Tripura Triumphs Over Delhi in U20 National Football Championship

Tripura Shocks Defending Champions Delhi

In a thrilling encounter on Thursday, Tripura secured their second consecutive victory in Group D of the Swami Vivekananda U20 Men's National Football Championship 2025-26, defeating the reigning champions Delhi with a score of 2-1. This match took place at the Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama in Narainpur, Chhattisgarh.

Khaswarang Jamatia was the star of the match, scoring both goals for Tripura in the 42nd and 68th minutes. Despite a late goal from Yash Jalal in the 79th minute for Delhi, it only served as a consolation.

With this win, Tripura is now in a strong position, needing just a single point in their upcoming match against Sikkim on Saturday to secure a spot in the quarter-finals, while also putting an end to Delhi's hopes of clinching a third consecutive title.

Sikkim Triumphs in Nail-Biting Match Against Himachal Pradesh

In another Group D match, Sikkim edged out Himachal Pradesh with a dramatic 3-2 victory. The match, held on Ground 2 at the RKM Ashrama, saw Bishan Singh Subba score the decisive goal in the 94th minute.

The game was a rollercoaster, starting with Kebin Sherpa putting Sikkim ahead in the 20th minute. Himachal Pradesh responded with an equalizer from Sakshap Thakur in the 58th minute. Sikkim regained the lead through Pramashis Rai in the 67th minute, but Himachal Pradesh equalized again with a goal from Nitin Tegta in the 83rd minute. Ultimately, Subba's late goal secured Sikkim's first win in the tournament, keeping their quarter-final hopes alive.

Group H: Punjab and Maharashtra Set for Decisive Clash

In Group H action, Maharashtra achieved a solid 2-0 victory over Goa, with both goals coming late in the match from Mahammad Mustafa Faras in the 79th minute and Nirvaan Bhatt in the 89th minute.

Punjab also matched Maharashtra's points with an impressive 6-2 win against Assam. Sahij Pal was the standout performer, scoring a hat-trick, including two goals within the first five minutes. Although Assam managed to score twice, including a goal from Jitul Taye in the 52nd minute, Punjab's dominance was evident as they added two more goals in the final minutes.

The results set up a crucial match between Punjab and Maharashtra on Saturday, where a draw will suffice for Punjab to advance due to their superior goal difference, while Maharashtra will need a win.