Sports

First it was the rain gods and now a shocker for the BCCI - Indian Super League couldn't have asked for a better script for its opening season.

Ethiopian striker Fikru and Czech Republic midfielder Podany scored for Kolkata who consolidated their position at the top of the standings with six points.

Balwant Singh and Elano scored in the first-half as Chennaiyin FC cruised to a 2-1 victory over FC Goa in the fourth match of the Indian Super League on Wednesday.

The All India Football Federation was assured of all help by the government as well as FIFA for hosting the FUnder-17 World Cup in 2017.

With a vociferous crowd behind them, hosts FC Goa will be eyeing a positive start to their campaign against Chennaiyin FC when the Goa-leg of ISL begins.

It was the fourth straight victory under Dunga for Brazil, which is rebuilding after a semi-final run at the World Cup.

"I am happy to be part of this new concept in Indian football. It raises the profile of the game," the FC Pune City's marquee player said.

Meanwhile, Wales stayed atop Group B with a 2-1 win over Cyprus and are on course to qualify for their first major championship.

However, both the teams ahead of their first match of the competition, will bank on some impressive form in their warm-up games.

North-east India has long been one of India's footballing hotbeds and the excitement ahead of ISL's first match in Guwahati shows that in full light.

Just like it used to happen at the Eden Gardens, the crowd cheered him and chanted 'Sachin, Sachin' as if he was going to bat once again for Team India.

With an amalgamation of Bollywood, cricket and slick promotion the ISL will kick off at the Salt Lake Stadium on Sunday aiming to revolutionise football in the country.

It may sound as an alarm bell to Mumbai, ATK's opponent's in the ISL opener, that the city franchise is considering the match nothing short of a 'final'.

Josimar da Silva scored 13 goals in 23 I-League matches for Mohammedan SC which was the second highest tally last season.

Nabi is all set to realise his dream of playing alongside his heroes, Ljungberg and Anelka, as a team member of Mumbai City FC in ISL.

After India lost to Palestine 2-3, Koevermans declared in the post-match presentation ceremony that that he isn't continuing as coach of the Indian national team.