Author: Radhika Shukla

Chapman ruled out of secondODI | Seifert called in

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Chapman ruled out of second ODI | Seifert called in

BLACKCAPS batter Mark Chapman will miss the second Chemist Warehouse ODI against Pakistan in Hamilton tomorrow due to a right hamstring injury.

Chapman sustained the injury while fielding during the first ODI in Napier and a subsequent MRI scan revealed a grade one tear which will require a short period of rehabilitation.

Chapman, who scored a career-best 132 in the series opener at McLean Park, will return to Auckland for rehabilitation with the aim to be available for the third and final ODI at Bay Oval on Saturday.

Top-order batter Tim Seifert will replace Chapman in the squad in Hamilton.

Seifert joins the squad off the back of a memorable KFC T20I series against Pakistan where he topped the run scoring charts with 249 runs averaging 62.

BLACKCAPS coach Gary Stead said the injury was unfortunate for Chapman and the team.

“It’s obviously disappointing news for Mark, after a really special innings in the opening ODI in Napier,” said Stead.

“We’re thankful that the hamstring injury is only minor so we’re hopeful that Mark will be able to complete his rehabilitation and be available for the final match of the summer in the Mount.”

While ODI squad selection preference was given to players on full national and domestic contracts, Stead said Seifert’s recent form had warranted his selection.

“With several new faces in this squad it’s great to be able to call on a player of Tim’s experience,” he said.

“He’s in good form after a great T20 series and he provides another strong top-order batting option heading into an important match tomorrow.”

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RFDL 2024-25 National Group Stage: Classic FA’s register statement win over Dempo; Mohun Bagan Super Giant move closer to National Championship

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RFDL 2024-25 National Group Stage: Classic FA’s register statement win over Dempo; Mohun Bagan Super Giant move closer to National Championship

Mumbai, 30 March: Classic FA, Mohun Bagan Super Giant both registered 2-0 wins each against Dempo SC and Sreenidi Deccan FC respectively in their Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) 2024-25 National Group Stage matches at the Reliance Corporate Park in Mumbai on Sunday.

Since their opening defeat in the RFDL National Group Stage against Muthoot FA, Classic FA have produced a remarkable turnaround defeating the likes of Sreenidi Deccan FC as well as Dempo SC. Against the latter, the Manipur-based academy came all guns blazing, putting in the hard yards to register a crucial 2-0 victory.

Classic FA took an early lead in the sixth minute which boosted their confidence in taking charge of the rest of the game. Ningthoukhongjam Rishi Singh made a brilliant run down the right flank, beating a defender with his pace and delivered an accurate low cross inside the box. Bharat Lairenjam was ready to pounce on the opportunity and he did so with utmost precision, hitting the ball first time to make it 1-0.

The No. 9 went on to score a replica of his first goal just before the half-time to complete his brace. Rishi Singh once again displayed trickery with his quick feet on the right flank and latched it onto an unmarked Bharat Lairenjam, who made no mistake in hitting the back of the net. The two first half goals were enough for Classic FA to grab massive three points in their run for RFDL National Championship qualification.

Meanwhile, Mohun Bagan Super Giant brushed past Sreenidi Deccan FC to register their third win in a row in the RFDL National Group Stage. Loitongbam Taison Singh delivered a low cross inside the box and the Telangana-based club failed to clear it off danger. Thumsol Tongsin volleyed the stray ball in from close range to put his side in the driving seat in the game in the 13th minute. Later in the 79th minute, Muhammed Niyaj with his indomitable spirit, won the ball in the attacking third, produced an excellent run from the right flank and earned a penalty after drawing a foul inside the box. Serto Worneilen Kom drove it in from the spot to make it 2-0 and take Mohun Bagan Super Giant another step closer to the RFDL National Championship.

Earlier on Saturday, FC Goa got the better of East Bengal FC, registering their maiden win of the RFDL National Group Stage. A well-orchestrated combination of passes between Gogocha Chungkham and Mervin Fernandes, saw the latter sending Likson Rebello through on goal in the 30th minute. The forward forced an error in judgement from the goalkeeper and scored from close range to make it 1-0. The young Gaurs held on to their lead till the final whistle to keep themselves in the fray in the competition.

Brief Scores
FC Goa 1 (30′ Likson Rebello) – East Bengal 0

Classic FA 2 (6′, 45′ Bharat Lairenjam) – Dempo SC 0

Sreenidi Deccan FC 0 – Mohun Bagan Super Giant 2 (13′ Thumsol Tongsin, 80′ Serto Worneilen Kom)

Fixtures
Tuesday | 1st April 2025

8:00 AM | Diamond Harbour FC vs NorthEast United FC

4:00 PM | FC Goa vs Jamshedpur FC

7:00 PM | East Bengal FC vs Kickstart FC

The RFDL 2024-25 National Group Stage matches are streamed live on RF Youth Sports YouTube channel.

About RFDL: Now in its fourth season, Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) is designed to be a platform for the top U-21 football players to showcase their talent in a highly competitive environment. The tournament is one of India’s largest and most inclusive U-21 youth tournament comprising teams across 9 regions in India from Indian Super League, I-League division I & II and Independent Academies / Clubs nominated by the State Football Associations.

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