Sports

ISL 2024-25: Mumbai City Hands NEUFC Their First Defeat in Eight Matches

Published

2 years ago

February 9, 2025

Mumbai City FC secured a 2-0 victory against NorthEast United FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium during the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season. This win ended a streak of eight winless matches for the Highlanders and allowed the Islanders to climb to fourth place with 31 points.

NorthEast United FC initiated the first significant attack in the final third, with Macarton Nickson and Alaaeddine Ajaraie combining effectively on the left flank. After intercepting a hasty clearance from the Mumbai City FC defense, Nickson delivered a cross to Ajaraie at the center. Unfortunately, Ajaraie’s header went over the goal, costing the Highlanders a great chance to take an early lead in the eighth minute.

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Five minutes later, Ajaraie returned to threaten the Mumbai City FC defense again. Positioned well near the edge of the box, he received a pass from Michel Zabaco and fired a shot, but it went wide left of the target.

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The Highlanders maintained their momentum, posing multiple threats to the visitors. After failing to score from sustained pressure, they shifted to counter-attacks. Following a Mumbai City FC offensive move that was absorbed in the 26th minute, NorthEast United FC launched a counter. Mohammed Ali Bemammer set up Ajaraie inside the box, but his shot narrowly missed the left side of the goal.

Ajaraie continued to be a pivotal player, assisting Nestor Albiach with a precise through ball just two minutes later. However, Albiach’s shot lacked the power to test goalkeeper Phurba Lachenpa, who saved it comfortably.

The Islanders responded brilliantly in the 41st minute, with Brandon Fernandes delivering a standout moment. After receiving a pass from Lallianzuala Chhangte on the right, Brandon sent in a cross for Bipin Singh, who executed a powerful header into the top right corner, giving Mumbai City FC a crucial advantage.

Chhangte’s intensity didn’t wane as the second half commenced. In the 47th minute, he found Hmingthanmawia Ralte in a good position, but Ralte’s shot went directly down the middle. Two minutes later, Buanthanglun Samte delivered a cross following a corner for Nickson, but his shot from a tight angle was thwarted by a crowded Mumbai City FC defense.

Nickson kept pressing in the attacking third and set up Jithin MS, but the striker’s effort sailed over the top right corner.

Yet, the Islanders proved their efficiency, sealing the three points in their favor. Despite the Highlanders attempting 17 shots compared to Mumbai’s five, the team managed by Petr Kratky displayed greater composure in front of goal. In stoppage time, Mumbai City FC executed a swift counter-attack that culminated with Tiri making a brilliant pass for Chhangte, who finished it off by finding the bottom right corner from inside the 18-yard area.

Bipin had an impressive performance, completing 23 out of 28 passes, registering a clearance and a cross, along with scoring the opening goal of the match.

Mumbai City FC’s next fixture will be against FC Goa on February 12, while NorthEast United FC will face Jamshedpur FC on February 1.

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Sports

Suresh Raina Opposes IPL Impact Player Rule

Published

1 day ago

September 5, 2026

Namma Kudla

Mumbai: Former Chennai Super Kings player Suresh Raina has opposed the Impact Player rule in the IPL.

Raina said the rule gives batters an extra advantage and puts more pressure on bowlers. He noted that teams are now scoring 200-plus runs more frequently, with some even approaching the 300-run mark.

“Bowlers have nothing left,” Raina said, adding that the rule has made their job much harder.

Former Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma and several other players have also criticised the rule.

The Impact Player rule allows teams to replace one player during a match with a batter or bowler, depending on the situation. The rule was first tested in the 2022-23 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy before being introduced in the IPL in 2023.

Sports

Messi Announces Retirement from International Football

Published

5 days ago

September 1, 2026

Namma Kudla

Sports: Football legend and Argentina superstar Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 39.

Messi shared the emotional decision through a post on Instagram. He said that the decision was painful but felt that it was the right time to step away from the national team.

His retirement came after Argentina’s defeat against Spain in the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Argentina lost the final 1-0 at the New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19.

Messi had led Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022. Argentina defeated France in a dramatic penalty shootout in the final held in Doha, Qatar.

Messi made his international debut for Argentina in August 2005. During his remarkable international career, he played 207 matches and scored 125 goals for his country.

He also appeared in six FIFA World Cups and became one of the greatest players in the history of football.

Messi’s retirement marks the end of a glorious international career that spanned more than two decades. His decision has left football fans around the world emotional.

Entertainment

Cristiano Ronaldo Marries Longtime Partner Georgina Rodriguez

Published

3 weeks ago

August 14, 2026

Namma Kudla

Sports: Football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has married his longtime partner, Georgina Rodriguez, in a private ceremony.

Ronaldo reportedly tied the knot with Georgina on Tuesday, August 11. The couple surprised fans by sharing an official wedding photo on social media.

The picture shows Ronaldo and Georgina holding hands while wearing their wedding rings. The couple appeared happy as they marked the special occasion.

The wedding took place in Cascais, a picturesque coastal town near Portugal’s capital, Lisbon. The ceremony was kept extremely private, with only their five children reportedly attending the occasion.

Ronaldo and Georgina first met in Madrid in 2016. They have been together for nearly a decade.

The couple has five children: Cristiano Jr., twins Eva and Mateo, Alana Martina, and Bella Esmeralda.

Ronaldo is one of the most decorated footballers in the world. He has scored a record 146 goals for Portugal in international football and has won the prestigious Ballon d’Or award five times.

He recently represented Portugal at the FIFA World Cup, making it the sixth World Cup of his career. At club level, Ronaldo currently plays for Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr.

He is expected to return to action when the new domestic season begins on Saturday.