KSA Jr., Bombay Gymkhana lift MFA Independence Cup title in Men and Womens category respectively

by Chittu Shetty August 18, 2025

The MFA Independence Cup 2025-26 concluded with a thrilling two-day football spectacle at the Neville D’Souza Football Ground.

While a full day of rain affected the semi-finals, the finale was a captivating affair played out in flawless weather, providing a fitting end to the tournament.

KSA Jr. Clinches Men’s Title After a Gritty Campaign

The men’s tournament saw KSA Jr. navigate a challenging path to the title. Their campaign began with a penalty shootout victory against Pillai Salsette FC, the runners-up from last season’s MFA Independence Cup, winning 0(4)-(3)0. They once again held their nerve in the semi-finals, securing another win on penalties against South Mumbai Utd FC.

In the final, they faced a formidable Charkop FC, whose flawless attacking display, led by their constantly driving wingers, created numerous chances. However, Charkop’s inability to convert their opportunities proved costly. In the second half, KSA Jr. controlled the tempo and finally broke the deadlock with a sublime strike from Shrikant from outside the box in the final minutes of the game. Anmol Jadhav of Charkop FC tried his best to find an equalizer, but it wasn’t enough, as KSA Jr. sealed the thrilling 1-0 win.

Bombay Gymkhana Triumphs in Inaugural 11-a-side Women’s Cup

The inaugural 11-a-side Women’s Independence Cup also delivered a captivating final. Bombay Gymkhana started their campaign with a 1-0 win over South Mumbai United FC in the quarter-finals and went on to defeat SC Bacaim in the semi-finals. They met Young Guns FC, who had secured a 1-0 win over Somaiya FC, in the final. On the rainy ground, neither team could find the back of the net, leading to a dramatic penalty shootout. The hero of the day was Bombay Gymkhana’s goalkeeper, Pooja Rajput, whose crucial saves in the shootout helped her team clinch the title.

Individual Honors

The tournament also celebrated the standout individual performances from both divisions:

• Men’s Best Player: Aryan Yadav (Charkop FC)
• Men’s Best Goalkeeper: Rohit (KSA Jr.)
• Women’s Best Player: Tanishka (Young Guns FC)
• Women’s Best Goalkeeper: Pooja Rajput (Bombay Gymkhana)

The conclusion of the tournament sets the stage for the new football season. The Mumbai Super League 2025-26 is set to kick off on August 18th, and KSA Jr.’s title win will surely boost their confidence. For the women’s game, the Women’s Premier League is scheduled to begin on August 27th, and Bombay Gymkhana will carry the momentum of their title win into the new season.

For Maharashtra State Women’s Football League – Click Here

For Maharashtra State Men’s Football League – Click Here

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