents, first time in CFL since 1985, if not something drastic happens over night.

by Abhishek Shukla

Kolkata Derby fate uncertain as Mohun Bagan denies to acquiesce

 

Kolkata: Uncertainty hangs over holding the season’s first Kolkata Derby as Mohun Bagan have set the  Indian Football Association (IFA) an array of conditions ahead of the marquee clash of the Calcutta Football League (CFL). The match is slated to take place at the Kalyani Stadium on Wednesday.

Following a series of letters exchanged between Mohun Bagan and IFA regarding the venue Kalyani Stadium, the club is learnt to be irked by the state’s football governing body not meeting some of the pre-conditions.

In a letter to IFA on Monday, Bagan said none of their two demands — at least two days of practice at the venue before the match and a total of over 6000 tickets for their members — were met despite prior intimation.

IFA had initially promised 4000 tickets to both clubs. But after the state Public Works Department did not give the ano objection certificate’ to a temporary stand constructed at the stadium. The total number of tickets have come down to 7500, and each club can be given a maximum of 2000 each.

With just one day remaining before the tie, 48 hours of practice is not possible, but Bagan said it won’t be possible for them to participate if the ticket demand is not met.

“Our club will be under tremendous pressure if we are unable to keep our word as promised regarding the issuance of ticket to the bonafide members. We request you to kindly solve our problems and help us to play the match or else it will be impossible to participate in the ensuing derby match,” read the letter.

This was in reply to the governing body’s letter that it was for Bagan that the match was pencilled in at the Kalyani Stadium at the first place.

“As you are well aware as the second option, we wanted the match to be played in Kanchengunga Stadium but considering your objection to play the match over there, we decided to consider an alternative venue,” the letter continued.

“We also considered organising this match on your ground in the maidan but even after Kingfisher East Bengal Club accepted to play the match in the said venue, the police authorities did not approve the venue because of security reasons.”

“In such circumstances, as an alternative and after discussing with both the clubs, we decided to organise the match in Kalyani Stadium.”

by ujjalsarkhel

CFL: Mohammedan Sporting Club held goalless by Peerless SC!

By Debabrata Majumder                                                                

KOLKATA: Mohammedan Sporting Club were held to a goalless draw by Peerless Sports Club in the CFL Premier Division – A here on Sunday.

The draw at Barasat Stadium has not done the Black Panthers any fovours. Mohammedan SC now have 16 points from 7 games and have fallen five points behind the leaders East Bengal.

Going into the game Mohammedan SC head coach Mridul Banerjee fielded a unchanged side from their previous match against Southern Samity midweek.

Both the teams started off with caution. However, Mohammedan SC were more organized in attack but could not able penetrate into rival box as Peerless SC defenders did well to keep the strike pair of Leonce Dodoz and Manvir Singh in check.

Dodoz, who was a marked-man from the beginning, had the first chance to put Mohammedan SC ahead but his effort from Dipendu Dowary’s pass was denied by the rival custodian Sankar Roy in the 16th minute.

Peerless SC, on the other hand, came close to scoring on a couple of occasions through Rahim Nabi and Ghanefo Kromah but the Mohammedan defense thwarted their attempts with ease.

Changing over, Mohammedan SC kept on probing into the rival half and they came close with Dowary and Dodoz but Sankar pulled off some good saves, which build frustration in the Mohammedan SC dugout.

Mohammedan SC put relentless pressure on the rival defense in the last quarter of the game, but Peerless SC managed to hold on defending deep as the game ended scoreless.

The Black Panthers will play their next game against United Sports Club on 8th September at the same venue.

Mohammedan Sporting Club XI: Shayan Roy (GK); Nitesh Chhikara, Lancine Toure, Rana Gharami (c), Pranit Lama Tamang; Usman Ashique (Sheikh Faiaz – 26′), Dipankar Das, Mumtaz Akhtar, Dipendu Dowary (Parminder Singh – 76′); Manvir Singh (Manjit Singh – 90+2′), Zikahi Leonce Dodoz.

Photo By Ujjal Sarkhel.