Maharashtra eye breakthrough at Swami Vivekananda U-20 Championship

by FC May 8, 2026

Maharashtra eye breakthrough at Swami Vivekananda U-20 Championship

Maharashtra heads into the Swami Vivekananda U-20 National Football Championship with the wounds of recent failures and the hope of a generation that seems better prepared to compete at the top level.

The Western India Football Association (WIFA) announced an 18-member Maharashtra squad for the 2026 championship on Thursday. Coach Clinton D’Souza remains in charge after guiding the team to noticeable improvement last season.

Maharashtra is in a tough Group H with Goa, Punjab, and Assam. They know they have little room for mistakes when the competition starts in Chhattisgarh later this month.

For Maharashtra this year presents another chance to change the story for a team that has not advanced past the group stage in its last two attempts. The 2024 edition was particularly disappointing, as Maharashtra finished last in their group after losing all three matches. However, last year marked a step forward. The team appeared more organized and competitive, showing a clearer identity under D’Souza.

Still, despite these improvements, reaching the knockout rounds remained out of reach. A damaging 0-4 loss to Mizoram ultimately ended Maharashtra’s campaign, highlighting the gap between potential and consistency at the national level.

This year, there is a renewed sense of confidence within the team.

The squad was selected following an intensive state camp conducted after the conclusion of WIFA U-20 Inter-District Championship. Around 40 players were shortlisted for the camp, which began on April 30, before the final 18 were chosen after multiple training sessions, practice games and rigorous double shifts.

The selection process highlighted the the amount of talent pool in Maharashtra football. Players from nine different districts made it into the final squad, although Mumbai, as the inter-district champions, still holds the majority with 5 core representation.

Midfielder Agastya Patankar has been named captain and will play a key role in Maharashtra’s ambitions. An attacking mindset midfielder skilled at set-pieces, Agastya will control the tempo from deeper positions this time for the team. Alongside him, Satyen Patil brings calmness and stability to deeper role of midfield.

Up front, Maharashtra will once again look towards Niranjan Gaikwad for goals. Niranjan finished as the team’s leading scorer in last year’s edition and returns with added responsibility and expectation.

On the flanks, Nirvaan Bhatt’s direct running and creativity could provide Maharashtra an attacking edge, particularly after his impressive performances during the inter-district competition.

Meanwhile Muneeb Nivshekar who drew eyes in the Mumbai Premier league with his performance will be eager to make his mark further

Defensively, Harshil Shetty and Mahammadmustafa Faras are expected to solidify the backline, while Atharva Desai’s capacity to contribute on both attack and defence from left wing-back provides Clinton with tactical flexibility.

Clinton, who aims to instill a possession-focused and attacking style, hopes this group can turn its potential into results.

Maharashtra departs for Chhattisgarh on May 9, with matches set to take place in Narayanpur.

Maharashtra fixtures

•⁠ ⁠May 12: Maharashtra vs Assam — 4 pm
•⁠ ⁠May 14: Goa vs Maharashtra — 4 pm
•⁠ ⁠May 16: Maharashtra vs Punjab — 7:45 am

Maharashtra squad

Goalkeepers: Gaurang Mahajan, Amir Hamza

Defenders: Atharva Desai, Harshil Shetty, Abeel Mobbu, Arush Wankhede, Mahammadmustafa Faras, Pranav Nimbarte, Mohammad Saad

Midfielders: Agastya Patankar (C), Joy Koli, Nishit Phadke, Satyen Patil

Forwards: Niranjan Gaikwad, Nirvaan Bhatt, Muneeb Nivshekar, Bhumit Prabhu, Reagan Robert

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