Northeast beat Mumbai, climb to 2nd

MUMBAI: Northeast United FC took a big step towards clinching a play-off spot after a crucial 2-0 win over Mumbai City FC in an Indian Super League (ISL) clash at the Mumbai Football Arena here on Wednesday. Two firsthalf goals from Rowllin Borges (4th) and star striker Bartholomew Ogbeche (33rd) were enough for the visitors as Mumbai were consigned to their third defeat in a row. Both teams, with 27 points from 16 games, are still very much in the play-off race. However, the result invites pressure on Mumbai as Northeast climbed above them to second spot and FC Goa can potentially leapfrog them too if they win against ATK on Thursday.

PEREIRA U-23 COACH

NEW DELHI: Derrick Pereira has been named head coach of the India U-23 football team for the AFC U-23 qualifiers in Tashkent from March 22. The other teams in India’s group are Tajikistan, Pakistan and Uzbekistan. Pereira will be in charge of the preparatory camp in Goa, which kicks off from March 2. The team will also play a friendly against Qatar U-23 national side in Doha on March 11.

SANTOSH TROPHY

KATRA (J&k):delhi defeated Jammu and Kashmir 2-0 in a Santosh Trophy (North Zone) Group B match, with Tushar Chaudhary opening the account and Jammu and Kashmir scoring a self-goal. Chandigarh beat Uttarakhand 4-2 with Amit Kumar (2), Ravinder Singh and Gaurav Negi (1 each) on target. Chirag Negi scored both the goals for Uttarakhand.

RAVI RATHORE SHINES

NEW DELHI: Ravi Rathore scored eight goals as 61 Cavalry defeated APRC 16-6 ½ in a league match of the Jiwaji Rao Scindia Gold Cup polo tournament here on Wednesday.

CALICUT UNBEATEN

Kochi:calicut Heroes maintained their unbeaten run in the Pro Volleyball League (PVL), defeating Ahmedabad Defenders 4-1 here on Wednesday. Skipper Jerome Vinith was the leading scorer for Calicut with 17 points. Ahmedabad’s highest scorer was Novica Bjelica (8 points). NEWDELHI:THE Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) banned Anuj Dedha for life from all cricket linked to the association. Dedha and his associates had attacked chairman of selectors and former India cricketer Amit Bhandari on Monday over his non-selection in the Delhi Under-23 side. The decision to ban him was taken after a meeting between selectors, president Rajat Sharma, CEO, CFO, COO, Gautam Gambhir, team manager Shankar Saini, coach Mithun Manhas and advisor to president, Salil Seth. The DDCA also decided on a slew of measures to curtail indiscipline: 1) In future no one, including parents, will be allowed at the venue of the trials, 2) Local police will be informed if matches are outside (the Kotla) to ensure there is a PCR van, 3) Security for selectors will be beefed up.