Indian Football: Former England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson shows interest to coach India, East Bengal’s I-League title hopes hit a major roadblock, matches in Kashmir postponed, and much more…

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Welcome to another edition of the Indian football news roundup. Today, we will talk about former England and Manchester City coach Sven-Goran Eriksson showing interest to coach the senior Indian football team, East Bengal’s I-League title hopes hitting a major roadblock, matches in Kashmir postponed owing to security issues, and FIFA U-17 World Cup player Mohammad Shahjahan joining ISL club Jamshedpur FC.

In case you missed out on the previous edition of the Indian football news roundup, you can check it out here.

The race to take Stephen Constantine’s reigns: Former Manchester City coach Sven-Goran Eriksson becomes the latest entry

Is Sven-Goran Eriksson the right man to lead the Indian football team?
Is Sven-Goran Eriksson the right man to lead the Indian football team? (Image Credits- BBC)

According to the national daily Times of India, former Manchester City, England, and Philippines coach Sven-Goran Erikkson is the latest high-profile name to show interest in coaching the Indian senior football team. The 71-year-old had previously managed the senior teams of England, Mexico, Ivory Coast, and Philippines along with being at the helm of notable European clubs like Benfica, Roma, Fiorentina, Sampdoria, Lazio, Manchester City, and Leicester City.

“While Eriksson has not contacted the AIFF directly, he has let the AIFF know through his agents, that he is quite interested in the job especially as India is an emerging football nation,” quoted the source from an AIFF official. FC Goa manager Sergio Lobera had expressed his interest to coach the Indian football team previously.

I-League: Aizawl FC put a massive dent on East Bengal’s title aspirations

Aizawl FC and East Bengal players tussle for a ball in their I-League encounter (Image Credits- Goal.com)
Aizawl FC and East Bengal players tussle for a ball in their I-League encounter (Image Credits- Goal.com)

East Bengal shared the spoils with Aizawl FC in their I-League encounter at the Salt Lake stadium and in the process, hurt their chances to lift the trophy gravely as league leaders Chennai City FC require just a win to take home the coveted title.

The Red and Gold Brigade showed intent from the opening whistle itself in the home turf but it was the away side who took the lead in the counter. Alfred Jaryan chipped a long ball towards Leonce Dodoz, who broke the offside trap after Salam Ranjan Singh had played him on, and slammed the ball past the goalkeeper.

Aizawl FC almost doubled the lead at the stroke of half-time when Ansumana Kromah rolled the ball into the back of the net. However, in the build-up, he had obstructed Rakshit Dagar’s vision and prevented him from releasing the ball. The referee was spot on with his decision to disallow the goal and show him a yellow card.

East Bengal finally got the equalizer in the 65th minute when Enrique Esqueda towered over his marker to nod in Samad Ali Mallick’s cross from the right flank. Five minutes later, Kareem Omolaja was given the marching orders after he stamped on Jobby Justin’s ankles and retaliated furiously over it.

Despite having an extra man on the pitch, East Bengal failed to take their chances as Lalrindika Ralte’s numerous long-range efforts sailed over the bar and Joby Justin’s header in the 93rd minute of the game hit the woodwork. The final scoreline read 1-1 as East Bengal will begin their journey to Delhi to face Real Kashmir FC.

I-League: Football halted in Kashmir owing to tense security issues

Football might never be played in Kashmir this season owing to tense security issues there (Image Credits- IndiaToday)
Football might never be played in Kashmir this season owing to tense security issues there (Image Credits- IndiaToday)

The All India Football Federation has decided to shift Real Kashmir’s I-League match against East Bengal to Delhi. The match to be played on February 28 was supposed to be played at the TRC Ground in Srinagar but security forces withdrew the earlier clearance and said it was “too risky” to play football.

This has also affected the fixtures of the I-League Second Division. Lonestar Kashmir FC was supposed to lock horns with ARA FC in the aforementioned venue on Sunday but just a few hours before the kickoff, security officers informed the organizers that going ahead with the football match might be a risk. Even the match between Bengaluru FC ‘B’ and Lonestar Kashmir FC has been postponed indefinitely after the local authorities failed to provide the requisite clearance.

ISL Transfer News: Mohammad Shahjahan joins Jamshedpur FC from Minerva Punjab

Mohammad Shahjahan is the latest FIFA U-17 World Cup player to sign a contract with ISL club
Mohammad Shahjahan is the latest FIFA U-17 World Cup player to sign a contract with ISL club (Image Credits- Scroll)

FIFA U-17 World Cup player Mohammad Shahjahan has joined Jamshedpur FC from the I-League side Minerva Punjab. The 18-year-old even started out for the reserve team of Jamshedpur FC in their I-League Second Division encounter against Mohammedan SC at the Kalyani Stadium on Sunday.

Shahjahan isn’t the only FIFA U-17 World Cup player who is contracted with Jamshedpur FC. Indian Arrows captain Amarjit Singh Kiyam and Aniket Jadhav are also contracted with the Jamshedpur-based club.