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Stimac announce 23-men squad for Qatar match

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Ray Sportz News Desk: India senior men’s team head coach Igor Stimac, on Saturday, June 8, 2024, announced a 23-member squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup 2027 Preliminary Joint Qualification Round 2 match against Qatar.

The Blue Tigers will travel to Doha from Kolkata on Saturday evening. They will take on the two-time Asian champions Qatar in their last Group A match on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan.

After being held 0-0 by Kuwait on Thursday, India remain in the second spot with five points with a goal difference of -3. Afghanistan also played out a 0-0 draw with Qatar and maintained third spot with a goal difference of -10. Kuwait are still bottom of the pile with four points. With Qatar already having booked their spot in the third round, all the other three teams remain in contention for the second and final berth.

India will qualify for the third round if they beat Qatar and maintain their goal-difference advantage over Afghanistan, who will face Kuwait on the same day. A point will also be enough for the Blue Tigers if Afghanistan versus Kuwait also ends in a draw. However, a defeat in Qatar will end India’s hopes of progressing, irrespective of the other result.

India’s 23-member squad for the FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Qatar:

Goalkeepers: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Amrinder Singh, Vishal Kaith.

Defenders: Anwar Ali, Jay Gupta, Mehtab Singh, Narender, Nikhil Poojary, Rahul Bheke.

Midfielders: Anirudh Thapa, Brandon Fernandes, Edmund Lalrindika, Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Liston Colaco, Mahesh Singh Naorem, Nandhakumar Sekar, Sahal Abdul Samad, Suresh Singh Wangjam.

Forwards: Manvir Singh, Rahim Ali, Vikram Partap Singh, David Lalhlansanga.

Football

CAS Verdict Restores Glory: Inter Kashi Crowned I-League Champions

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Ray Sportz Web Desk: In a dramatic twist to the I-League 2024–25 season, Inter Kashi have officially been declared champions after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) overturned the All India Football Federation (AIFF) Appeals Committee’s earlier ruling that had penalized the club.
The AIFF had previously stripped Inter Kashi of crucial points, citing the fielding of an allegedly ineligible player, thereby handing the title to Churchill Brothers. However, CAS ruled on July 18 that the deduction was unjustified, restoring Inter Kashi’s full points tally and their place atop the league with 42 points.
Following the CAS verdict, the AIFF confirmed it would comply with the decision, clearing the path for Inter Kashi to be officially recognized as the 2024–25 I-League champions. Churchill Brothers and Real Kashmir finished second and third respectively.
This marks a historic moment for Inter Kashi, who now look set for promotion to the Indian Super League (ISL), pending formalities.

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East Bengal

East Bengal Boosts Squad with Trio of Foreign Signings

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Ray Sportz Web Desk: Emami East Bengal FC has strengthened its squad for the 2025–26 season by signing Brazilian midfielder Miguel Figueira, Palestinian midfielder Mohammed Rashid, and Argentine defender Kevin Sibille.
All three players bring international experience and are expected to play key roles under head coach Oscar Bruzon. Figueira reunites with Bruzon after a successful stint at Bangladesh’s Bashundhara Kings. Rashid, a regular for the Palestinian national team, adds defensive solidity to the midfield, while Sibille, a River Plate Academy graduate, arrives from Spanish side SD Ponferradina to bolster the defense.
Coach Bruzon expressed confidence in the trio’s ability to make an immediate impact. “These are quality players who fit our tactical framework,” he said.
The players expressed excitement at joining East Bengal and looked forward to playing in front of passionate Kolkata fans.

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East Bengal

Mumbai to Kolkata: Bipin Singh Begins New Chapter with East Bengal

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Ray Sportz Web Desk: Indian national team winger Bipin Singh Thounaojam has officially joined Emami East Bengal FC on a two-year contract, with an option to extend for a further year. The 29-year-old joins the Red & Gold Brigade on a free transfer from Mumbai City FC, where he spent seven years, making a record 158 appearances and scoring 28 goals with 17 assists.
Renowned for his speed and attacking flair, Bipin will wear jersey number 29. Welcoming him, Emami East Bengal’s Head of Football Thangboi Singto praised Bipin’s creativity and goal-scoring prowess, while Head Coach Oscar Bruzon highlighted his international pedigree and experience as key to strengthening the squad.
Bipin, who made his India debut in 2021, expressed excitement about joining the historic club, vowing to give his all to help East Bengal win titles and create memories for the fans.

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