Welcome to another edition of the Indian football news roundup. Today, we will talk about India’s clash against Pakistan in the AFC U-23 Championship Qualifiers canceled after Pakistan withdrawing their names from the competition, East Bengal extending Alejandro Menendez’ contract for two more years, seven Manipuri players pulling themselves out of the Indian Women’s Football Team over allegations of favoritism, Chennaiyin FC unable to getting the better of Colombo SC in the Asian Cup, and Mohun Bagan signing Dawda Ceesay.
In case you missed out the previous edition of the Indian football news roundup, you can check it out here.
AFC U-23 Championship Qualifiers: India vs. Pakistan match canceled
Pakistan has withdrawn themselves from the 2020 AFC U-23 Championship Qualifiers, which is slated to be held from March 22 to March 26 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The senior team is ranked 199th in the world and their football federation is in turmoil.
If Pakistan had made it to the tournament, it would have been the first sporting tie between India and Pakistan after the Pulwama attacks carried out by Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists and the air strikes carried out by the Indian and Pakistani air forces. But, now that the match will not happen, the first sporting tie is likely to take place at the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup.
East Bengal News: Quess Corporation extends Alejandro Menendez’ contract by two years
Quess Corporation, who are the major stakeholders of East Bengal, has extended Alejandro Menendez’ contract by two years. The former Real Madrid Castilla manager got his due reward for helping East Bengal confirm the second position in the I-League.
Moreover, the Red and Golds can even win the title if they get the better of Gokulam FC in the final round and Chennai City FC share the spoils or lose to Minerva Punjab.
“I believe in the new management Quess Corp, for the support and trust they have built in me and I am delighted to continue this relationship for next two years and build Quess East Bengal FC as a world class Club,” said ALEJANDRO
Manipuri women footballers pull themselves out from the National Team camp
Seven Manipuri footballers, including star players Bala Devi and Kamala Devi, have pulled themselves out from the National team camp alleging favoritism by the assistant coach. The players have written a letter to the AIFF regarding the same and only time will tell if they will be a part of the squad that will represent India in the Olympic Qualifiers and the SAFF Cup.
2019 AFC Cup: Chennaiyin FC fail to get the better of Colombo SC
ISL defending champions, Chennaiyin FC, failed to get the better of Colombo SC in the qualifying round of the 2019 AFC Cup. The match was played out at the Race Course International Stadium in Colombo and surprisingly, it was the home side that looked dangerous.
However, a strong defensive display from Chennaiyin FC ensured that the scoreline finished as it started. The second leg will be held on 13th March at the Transtadia Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Mohun Bagan News: Mariners sign Dawda Ceesay for the Super Cup
Mohun Bagan has roped in Churchill Brothers’ midfielder Dawda Ceesay for the forthcoming Hero Super Cup. The Goan outfit released him after the doctors ruled him out of the entire season. However, it seems that he has miraculously recovered and will don Mohun Bagan’s jersey in the final game against Shillong Lajong in the I-League and in the Hero Super Cup.
