SSE BFC and UKM Kothrud Edge Past Oranje FC to Reach Zonal Round of AIFF Youth League

by Chandler D'silva October 29, 2025

The Maharashtra zone of the AIFF Youth League ended in dramatic fashion as SSE BFC and UKM Kothrud FC qualified for the zonal round, narrowly edging out Maharashtra Oranje FC on goal difference. All three teams finished level on points, highlighting just how competitive this year’s qualifiers were.

Maharashtra Oranje FC ended their campaign on a high with a 4–2 victory, showing great fighting spirit until the final whistle. However, despite the win, they fell just short on goal difference. Oranje’s performances reflected their attacking flair and the progress of their youth system, even though qualification narrowly slipped away.

SSE BFC, meanwhile, continued their impressive form, built on sharp finishing and disciplined defending. The Mumbai side had earlier produced one of the standout results of the qualifiers with a commanding 11–0 victory which was a key fixture in context to their qualification to the knockouts of the qualifiers and carried that momentum to finish among the top two. Their balance between creativity and control proved crucial in such a tight race.

UKM Kothrud FC from Pune also rose to the occasion as they gave a tough fight to all teams who they faced in all rounds. Their vital results against strong opponents, including a win over Oranje earlier in the phase, played a key role in helping them qualify. UKM’s achievement is a proud moment for Pune football and a sign of how far their youth setup has come.

With SSE BFC and UKM Kothrud advancing, the stage is now set for the zonal round, where both teams will face the best from other regions. For Oranje FC, the campaign ends in heartbreak but also with plenty of positives, a display of promising young talent that will surely come back stronger in the next edition.

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