Real Kashmir head coach David Robertson dedicates British Empire Medal award to Snow Leopards

AIFF Media  

Real Kashmir head coach David Robertson received a British Empire Medal (BEM) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List on 12th June, 2021 for services to the local community of Jammu and Kashmir during his coaching tenure with Real Kashmir FC.

The award recognised the Scottish manager's outstanding contribution to the sport and the community as head coach of the Snow Leopards since January 2017.

From winning the Hero 2nd Division League in 2018 to becoming the first club from the Valley to compete in the Hero I-league, Robertson has been a key part of the incredible journey that had captured the imagination of Indian football fans since the very beginning, helping take the game forward together in the region and beyond.

“I would like to dedicate this award to so many people who have contributed in their own way. The Snow Leopard fans are certainly one of them— they are part of the family. Without their support no club can succeed. The support and warmth they have given not only to me but the whole club is incredible. They drive us all on, I hope very soon we can hear them roar at TRC.” Robertson told ileague.org after winning the Award.

The Snow Leopards recently added another golden chapter in history by winning the 123rd edition of the IFA Shield tournament in 2020.

"The sacrifices of my wife and family have allowed me to pursue my dream. My parents are also a huge part of my successful career. My mother passed away six months ago and my father passed away three weeks ago, just days after I was first notified of my Award. I’m sad that they were not here to celebrate with me," he added.

The 52-year-old played for clubs like Rangers and donned the Scotland colours during his illustrious career. He also coached clubs in Scotland and the USA and now he feels “attached” to the people of the Valley.

“I’m so proud to have been a part of an amazing story. When I arrived in Kashmir almost five years ago, I found it tough as it was a new experience but that soon changed as I was made to feel so welcome by everyone not only those involved at RKFC, but the general public when I walked down the streets. Now I feel so honoured and attached to the Kashmiri public, I feel so much appreciation for their continued support and feel I am working and wanting to do everything I can to give them a team to be proud of," he recalled.

Robertson lauded Mr. Sandeep Chattoo and his family for standing as the backbone of the club.

“I would like to thank Sandeep Chattoo and his family for all the support they have given me and their continued drive to keep the club moving forward. It's a total pleasure to be part of such a great club. No one could believe where we are today from where we started. So many people have contributed on and off the pitch to make the club a success and we aim to keep striving for even more success’’, he concluded.

Noel Wilson join Ozone Football Club

Former India midfielder Noel Wilson has joined Ozone Football Club Bengaluru as their coach. Noel will be working the Ozone’s Senior team along with coach David Booth. Ozone formally started their practice for this season from today. 

Prior to joining Ozone, Noel had a short stint South United Football Club last last season. He recently completed his AFC A License. He started his football coaching career in youth development at Roots Football School. 

TRAU trounce Ozone 2-0 in Second Division League

Ozone FC Bengaluru suffered their second loss in 2nd Division League final round match against  TRAU FC, Manipur, thus making it difficult to stay in contention for I-League promotion. 

With only one team in fray, Ozone got a favourable draw in this edition by playing all home games in the beginning. However, they failed to any take advantage as they managed to win only the first game, which got followed by two back-to-back losses. 

Meanwhile, TRAU registered an all-win record thus far, they are now at 9 points, and look a strong contender for #ileague promotion. TRAU took an early lead with a Yami Longvah goal, he completed a brace in 12th minute of the match. 

Ozone will now travel to Aizwal and face  Chhinga Veng Football Club on May 15.

Ozone being Second Division final round with a convincing win

Ozone Bengaluru FC  

Ozone Bengaluru FC recorded a fantastic start in the final round of Hero Second Division League today at the Bangalore Football Stadium. Playing at home against Lonestar Kashmir, they notched a 3-0 win. Sabeeth scored a brace (45’+3’, 68’) while Rinreithan Shaiza scored the third goal in 68th minute of the match.  

The game was somewhat one-sided affair with visitors focusing more on playing a defensive game. 

This years Second Division League is played in home and away format. Ozone is playing the first three games including the one played today at home. 

In another match played today, TRAU defeated Chhinga Veng 3-1. Ozone will play their next game on Sunday, May 5 against Chhinga Veng. 

Ozone held to 2-2 draw by South United

South United Media

Looking hungry for a win in their last outing of the 2019 Hero Second Division League, South United FC, even after taking lead on two occasions were dragged back by a resilient Ozone FC
Ozone started the game with a series of long throw-ins to test the SUFC defence but they proved to be difficult to penetrate. The visiting side were persistent and proving to be a thorn in SUFC’s side especially from set pieces. 

Ozone kept SUFC pegged back but were unable to really test the defence in any of the attacking spells. SUFC had most of their chances on the break testing the keeper on a couple of occasions before they broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute. Krishan’s corner landed at Rungsing’s feet and the striker rolled the ball home from a few yards away.

Ozone looked filled with purpose after conceding the goal but SUFC’s pressing and closing down forced mistakes out of them and they were unable to find a way through the defensive block of South United.

With only the second chance they created in the second half, Ozone FC were able to equalise in the 55th minute as Harpreet Kumar was allowed to run unchecked from deep. He found himself unmarked in the box and slotted his shot just inside the far post going across the keeper.

The home side created more and more dangerous chances now in pursuit of victory. Cletus and Aaron would both have chances before the introduction of Sudipta. The diminutive winger injected a spark in SUFC’s attack.

A sublime move in the 68th minute from SUFC that released Aaron down the right flank for SUFC ended in him squaring it off to Sudipta who didn’t miss from 2 yards out to give his side the lead once again.

SUFC followed up the second goal with some good play, winning the ball high up the pitch and running at the Ozone defence and it looked for a few minutes that they were going to seal their victory before a defensive mix-up in the 82nd minute led to Krishanu heading the ball into his own net to bring the teams back on level terms.

Bengaluru Reserves beat ARA FC, remain unbeaten In 2nd division

Bengaluru FC Media  

Bengaluru FC B got back to winning ways with a dominant 2-0 win over Ahmedabad-based ARA FC in a Round 6 encounter of the Hero 2nd Division League at the Bengaluru Football Stadium, on Wednesday. Second half goals from Naorem Roshan Singh (47’) and Altamash Sayed (73’) sealed the points for Naushad Moosa’s Blue Colts, as they moved seven points clear at the top of Group A in the standings, while extending their unbeaten run to six games.

Going into the game after a goalless draw against LoneStar Kashmir five days ago, Coach Naushad Moosa made one change, with versatile midfielder Biswa Darjee replacing Sairuat Kima in the Starting XI. In a half that saw very few clear chances for either side, it was BFC’s Roshan Singh who came the closest to find the back of the net, but the winger’s left-footed grounder came off the upright after he managed to create space outside the box and take a swipe in the 36th minute.

ARA ’keeper Abhishek Das pulled off a point blank save from a Myron Mendes header after Altamash Sayed’s cross as both teams went into the tunnel with the scores unchanged. The second half sprung to life inside two minutes as the hosts broke the deadlock. Roshan Singh capitalised on a miscued clearance from Abhishek and slotted home from close for his fourth goal of the campaign.

The early goal gave Moosa’s boys a much-needed confidence boost, as they began dominating proceedings even more. With ARA just pushing up on counters, BFC B practically stayed put in the rival half for most of the second period.

Parag Shrivas had a good chance when he set on a solo down the middle, but his powerful drive was tipped over by Das in the 70th minute. However, the ARA ’keeper was helpless three minutes later when a quick interplay between substitutes Advait Shinde and Amay Morajkar on the right saw the latter send Altamash free in the box who took a touch before calmly finishing at the far post to make it 2-0.

Bengaluru FC B now travel north to face LoneStar Kashmir on Wednesday, March 27, in a fixture that has been rescheduled to take place at the Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Sports Complex, in Katra, Jammu.

South United beat Fateh Hyderabad, register first win in second division

South United Media 

A cagey game saw both sides put on a disciplined performance, which South United FC (SUFC) did just enough to walk away with a narrow win in the end. While most of Fateh Hyderabad's attacking threat early in came through long throws, SUFC were reliant on some great wing play. However, both teams put on a stellar defensive show for most of the game and only saw themselves lose shape towards the end.

SUFC channeled most of their attacks on the left flank through Aaron and Sudipta. They were involved in the best chance of the first half as they created a great opportunity for Rungsing, whose composure let him down in front of goal.

The stand out performance of the half came from defender Amit Tudu who was at the end of every cross and made a number of important blocks to keep his side in the game.

The second half started in the same vein as the first, with time however, both sides began to venture forward much more.

This saw FHAFC press high up the pitch and win the ball in dangerous areas. On one such occasion they came within a hair's breadth of getting the lead but Jayanth's superb reactions kept them in the game.

Only a few minutes later, Aaron was released down the right, he did well to beat his man and roll the ball into Jotin Singh's path and he made no mistake from a few yards out.

The visiting side pushed hard in the remaining 20 minutes to pull level, but despite coming close on a couple of occasions, SUFC held out to clinch the win.

South United held to a 1-1 draw by Chennaiyin Reserves

South United Media 

South United FC (SUFC) were seconds away from registering their first win of the Hero Second Division League but were thwarted by a 92nd minute goal by Krishna Pandit. 

The opening few minutes saw SUFC dominate possession and make inroads into the Chennaiyin FC (CFC) half. They created some half chances early on troubling their backline but were unable to find a penetrative attack.

In the 15th minute, David took on a speculative shot from the distance that seemed more hopeful than anything, and it found its way past a flapping CFC keeper to give SUFC a 1-0 lead. CFC started to get into the game once they were a goal behind but struggled to test the keeper. Their threat from long throws seemed ominous in terms of being able to get a result form the game.

Meanwhile, CFC seemed poor at the back, allowing the SUFC down the wings and only thwarting attacks with last ditch challenges.

The second half saw CFC defend much better, they found themselves pushing SUFC back at times 

but the backline stood strong for the home side.

On one occasion, the keeper Jayanth had to intervene with a potentially match saving effort as Krishna Pandit got onto the end of a cross and directed the ball towards goal.

The goal that came for CFC in the 92nd minute came as a corner was floated into the box and after pinging around the box, it landed at Krishna’s feet and despite some pressure on him, he found the back of the net with a great driven strike.

Having waited till the 92nd minute to pull off a rescue act, the Chennaiyin FC Reserves side denied SUFC their first win of the season.

South United lose again in Second Division

South United Media 

The game saw South United FC (SUFC) create number of good chances but Kerala Blasters FCs (KBFC) ruthlessness in front of goal proved too much for the home side, the away team won by 3-1. 

The game took some time to settle down and fall into a pattern where SUFC saw themselves dominate early proceedings. They created a few openings but nothing that tested the keeper yet.

About 15 minutes into the game, KBFC turned the tide and started to threaten, creating one good opportunity after another. Their good spell saw them go in front through MD Esha whose header from a corner beat the keeper all ends up.

The goal saw KBFC grow as an attacking force as they continued to push forward, however, towards the end of the half, SUFC found themselves on the upswing creating a few half chances but without any real penetration
.
Poor passing from SUFC saw a lot of their good work undone. KBFC’s second goal perplexed the SUFC defence as a simple ball over the top beat their offside trap and Nongdamba Naorem latched onto it, beat SUFC custodian Royal and slotted the ball into the unguarded net.

Trailing 2-0 at halftime, South United pressed high at the start of the second half making it difficult for KBFC to get out of the back. This spell saw them peg KBFC back in their own half for a long period, eventually winning a freekick when Sudipta was fouled in a dangerous area. 

Magesh's low hard free kick was parried by the KBFC custodian but the ball landed at Amit's feet and he makes no mistake smashing the ball into the net to bring his side back into the game.

KBFC realised that the next few minutes would be crucial which saw them fly forward, but SUFC responded with their own attacks to keep KBFC on alert. SUFC created at least 3 good chances in a row that went painfully close or were blocked just in time by KBFC defenders.

KBFC were booting the ball up the pitch towards the end of the game and SUFC built each attack from the back, on one such occasion Kishan’s attempted pass was intercepted by substitute Pragyan Gogoi, who took advantage of the space he was given to let fly from range and his left foot screamer beat Royal to make the score 3-1 in favour of KBFC. 

BFC Reserves host Hindustan FC in 2nd Division League today

Bengaluru FC Media

Bengaluru FC are set to host Hindustan FC in their first home game of the Hero 2nd Division League 2018-19 when they face off at the Bengaluru Football Stadium today.

Going into the game on the back of two successive away wins Naushad Moosa’s boys are riding high on confidence. However, he expects his team to stay away from any complacency against a side who is yet to pick up any points.

While the Blue Colts’ have taken a three-point lead at the top in Group-A after two rounds, they’ve also netted eight times so far which is the most by any team in the 2nd Division this season. On the other hand, Hindustan FC come into the game on the back of two disappointing defeats. While they opened their campaign with a narrow 3-4 loss to ARA FC in Ahmedabad, they went down 0-6 to FC Goa Reserves on Monday. Playing their third successive away game, the Delhi-based side will be eager to bounce back and get their first points of the campaign against BFC B.

“Hindustan FC have a lot of new players and it takes time for players to gel. After two games, they will definitely be in better shape and have an understanding of each other. They will be aware of the strengths and weaknesses of their team and will definitely try to come back stronger at us. I don't want my players to be casual in any game and certainly not on Friday. Winning or losing is part of the game, but it's important that they stick to our plan and enjoy the football,” added Moosa.

While the game will be the last before the league takes a month-long break for the Santosh Trophy, Moosa believes it’s vital for his colts to get a positive result on Friday. “I honestly wish we didn't have a long break as we don’t want to halt the momentum. At BFC, our philosophy is to play attacking football with the aim of winning every game, so momentum plays a big role. A few of our players will join the Karnataka State Team for the Santosh Trophy and this is a platform for them as well. The exposure and the games that they play will help them build confidence when they return for the second half of the campaign.”

The game kicks off at 3.30 pm at the Bengaluru Football Stadium. 

Real Kashmir and Hindustan gear up for virtual final

AIFF Media

Real Kashmir and Hindustan FC lock horns in the virtual final of the 2017/18 Hero 2nd Division League on Wednesday (May 30, 2018) at the FSV Arena in Bengaluru to determine the team which will play the Hero I-League next season.
The clash marks the end of Indian football season and there is no better way to end the season which produced many edges of the seat matches. 

Although it’s virtual final Real Kashmir enters the match with an upper hand. Both teams sit on 4 points each in the table with Real Kashmir leading to a difference in goals scored. Hindustan FC needs to win at any cost and if the match ends in a draw, Real Kashmir will qualify for the next edition of Hero I-League. 

Nonetheless, Real Kashmir have a hard task at hand as they face a well-organized Hindustan FC side, who are competitive at both ends of the pitch, but coach David Robertson ensured that Real Kashmir have a sound game plan backed by players will be able to withstand the pressure of the occasion.
While Real Kashmir performed well against TRAU in their 2-2 draw, it wasn’t their best performance as they missed some vital opportunities of their own, while allowing their opponents the space they needed to get in behind and finish. 

What Real Kashmir do have in their favour is the likes of Nadong Bhtiua, Ifham Tariq and Yao Kouassi Bernard who can do the business up-front, while midfielder Danish Farooq will need to be at the top of his game in order to keep the team’s dream of making the Hero I-League a reality. 

Real Kashmir is vulnerable at the back, which Robertson warns must change. The Scottish mastermind insists his players cannot afford to worry about their opposition, indicating the key to their success will be to execute their own game plan. 

“If we concentrate on our performance then the results will take care of itself,” said Robertson. 

For Real Kashmir to accomplish their mission, senior players like Nadong Bhutia, Sukhwinder Singh, Atinder Mani and Loveday Enyinnaya must raise their hands because the team is largely inexperienced. 

On the other hand, Hindustan FC’s campaign looked perhaps a little less convincing. The men from the capital were made to work hard for their win against TRAU before playing out a 2-2 draw with Ozone FC despite leading twice. Hindustan FC are still shy of rhythm and need more assertiveness in the attack. 

However, coach Vikrant Sharma’s belief is that his side can be much more efficient in front of goal and his expectation will be for them to finish the chances that come their way because in a crunch match like this opportunities will be few and far between. 

“It’s the decisive match; if we can get full three points tomorrow we will go to the I-League and like I have said in the past my aim is to win every game, so against Real Kashmir, my team will be going all out,” said Sharma. 

Sharma, who has successfully transformed Hindustan FC into a force to be reckoned with, will be hoping for another strong performance from his charges against a side which he believes will provide a stern challenge. 

“Real Kashmir is a team that is well put together. I think they are very direct they are happy to sit back and defend but they are also dangerous going forward. It will be a tough match but we back ourselves to get a result,” he added. 

While Real Kashmir possesses a more aggressive attack which knows how to turn it on when they need to, Hindustan FC’s advantage is that they have worked together as a unit longer than their opponents who are with a new set-up. However, this is a game that demands composure and cool heads. 

Interestingly, these two teams were pooled together in Group A during the preliminary stage with both of their matches ending in the stalemate, will there be a winner this time around? We have to wait till 5:45 pm tomorrow to find out.

Ozone knocked out of 2nd Division final round after playing out a 2-2 draw

AIFF Media

Ozone FC and Hindustan FC played out a 2-2 draw in their second Hero 2nd Division League final round fixture today. 

Ozone FC took an early lead through Sabeeth Sathyan (3′) only for Kushant Chauhan (5′) to equalize for Hindustan FC before Ashutosh Thapliyal (57′) put the Delhi-based side ahead, however Robert De Souza’s (82′) late goal helped Ozone FC to escape with a 2-2 draw from a dramatic match at the FSV Arena in Bengaluru. 

While the draw knocked Ozone FC out of the competition, it put Hindustan FC on top of the table provisionally with 4 points. 

The match got off to a flying start with Ozone FC quickly on the front-foot and it took them only three minutes to break down Hindustan FC’s resistance when Sabeeth Sathyan opened the scoring with a well-taken shot inside the box following a neat back-heel from Yongchan Son. 

However, Ozone FC’s joy was short lived as Hindustan FC surged forward with much precision and equalized via Kushant Chauhan’s blistering shot after a long ball from Pawan Kumar Joshi two minutes later. 

Two goals within first 10 minutes on either side of the pitch opened up the game as both sides were searching for a crucial blow. 

Nikhil Gehlot and Kushant Chauhan combined well on the left-flank for Hindustan FC while Sabeeth Sathyan was a constant threat with his darting runs in Hindustan FC’s final third. 

Nonetheless, Ozone FC grew in confidence as the game progressed with both Sabeeth Sathyan and Robert De Souza forcing a number of good saves from Hindustan FC goalkeeper Mithun Samonto. 

Despite enjoying a lot of possession in the later stages of the first-half, Ozone attackers failed to click as a unit and the supply from their midfield was often wasted. The scoreline remained one-goal-a-piece going into the breather. 

In the second-half, Hindustan FC ran circles around their opponents, and in the 51st minute, Ozone FC keeper Amit Kumar blocked a close-range shot by Kushant Chauhan to concede a corner before denying Shailesh Maurya three minutes later. 

Hindustan FC’s efforts were finally rewarded after substitute Ashutosh Thapliyal turned Chinta Chandrashekar upside down before unleashing a right-footed bullet in the 57th minute. 

The Delhi-based side almost got their third goal in the 76th minute when Shailesh Maurya and Nikhil Gehlot combined on the left flank. A quick one-two sent the former clear and the lanky winger cut past two defenders only for his powerful drive to go inches over the horizontal. 

Afterwards, both sides engaged in some end-to-end stuff. While Hindustan FC had the better chances to go further up but what followed was schoolboy errors and impatience in front of goal. 

Ozone FC, on the other hand, capitalized on a defensive error as Robert De Souza scored with eight minutes left on the clock to make it 2-2. 

The two teams then launched attacks in search of a late winning goal, but they could not score and the match ended in a stalemate. 

Ozone FC will face TRAU FC next on Wednesday (May 30, 2018) while Hindustan FC will square off against Real Kashmir later in the same day in a match what might turn out to be the title decider. 

Real Kashmir edge past Ozone in a five-goal thriller

AIFF Media

Ozone FC Bengaluru got a big jolt in their final round campaign in the 2017/18 Hero 2nd Division League when they lost to Real Kasmir FC 2-3 at the FSV Arena in Bengaluru yesterday. With the win, Real Kashmir top the standings after the conclusion of round 1.  

Real Kashmir never had it all their own way as they were made to sweat for victory by Ozone who led twice courtesy Robert De Souza (26′ - penalty) and Sabeeth Sathyan (67′) but the Kashmir outfit kept their composure and scored though Nadong Bhutia (39′), Ritwik Kumar Das (89′) and Yao Kouassi Bernard (90+5′) to bag full three points.

Ozone began the match with good pace and high energy levels, aggressively pressing from the front. Contrary to Ozone’s approach, Real Kashmir preferred to remain compact and dropped back.

The Real Kashmir defenders were not allowed a lot of time on the ball and were therefore forced to hoof it up field in the hoping that Bernard would be able to compete. 

However, Nadong and Bernard were not quick enough to close down and as such the Ozone centre-backs had time to pick their passes. 

With Ozone gaining momentum, Robert found some space inside the Real Kashmir box and when he was about to pull the trigger goalkeeper Sukhwinder Singh fouled him which earned a penalty for Ozone which the Brazilian dully converted to put his side ahead in the 26th minute.

It could have been 2-0 in the 33rd minute when Gunashekhar Vignesh collected a Real Kashmir clearance just over the half-way line before launching a menacing counter-attack, which Real Kashmir were fortunate to escape from after Vignesh scuffed his effort over the post.

However, Real Kashmir, against the run of play, equalized when Nadong slotted from Ifham Tariq Mir’s pass in the 39th minute to level matters before half-time.

Real Kashmir started the second-half much like they ended the first, as they enjoyed prolong periods inside the Ozone half, and Bernard won a free-kick in a promising area, which Ozone goalkeeper Abhishek Das sent wide in the 49th minute.

Nonetheless, Ozone restored their lead through Sabeeth who slotted home following a goal-mouth scramble in the 67th minute. 

Real Kashmir, however, did not lose hope and continued pressing for an equalizer in the final quarter of the game and found it through defender Ritwik Kumar Das in the 89th minute before Bernard slotted home the winner in stoppage time. 

Real Kashmir will play TRAU FC next on Sunday (May 27, 2018) before Ozone FC and Hindustan FC face off earlier on the same day.

[Second Div I-League] Ozone lose to Kerala Blasters Reserves but move to the Final round

Despite losing to Kerala Blasters Reserves by a goal in the final game of Group B, Ozone FC Bengaluru qualified to the final round. The all-important goal for the visitors was scored by Suraj Rawat. 

Ozone finished second in the group, however, owing to the rule of ISL reserve teams not eligible to play in the final round of Second Division, Ozone qualified as the next best team. FC Kerala too finished with same points, but Ozone got a better head to head record. 

Also, qualified to the final round is Real Kashmir FC from Group A and Tiddim road athletic union - TRAU from Group C. The fourth team for the final round would be the best second team from three groups, where Hindustan Football Club and FC Kerala stand a bright chance. Hindustan only need a point to qualify, their match today at Delhi against United Delhi Fc was paused due to sandstorm, the remaining minutes of the match will be played tomorrow morning.

Ozone play a draw game against Goa Reserves

Ozone played a 1-1 draw against FC Goa (Reserves) yesterday at Duler Stadium, Goa. The Bengaluru outfit is in Group B and this was their Round 9 match in the group stage. 

After a goalless first half, Ozone took lead from the Brazilian import Robert De Souza in 82nd minute. The host squared up four minutes later, in the injury time from Meldon Dsilva. 

Despite of back-to-back draws, Ozone still lead the table with 19 points. FC Kerala too are on the same point, but the former top the points table owing to a better head-to-head record. 

To ensure a smooth passage to the Final Round, Ozone must win their final group game against Kerala Blasters (Reserves) with whom they play at home on Sunday, May 13. 

File pic

Ozone placed in Group B in 18-team Second Div I-League

Eighteen teams comprising of seven ISL clubs’ reserve teams (Except ATK, Northeast United FC, Mumbai City FC) who will compete in the preliminary round are divided into three groups. The Preliminary round which will kick-off on March 16, 2018 will continue until May 15, 2018. Teams will play on a home and away basis within the group.

The AIFF League Committee met at the AIFF Football House yesterday and took some vital decisions on the forthcoming Second Division League 2017-18 including the number of teams, the format of the tournament and the schedule. 

The winners of each group plus the best second-placed team would qualify for the final round. However, if reserve teams of ISL clubs finish as winners or runners-up in any group, the position will be passed on to the next non-ISL team. 

Four teams will play at the central venue on a ‘single-leg’ league system which will run from May 21, 2018 to May 27, 2018 at the end which the winners would be promoted to the next tier of Indian Football.

Each club can register maximum 3 foreign players for the 2nd division league out of which one player has to be a national of an AFC Member Association. 

The Groups of the preliminary round are as mentioned below:

• Group A: Real Kashmir, Lonestar Kashmir, Delhi Dynamos FC (reserves), Hindustan FC, Delhi United, FC Pune City (reserves)
• Group B: Madhya Bharat SC, FC Goa (reserves), Kerala Blasters (reserves), Ozone FA, Fateh Hyderabad AFC, FC Kerala
• Group C: TRAU FC, Langsning FC, Mohammedan Sporting, JSW Bengaluru FC (reserves), Jamshedpur FC (reserves), Chennaiyin FC (reserves)