Punjab look to keep title hopes alive against Neroca

Ludhiana, January 28

Former champions Punjab FC will look to keep their title hopes alive when they go up against Neroca FC in the I-League here on Wednesday. Punjab FC, unbeaten at home this season, are currently placed second on the points table.

“We are definitely working towards winning the title this season,” Punjab coach Yan Law said. “We have to win the next couple of games to be at the top of the table, but it’s not going to be easy. After this we play against Mohan Nagan and East Bengal in Kolkata. So the next couple of games are very tough and important for us as we are definitely playing for the title.”

Punjab have won four out the five matches played between the two teams in the league, with one ending as a draw.

IWL: Krypsha, Gokulam win

Bengaluru: Ratanbala Devi scored a brace as Krypsha FC stunned defending champions Sethu FC 2-0 in their Indian Women’s League football match here today.

After giving her team the lead in the first-half injury-time, Ratanbala made Sethu pay again in the 60th minute. Krypsha have now scored six goals in two matches, while conceding none.

In the second match of the day, Gokulam Kerala FC hammered Kenkre FC 10-1. Gokulam’s Nepali striker Sabitra Bhandari was the star of the show with five goals. Karishma Shirvoikar notched up a hat-trick, while Manisha netted two to complete the rout.

Bengaluru FC sign Spanish winger Nili Perdomo

Bengaluru: Bengaluru FC have signed Spanish winger Nili Perdomo for the remainder of the season, the ISL club announced today. The 25-year-old replaces striker Manuel Onwu who has joined Odisha FC on loan till the end of the season. Perdomo becomes Blues’ second signing of the January transfer window after striker Deshorn Brown. Perdomo made his La Liga debut in the 2015-16 season. The following season he was signed by FC Barcelona for whom he appeared during the pre-season tour and a Copa del Rey game while playing regularly with the reserve side.

India set to host Barca Academy Cup

New Delhi: Over 650 aspiring footballers from seven countries will take part in the Barca Academy Cup-Asia Pacific, scheduled to be held in Gurgaon from January 30 to February 2. This is the second time India will be hosting the tournament and it will comprise 48 teams across four age groups. Teams will be playing in categories U-9, U-11, U-13 and U-15. The tournament will be played in a seven-a-side format. — Agencies