Former State Footballer Stephen Passes Away at 38

Former Karnataka footballer Stephen, aged 38, passed away on Monday, July 7, 2025, 11:30 AM at SK Hospital, Jalahalli. He was undergoing treatment for jaundice.

Known for his skill as a striker, Stephen was a talented player who represented Karnataka in the Santosh Trophy campaigns of 2011 and 2012. Also, he played in various prestigious tournaments during his career including B.C. Roy Trophy in 2007, held in Faridabad, and U-21 National Football Championship.

Stephen also represented BDFA XI in the All India Football Tournament held at Don Bosco, Chennai, where his team emerged as winners in 2012. During his club career, he played for teams such as Universal FC, BEL, KSP, and BEML (KGF), and trained under noted coach Raman Vijayan. He later played for South United FC and continued his football journey as a player-cum-coach with Sree Gajanana FC.

Stephen is survived by his wife, son, and daughter. His body is being kept at his residence behind Aiyappa Swamy Temple, Jalahalli, for final respects. The burial is scheduled for Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the Vidyaranyapuram Christian Cemetery.

The Karnataka State Football Association (KSFA), Bangalore District Football Association (BDFA), and Referees Board have expressed their deep condolences on the sudden and untimely demise of Stephen. 

Karnataka crash out of Santosh Trophy despite registering a thumping 11-0 victory over Andaman and Nicobar

The fate was already decided in the morning before Karnataka played their concluding match against Andaman and Nicobar in the four-team Group G encounter of 78th Santosh Trophy at the RDT Stadium, Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh. Maintaining an all-win record, Tamil Nadu made to the final round of Santosh Trophy. Karnataka, despite winning their last game with a thumping 11-0 margin proved of no help as the former champions finished with six points, behind Tamil Nadu. Nikhil Raj Murugesh (4), Ryan Wilfred S (2), Crispin Cleetus, Surya UK, Syed Ahmed, Karthik Govind Swamy, and Andrew Gurung were the scorers for Karnataka. 

 

Final round will be played with 9 group toppers (Group A thru I), previous edition's winner and runner-up, Services and Goa, and host state (final round).     

 

This was perhaps Karnataka’s worst Santosh Trophy performance in the last decade. Last season, they finished at the bottom of the group in the final round. A season before that (2022–23), Karnataka emerged champions of Santosh Trophy. They reached semi-final in 2021–22, 2018–19, and 2017–18 season. 

 

Karnataka crash out of Santosh Trophy

Losing the last game against Maharashtra, Karnataka finished bottom of Group B of final round of 77th Santosh Trophy in Itanagar, on Saturday, March 2, 2024. 

The star for the match was Mohammed Arfat Ansari for Maharashtra a who scored a hattrick. However, today’s win was not enough to Maharashtra to qualify for the quarter-final round. 

Manipur, Mizoram, Delhi, and Railways made to the knockout round from Group B.

It has been the worst performance for last five seasons for Karnataka. After dishing out an impressive performance by reaching semi-final in 2017–18, 2018–19, 2021–22, and winning the trophy last season, the state team failed to win a single game in the group stage this time. They needed to win the last two games to stay in contention for the knock-out round but lost 1-0 against Railways on Thursday, February 29 before losing 3-1 to Maharashtra on Saturday. 

    pic: Arunachal Pradesh Football Association

Puttaiah Memorial Cup to kick off from Saturday, Aug 5

BDFA Media 

The top stars of Bangalore football will clash in season’s first senior tournament, Puttaiah Memorial Cup, which will commence from Saturday, August 5 at Bangalore football stadium. The famous silverware was donated by the Directors of Ranga Vilas Transport Ltd, Bangalore 

in the name of  C Puttaiah Memorial Rolling Cup. 

In this year’s edition, INFINITI has come forward to sponsor the tournament. Winners will take away a cash prize worth Rs.25,000 and Runners-up worth Rs.15,000. 

The inaugural day of the tournament will witness the following matches: 

• 1.45 pm: Bengaluru FC Vs South United FC
• 3.45pm: Bangalore Dream United FC Vs FC Deccan

The following Super Division teams will be playing in Puttaiah Memorial Cup.

1. Kickstart FC

2  Rebels FC.

3. BFC

4. Students Union FC

5. FC Deccan FC

6. Bangalore Independents FC

7. ASC & Center FC

8. Bangalore Dream United FC

9. FC Agniputhra

10.Kodagu FC

11.Young Challengers FC

12.South United FC  

 

Karnataka, Manipur remain unbeaten

KSFA Media 

Karnataka and Manipur recorded their third straight victories to assure themselves the top two slots in group VI and qualify for the knock-out phase of the 27th Senior national Women’s football championship at the Bangalore Football Stadium here on Tuesday.

While Karnataka defeated Bihar 8-0 in an evening match, Manipur downed a fighting Assam 3-2 in the morning session. Both teams thus logged nine points from three games and face each other on April 6 to decide the group topper. The top two teams from each of the six groups move into the knock-out stage. 

Karnataka had to wait till the 27th minute for their first goal as Kavya Pakkirisamy headed in a cross from Aruna Bag. Three minutes later, Tara Anand’s flag-kick was headed in by Bihar defender Aaisa Khatoon while a minute before half time, Maitreyi hit home a shot which deflected to her after Kaviya’s effort was blocked. Aruna Bag (48th) made it w-0 at half time. 

After resumption, Karnataka continued to call the shots and scored almost at will.  Sonia Marak (49th and 64th), Kaviya Pakkirisamy (51st and 58th) added to the tally as Karnataka romped home easy winners. 

Karnataka record second straight win

KSFA Media 

Karnataka defeated Assam 3-1 in the group league match of the 27th Senior National Women’s football championship at the Bangalore Football Stadium here on Friday. In the first game of the day played in morning at the same venue, Gujarat drubbed Bihar 3-0 thanks to striker Khushbu Saroj, who earned the distinction of scoring the first hat-trick of the tournament. Khushbu also scored the lone goal for Gujarat in their first game against Karnataka. 

Karnataka now have six points from two games having defeated Gujarat earlier in their first match. They still have engagements against Manipur, Kerala, and Bihar to be gone through. But today’s win all but assures them of a top two finish and further advancement in the tournament.

After wingers Sonia Marak on the left and Sanjita Niroula on the right had caused some problems in the opponent defence, Karnataka forged ahead in the 9th minute through a set piece situation. Sonia Marak got past two but was brought down at the edge of the box on the right by Puja Saikia. Striker Maiteryi Palasumudram took the award and produced a curling left-footer that settled into the top near post in what was a wonderful effort.

Barely five minutes later, it was 2-0 as Sanjita Niroula squared the ball into the box from the right. A melee ensued inside the six-yard box and Sonia Marak was on hand to push it home from close. After wrapping up a 2-0 lead, Karnataka relaxed a little. That saw Assam force the pace and see a lot more of the ball, but their strikers lacked the speed to trouble the solid Karnataka defence where Tara and Aruna were hard to beat. Goalkeeper and captain Aishwarya too did a good job of producing timely saves despite her lack of some inches and kept Assam at bay.

Soon after the breather, Karnataka struck once again as Sanjita Niroula produced a rising right-footer from the right which brooked no answer. Thereafter, Karnataka were content to keep the ball among themselves with short passes and the occasional scoring attempt travelled wide or over.

Assam managed to pull one back three minutes before close as Kiranbala Chanu dashed in to find the net to lend some respectability to the scoreline in their first outing of the tournament. 

Asian Games Medallist Sampath K no more

AIFF & KSFA Media 

The star keeper of the 1970 Bangkok Asian Games Bronze-winning Indian Football team Kuppuswamy Sampath passed away yesterday in Bengaluru. He is survived by his wife and daughter.

Born on September 15, 1947, the former India custodian had represented the country in 18 matches, which included the 1970 and 1972 Merdeka Cup, the 1970 Asian Games, and the 1971 Pesta Sukan Cup.

His international career was one strewn with accolades. Apart from the Asian Games when India won the bronze medal, Sampath was also a part of the India team that ended third in the 1970 Merdeka Cup and joint champions of the 1971 Pesta Sukan Cup in Singapore.

In the 1970 Asian Games, the two coaches, GMH Basha and PK Banerjee, had so much faith in him that Sampath was one of the few players in the squad, who figured in all the six matches India played in a span of 11 days. His teammates still recall how Sampath flew like a bird to the far post to save a powerful shot from famed Japan striker Kunishige Kamamoto during the closing stages of the Bronze Medal match. India eventually won the match by a solitary goal.

At the domestic level, Sampath had represented Services (1970-73) and Goa (1974-78) in the Santosh Trophy.

He had also played for the Madras Engineering Group from 1960 to 1972, and for Dempo SC from 1973 to 1978. It was at the latter club where he won the Rovers Cup in 1974 and 1978.

Stafford Cup: Keen semi-final clashes in the offing

KSFA Media 

The revived Stafford Challenge Cup enters its business end with the semi-finals billed for March 3 and 4 and the final on March 6, 2023. With Karnataka reaching the final of the Santosh Trophy after 47 years, all eyes will be on Karnataka as it strives to regain past glory in organisational ability and on-field performances as well.

The first semi-final on Friday will be an all-outstation affair between Chennaiyin FC and Delhi FC set for kickoff at 3.30 p.m. at the KSFA Stadium while the second semi-final on Saturday will be an all-Bengaluru clash as FC Bengaluru United take on the ASC Centre at the same time and venue. 

Delhi FC topped Group C with an all-win record with nine points having beaten Kenkre FC 1-0, prevailing over Bengaluru FC 2-1 and then getting the better of Sreenidhi Deccan FC 3-2. They needed only a draw in their final match but managed to bag all three points. They have a balanced team which has scored six goals and let in three. The defence looks far more solid with the goal also well taken care of. In midfield, Vanlal and Lalrinzuala have worked hard to keep the attack going. Though the attack isn’t as sharp and thrustful as expected, it can take advantage of mistakes by the opponents and punish them.

Delhi would do well to resist questioning every decision. The Coach and the Manager have been booked for dissent and could well be in for more trouble if they don’t eschew their tendency to question every call made by the officials. 

Chennaiyin FC topped group D on goal difference with seven points from two wins and a draw. Local side Kickstart FC too had a similar result sheet, but the Chennai team had a goal difference of plus 10 having scored 12 and conceded just two to Kickstarts' plus three. Chennaiyin defeated the Ahmedabad Racquet Academy FC 1-0 and trounced Kerala United FC 9-0 in their other outings. As such Chennaiyin FC advanced to the semi-finals. They have relied mainly on Senthamil to score and  on Solaimalai to do the spadework.  But they don’t appear to be as balanced as their rivals and might find Delhi FC tough nuts to crack. 

 

Stafford Challenge Cup kicks off tomorrow

Stafford Challenge Cup, the once-elite football tournament of South India makes a comeback after three decades tomorrow, Thursday, February 23, 2023. The 12-day long tournament will see 15 teams distributed in 4 groups, with the winner from each group advancing to the knockout round.

With some players just coming off a tough Santosh Trophy pre-final round , most others will be using the event to prepare for the upcoming I-League 2 competition. 

BDFA Super Division teams FC Bengaluru United, Kickstart FC, Bengaluru FC (Reserves), MEG, FC Deccan, Roots FC, ASC will be seen in action. 

Gokulam and Roots open the action at 1.30 pm at the Bangalore Football Stadium while in the second game at 4.00 pm, Dempo Goa will meet MEG.

Group A – FC Bengaluru United, MEG, Dempo FC, Goa, FC Deccan
Group B – Roots FC, ASC, Gokulam Kerala FC 
Group C – Bengaluru FC (Reserves), Kenkre FC Mumbai, Sreenidhi Deccan FC, Delhi FC 
Group D – Kickstart FC, Chennaiyin FC (Reserves), ARA FC, Ahmedabad, Kerala United FC

FIXTURE

Group A

• Feb 23, 4 PM – Dempo FC 1 (Shreyash Gajanan Naik-86') Vs MEG 1 (Ayush-16') 
• Feb 25, 9:30 AM – MEG 2 (Shaik Muzeeb-35', 60') Vs FC Deccan 1 (Sachidananda S-42') 
• Feb 25, 4 PM – FC Bengaluru United 4 (Selwyn Frazer Miranda-6', Irfan Yadwad-33', Subha Ghosh-89', Aenam Graffenberg Jurwa-90'+1') Vs Dempo 0 
• Feb 27, 9:30 AM – FC Bengaluru United 4 (Irfan Yadwad-2', Selwyn Frazier Miranda-27', Subha Ghosh-58', Nikhil Mali-68') Vs MEG 1 (Imnaakum -84'[P])  
• Feb 27, 1:30 PM – Dempo 2 (Vinay Vijay Harji-74', Asmon Mevon Viegas-77') Vs  FC Deccan 0
• Mar 1, 9 AM – FC Bengaluru United 2 (Irfan Yadwad-11', 17') Vs FC Deccan 0 

Group B

• Feb 23, 1:30 PM – Gokulam Kerala FC 1 (Samuel Mensah Konney-87') Vs Roots FC 1 (Yohan Victor Britto-64') 
• Feb 25, 1:30 PM – ASC 3 (Shakti Gurung-15', Ajendra Singh-35', Alwin E-82') Vs Gokulam Kerala FC 2 (Samuel Mansah Konney-14', 24')  
• Feb 27, 4 PM – ASC 2 (Khundongbam Somananda Singh-55', Francis Zonuntluanga-90'+5' [P]) Vs Roots FC 0  

Group C

• Feb 24, 8:15 AM – Bengaluru FC 1 (Harmanpreet Singh-15') Vs Sreenidhi Deccan FC 1 (Kharch Khup Hangzo-68')    
• Feb 24, 4 PM – Delhi FC 1 (Gaurav Rawat-54) Vs Kenkre FC 0   
• Feb 26, 8:15 AM – Sreenidhi Deccan FC 2 (Pauminthang Munsong-21',  VineethKumar Velmurugan-62') Vs Kenkre FC 0   
• Feb 26, 1:30 PM – Delhi FC 2 (Fahd Temuri-90+5', Amay Morajkar-62'[OG]) Vs Bengaluru FC 1 (Leon Augustine-9')  
• Feb 28, 11:55 AM – Kenkre FC 1 (Jay Bhavanani-42'[P]) Vs Bengaluru FC 0  
• Feb 28, 1:30 PM – Delhi FC 3 (Gaurav Rawat-48', Fahad Temuri-74', Ajay Singh-81') Vs Sreenidhi Deccan FC 2 ( Vineeth Kumar Velmurugan-46', Aditya Tomar-87') 

Group D

• Feb 24, 10:45 AM – Chennaiyin FC 1 (Senthamil S -22') Vs ARA FC 0  
• Feb 24, 1:15 PM – Kickstart FC 3 (Edwin Rossorio-55', Sathish Kumar-61', Muzamiri Abdallah MTanga-84') Vs Kerala United FC 2 (Rahul M-12'[OG], Akmal Shan-42')
• Feb 26, 10:55 AM – Kickstart FC 2 (Edwin Rossario-61', Bikash Yumnam-82'[OG]) Vs Chennaiyin FC 2 (Senthamil S-15', Moirongthem Givson Singh-45'+2') 
• Feb 26, 4 PM – ARA FC 5 (Shanid Valan-5', Naro Hari Shrestha-38', Yami Longvoh-45'+3', Fredson Marshall-79' [P], Pratik Swami-87') Vs Kerala United FC 0  
• Feb 28, 8:15 AM (HAL ground) – Chennaiyin FC 9 (Joseph Lalvenhima-22', Niketh N-41', Vipul Velayudhan-45'[OG], Moirangthem Givson Singh-51', Senthamil S-66', 90'+3', Solaimalai R-73', Chris Anthoy White-82', Rahul Manjula-90') Vs Kerala United FC 0 
• Feb 28, 8:15 AM – Kickstart FC 3 (Muzamiri Abdullah MTanga-45'+3'[P], 58', Finto-6') Vs ARA FC 1 (Naro Hari Shrestha-90'+67'[P])  

Semifinals

• Mar 3, 3:30 PM – Chennaiyin FC - Gr D Winner 2 (Givson Singh-18', Sajal Bag-45'+3') Tie-breaker 4 - Sajal Bag, Senthamil Elangbam, Tondon Meitei, Chris Anthoy White Vs Delhi FC - Gr C Winner 2 (Fahad Temuri-67'[P], 90'+2') Penalty 2 - Fahad Temuri, Karndeep Singh 
• Mar 4, 3:30 PM –  FCBU - Group A Winner 3 (Irfan Yadwad-45'[P], 49', 51') Vs ASC - Gr B Winner) 2 (Ajendra Singh-61', Khundongbam Samananda Singh-80')  

Final 

• Mar 6, 4 PM – Chennaiyin FC 1 (Senthamil S -71') Vs FC Bengaluru United 2 (Vinil Poojary-31', Irfan Yadwad-90'+3) 

Karnataka make it through to Santosh Trophy semifinal

pic: AIFF Media 

With three teams - Punjab, Karnataka, and Kerala vying for the semi-final spot from Group A in the 76th Santosh Trophy, Punjab took on Kerala while Karnataka were playing against host Odisha in  their last group game.

Karnataka took the lead from side-back Sunil's opportunistic in the 17th min of the game. Odisha quickly equalized via captain Prabin Tigga's goal, then took lead from Chandra Muduli in 35th minute. 

Half-time score read 2-1 for Odisha. 

Karnataka were quick to make it 2-2 from a Shajan Franklin's beautiful header. Post that the state boys dominated the proceedings but the winning goal eluded them.

Punjab takes the top spot with 11 points (3 win and 2 draw) and with 9 points (2 win and 3 draw), Karnataka came as the second best team from their Group thus qualifying for the semi final, which will be played at the King Fahd Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. 

Karnataka qualify to the Khelo India final

Karnataka boys after resisting attacks from a strong Punjab team beat 3-2 to reach the final of the Khelo India Youth Games. The keenly contested first semi-final was between group A winner Punjab, coming from an all-win record in the group stage and Karnataka, runner up from the other group. 

Karnataka took the lead and it was Abhishek again up to his goal-scoring exploits, scoring the first goal for his team via penalty in 18th minute. He has scored in every game played so far in KIYG - total of 5 goals in 4 games. 

Punjab pulled back with a strike from the JCT Football Academy student Karandeep Singh Manota. The semi-final was up for some late first-half action - Punjab took 2-1 lead in through Karandeep again in 45 min, while captain Vishal’s goal made the scoreline 2-2 in the added time. 

Ishaan Raghunanda scored the winner after lemon break, sealing the fate of the game and qualifying for the final. 

In the second semi-final, Kerala defeated Meghalaya 5-3. Karnataka will take on Kerala in the final on Friday, February 10 at the same venue.  

KSFA organize homage in memory of Pele

KSFA organised a homage event near the famous statue of Pele in Gowthampuran to mark the passing away of the football legend. The event took place today evening, 5.30 pm. 

Several current and former footballers attended the event along with various members of BDFA affiliated football club.  

Karnataka score a perfect 10 against struggling Tripura

As many as nine players were involved in a goal fest as Karnataka boys rout Tripura 10-0 in their fourth group game of 76th Santosh Trophy played at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Delhi today. 

Tripura has failed to mark an impression thus far and managed only a point from their earlier three encounters.  

Shelton Paul opened the account for Karnataka as early as second minute of the game. It was literally a goal thrashing and Tripura defence was in shambles. Shelton completed his brace while the first half ended in 5-0 margin. The onslaught continued after changing ends and Karnataka scored another set of 5 goals.

With an all-win record Karnataka lead the points table. They will play their final league game against host Delhi on Saturday, December 31. 

Karnataka beat Ladakh 3-2 to register their third win

Karnataka boys rallied back from a goal down to defeat Ladakh 3-2 in their third game of 76th Santosh Trophy played at Jawahar Nehru Stadium today morning. Ladakh, considered to be one of the weakest team in Group 1 is participating Santosh Trophy for the first time. Before taking on Karnataka today, they have gathered one point from two games. 

What was considered to be an easy match didn't begin that way. The state boys were up for a rude shock when Ladakh opened the account early in the game. Mohmad Ilyas was the scorer for Ladakh. Karnataka gradually came back to the game and Abhishekh Powar equalized in the 27h minute. After changing ends, another striker Jacob John Kotookaren gave the much-needed lead. Defender Robin Yadav's 80th minute goal sealed the third win Karnataka. 

Stanzin Gilik reduced the margin for Ladakh in the added time of second half. 

Karnataka will play their next game against Tripura on Thursday, December 29. 

Karthik Govind Swamy to lead Karnataka in 76th Santosh Trophy

Karthik, captain of the recently concluded BDFA Super Division League winner Sporting Club Bengaluru will lead a 22-member Karnataka State Football Team for the 76th Santosh Trophy, the National Football Championship for Group I to be held in New Delhi from Dec 23-31, 2022.

The squad will leave for Delhi tomorrow. Karnataka will play their first match on  Dec 23 against Gujarat. 

Fixture

• 23-12-2022: Karnataka 5 Vs Gujarat 1  
• 25-12-2022: Karnataka 3 Vs Uttarakhand 1 
• 27-12-2022: Karnataka 3 Vs Ladakh 2 
• 29-12-2022: Karnataka 10 Vs Tripura 0 
• 31-12-2023: Karnataka Vs Delhi

 

The following players and officials will be representing Karnataka in the event:

• Satyajit Bordoloi, Srijith R, Kevin Koshy, Sunil Kumar M, Robin Yadav, Nikhil G, Manoj Swamy Kannan, Johnson A, Prashanth Kalinga, Pradison Mariadasan, Sathish Kumar M R, F Lalremtluanga, Karthik Govind Swamy (Captain), Bekey Oram, Kamalesh P, Shajan Franklin, Appu, Ankith P, Abhishek Shankar Pawar, Shelton Paul M, Rajaganapathy K, Jacob John Kattookaren
• R Ravi Babu (Coach), John Kenneth Raj (Asst. Coach)
• Saravana Dharman (Manager), Rohit Kumar Halder (Physio)

 

Chaubey is AIFF President, NA Haris is Vice President

KSFA Press Release 

Mr. N A Haris, President, Karnataka State Football Association (KSFA) was elected as the Vice President of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) after elections for the Executive Committee held at the Football House in Delhi on Friday, Sept 2.

While Mr Kalyan Chaubey representing Gujarat State defeated former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia 33-1 as the President of AIFF.

Mr N A Haris defeated Manvendra Singh, President of Rajasthan FA, 29-5 and Arunachal Pradesh’s Ajay Kipa got 32-1 against Andhra Pradesh’s Kosaraju Gopalakrishna for the Treasurer’s post.

Earlier 14 others representing various States were elected unopposed as Executive Committee members while four men and two women eminent players were co-opted into the Executive Committee members.

“I thank all the States who gave our panel an overwhelming verdict including for me as Vice President,” Mr N A Haris said.

“We have a huge task ahead of us as AIFF has gone through a tough phase in recent times and that will be our task to rebuild and repair the damage,” he said.

“ Huge credit for my victory also goes to all my team members in the KSFA whose hard work and success here in the State helped my election at the All India level,” he added.

“Focus on grassroots level football and empowering the States is something which Chaubey and I are keen on and we will listen to all States and then move forward with our agenda,” the Newly elected AIFF Vice President said.

KSFA General Secretary M. Satyanarayan, who played a key role in the success of the Chaubey-led panel said, “This result will usher in a new era for football in the State and the country. I am excited and so are the officials of all other States of the country.”

“Mr N A Haris’ victory will infuse fresh impetus into our State football and our State team of Officials will back him in all his endeavors at the national level,” Satya added.

 

The newly elected Executive Team of AIFF 
L-R:  Ajay Kipa (Treasurer), Kalyan Chaubey (President), and N A Haris (Vice-President)

Kickstart lift Puttaiah Memorial Cup

Kickstart started the 2022-23 season on a brilliant note by winning Puttaiah Memorial Cup played at the Bangalore Football Stadium this evening. Kickstart lost the inaugral game at the group stage but improved from then on, and peaked when it mattered the most. In the final today, Bangalore Eagles FC could hardly match up to their ability, and handed a 3-1 loss. 

I-League veteran, Princewill Emeka was quick enough to latch on a slow Eagles defense to give Kicstart an early lead. 

Eagles too had their share of chances after conceding, but their strikers lacked finesse and most often than not the ball landed in Kickstart defence.   

Just when everyone was hoping for an equilizer, central midfielder Ryan Wilfred with his astute football sense scored a goal. The game was only 28 minuted old and by then Kickstart we sitting pretty with a two-goal cushion. 

Eagles reduced the margin in the added time when Eagles striker Sanju Kumar was unnecessarily tripped down inside the box and defender Bhanu Prakash made no mistake to score from a penalty spot.   

Princewill was seen in action again after changing ends. Abhisekh, with his speedy run from the right flank floated for one Princewill, which the later made no mistake in putting the ball on the back of the net. 

Kickstart failed to score more despite making enough moves. Bangalore Eagles looked good but in patches and lacked the skill to match Kickstart in all department. 

Bengaluru Colts begin Puttaiah Cup campaign with 5-0 win

Bengaluru FC Media 

Bengaluru FC begin their Puttaiah Memorial Cup campaign with a 5-0 victory over Kodagu FC, at the Bangalore Football Stadium, on Thursday. Akashdeep Singh (34’, 47’), Thoi Singh (53’), Lalhmingchhuanga (81’) and Edwin Rosario (86’) were on target for the Blue Colts.

It was a cagey first half with both teams struggling to create chances early on, but the Blue Colts broke the deadlock through Akashdeep with ten minutes left to the break. Shighil’s darting run down the wing saw him find empty space to put in a low cross for the forward, who smashed with power beyond the goalkeeper’s reach to make it 1-0.

The chances kept coming from there, but the referee blew the whistle for half-time before Bengaluru could double their lead. Into the second half, the Blue Colts ran riot, scoring from kick-off courtesy of Akashdeep once again. The forward picked up a cross from Thoi and slotted it beyond the ‘keepers reach.

Sudheer Kotikala, who made his debut in Blue set up BFC’s third of the evening. The forwards’ cross found Thoi in space and the winger capitalised with a smart finish from close range. 

Robin Yadav was brought down in the box late into the game and Lalhmingchhuanga stepped up to the occasion and struck it with power into the top left corner to make it four. With four minutes left on the clock, the goalkeeper split the ball and Edwin was there to tap it into an empty net. 

The Blue Colts face Roots FC next, on Saturday, at the same venue. 

 

Bengaluru FC announce squad for Puttaiah Memorial Cup

Bengaluru FC Media 

Newly appointed Blues’ Head of Youth Development Jan van Loon will lead the Bengaluru FC ‘B’ side set to take part in the Puttaiah Memorial Cup, scheduled to take place in two Zones, the club announced on Tuesday. 

Bengaluru FC B will face Kodagu FC in their opening encounter on Thursday, August 11th, with matches scheduled to take place at the Bangalore Football Stadium, in Ashok Nagar.

“The Puttaiah Memorial Cup has always been a special trophy for the club and we look forward to giving our best in order to bring the trophy home. The boys have been training well and I can’t wait to see them showcase what we’ve been working on in the tournament,” said Van Loon, ahead of his side’s opening match.

The squad features new signings Clarence Fernandes, Felixson Fernandes and Ankith P, who also featured in the Premier League NextGen Cup that was held in the UK, late last month. Karnataka’s own Sudheer Kotikala will also feature in Jan van Loon’s side in the Puttaiah Memorial Cup. The Blue Colts’ defender Robin Yadav will captain the Blue Colts for the tournament. 

“We’ve been tracking the progress of the boys in training, and things are looking very positive. They’re working hard as a team and everyone is fighting for a spot in the starting XI. This squad is a mix of young and experienced players, and we’re looking forward to seeing them working together,” said Kaizad Ambapardiwalla, Assistant Coach of Bengaluru FC B.

Following the opener against Kodagu FC, scheduled for 4 pm, the Blue Colts will face Roots FC on August 13th and Kickstart FC on August 15th. 

SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Athul Raj, Dipesh Chauhan, Sharon Padattil

Defenders: Tomthingganba Meitei, Vanlaltleipuia, Oinam Ronex, Ashik Adhikari, Clarence Fernandes, Rajanbir Singh, Felixson Fernandes, Robin Yadav

Midfielders: Bankit Diengdoh, Abu Swalih, F Lalhminngchhuanga, Lalremtluanga Fanai, Bekey Oram, Damaitphang Lyngdoh, Amay Morajkar, Shighil NS, Kamalesh Palanisamy, Edwin Rossario, Ajay Chhetri, Vinith V

Forwards: Ankith Padmanabhan, Lalpekhlua, Basudev CM, Monirul Molla, Akashdeep Singh, Thoi Singh, Sudheer Kotikala

KSFA referee course

KSFA Referees Committee will be conducting a beginner's course for referees from July 10, 2022. This course is intended for fresher candidates who are interested in taking up a career in football referring. Classes will be conducted every Sunday between 10 AM and 1 PM at Bangalore Football Stadium, Ashoknagar, Bengaluru. After the classes, an entrance exam will be conducted in the last week of-August.

Interested candidates can either contact Referees Committee Chairman Mr. Balasubramaniam (9986330510) or Head of Referees Committee G Murty (8073515202).