[Trending News] Indian Football wrap, February 7: Redeem Tlang signs contract extension with NorthEast United

ISL

Redeem extends stay with NEUFC

NorthEast United FC announced Redeem Tlang’s contract extension with the club on Friday, a deal that will keep him with the Highlanders till 2027.

Tlang’s journey with NorthEast United FC began in the inaugural season of the Indian Super League (ISL) in 2014, after starting his professional career with Shillong Lajong. Following spells with Shillong Lajong, FC Goa, and Odisha FC, he returned to NorthEast United FC in July 2023.

Tlang has been a key component of Juan Pedro Benali’s squad, making 17 appearances in the 2023-24 season. This season, he has excelled in a new role as a right-back, further solidifying his place in the starting XI.

“I’m thrilled to extend my stay with NorthEast United FC. I believe in the club’s direction, and the support from the coaching staff and management has been incredible. I’m confident we can achieve great things together, and I’m committed to giving my all to help the team reach its goals,” said Tlang.

Head Coach Juan Pedro Benali praised Tlang’s leadership both on and off the field, stating, “Redeem is a vital presence for us, and we’re delighted he’ll remain a part of the NorthEast United family. He began his ISL journey with NorthEast United FC, and we hope he finishes his career here.”

– Team Sportstar

Etc

Lynda Kom’s strike secures draw for Odisha FC

Defending champion Odisha FC managed to snatch a 1-1 draw against a winless Kickstart FC in a dramatic Indian Women’s League 2024-25 encounter at the Bangalore Football Stadium.

The visitor neutralised Ugandan Joanitah Ainembazi’s 70th minute goal for Kickstart FC with a stunning late equaliser from Lynda Kom, denying the home side its first win of the season.

Kickstart FC, despite its energetic and creative play, remained in the seventh spot in the standings with just three points after six matches. It displayed a dominant performance throughout the game but was let down by its finishing and the brilliance of Lynda Kom’s strike.

The draw added a point for Odisha FC, keeping it in third place. It now stands with 11 points from six games, trailing leader East Bengal and second-placed Gokulam Kerala.

– Team Sportstar

Fabulous Fazila scores four as Gokulam Kerala wins

Ugandan striker Fazila Ikwaput wreaked havoc as Gokulam Kerala registered its fourth consecutive win routing Sethu FC 4-1 in the concluding match of the Round Six at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

Fazila’s four-goal blitz was too much to handle for the home team, which could do little to curb the brilliance of the Ugandan, who took her tally of goals to 14 from six matches in the current campaign. This was her third hat-trick of the season.

The result maintained Gokulam’s unbeaten record in the season, and took it to 14 points, one behind current leader East Bengal. Sethu FC remained on 10 points from six matches.

– Team Sportstar

I-League

Churchill Brothers regains top spot

Churchill Brothers continued to impress in the I-League 2024-25 as it eased past Gokulam Kerala FC 2-1 at the Raia Ground in Goa.

The victory, highlighted by goals from Lalremruata Ralte and Kingslee Fernandes, reinforced Churchill Brothers’ status at the top of the I-League table, with 26 points from 13 matches. It is two points ahead of Namdhari FC, which will play its 13th outing on Saturday against Shillong Lajong FC.

For Gokulam Kerala, M Soosairaj reduced the margin in the added time of the match.

– Team Sportstar

Dempo SC upsets Inter Kashi’s applecart

Ashish Sibi’s heroics in Dempo’s goal helped the visiting side take a huge 2-0 win against 10-man Inter Kashi in the I-League 2024-25.

Argentine striker Damian Perez Roa’s goals at the end of each half guaranteed it the points and its second win in the last eight games. Inter’s loss meant it missed a chance to haul back some points on the two teams above it on the table.

While title aspirant Inter Kashi was left rooted to the third place in the points table with 21 points from 13 matches, Dempo now has 17 points from 13 outings.

– Team Sportstar