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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Last season, Maharashtra was placed alongside Rajasthan, Mizoram, and Meghalaya, where they endured a challenging run, losing every game, conceding a higher number of goals while scoring fewer in return across all their matches.

This year, however, saw a marked change in fortunes for the Maharashtra U-20 squad. They displayed a more cohesive style of play throughout their championship matches. Their opening fixture saw them secure a 2-0 victory against Himachal Pradesh, with goals coming from Kshitij Maral in the 9th minute and Keanan Bhobhe in the 51st.

However, the second match proved challenging as Maharashtra faced Mizoram, suffering a comprehensive 0-4 defeat. Maharashtra bounced back strongly with a 4-1 win over Jharkhand, thanks to Niranjan Gaikwad’s hat-trick (48th, 80th, 90+4th minutes) and Ahrev Jodhwani’s goal in the 90+3rd minute. They then defeated Tripura 2-0, with Kshitij Maral scoring in the 62nd minute and Eashan Sartape sealing the win in the 90+4th.

Head Coach Clinton D’souza reflected on this ambitious campaign from the young players, stating, “Overall, it was a strong campaign with three well-earned wins. The team consistently played confident, possession-based football, demonstrating composure and clarity in our style of play.”

A notable aspect of Maharashtra’s performance was their ability to score crucial late goals, with four of their eight goals coming in the dying stages of matches. Coach D’souza affirmed this: “Our ability to score late goals was particularly encouraging; it reflects the team’s resilience and commitment to fighting until the final whistle.”

For the second consecutive year, Maharashtra found themselves pitted against Mizoram, and on both occasions, they faced defeat. Reflecting on this year’s encounter, Coach D’souza commented, “Facing the Mizoram side was a valuable learning experience. They posed a significant challenge, displaying greater physical and tactical maturity. While we created several promising chances, converting those opportunities could have shifted the outcome.” He extended his well wishes to the Mizoram team, stating, “That said, full credit to Mizoram, we wish them all the best for the rest of the tournament.”

Several players stood out for their contributions throughout the campaign. Kshitij Maral and Eashan Sartape were particularly outstanding in the midfield, stepping up in key moments with crucial goals and assists. Defensively, skipper Abhishek Rawat and Siddhant Satpute stood out, who anchored the backline with discipline and strength. Meanwhile, forwards Niranjan Gaikwad and Dhawal Tandel made significant contributions from the front.

While the team’s journey in the championship has ended, their significant improvement from the previous season provides a strong foundation for future youth football development in Maharashtra.

For Fixtures, Results and News regarding Maharashtra State Men’s Football League – Click Here

Maharashtra State Women’s Football League – Click Here

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While Mizoram demolished Himachal 8-0 in the morning, Maharashtra defeated Jharkhand 4-1.

Mizoram 8 (Joel Lalramengmawia 43’, 51’, 54’ p, 61’, Mesak C Lalrinngheta 46’, Ngurthanmawia 75’, John Lalrinawma 80’, Stephen Ngurchhuanmawia 88’ p) defeated Himachal Pradesh 0

Mizoram earned a major victory against Himachal Pradesh, defeating the latter 8-0 on Friday.

Joel Lalramengmawia (43’, 51’, 54’ p, 61’) was the star of the show, netting half of Mizoram’s goals, while Mesak C Lalrinngheta (46’), Ngurthanmawia (75’), John Lalrinawma (80’), and Stephen Ngurchhuanmawia (88’ p) scored one each.

Jharkhand 1 (Krishna Hembrom 68’) lost to Maharashtra 4 (Niranjan Gaikwad 48’, 80, 90+4’, Arhev Jodhwani 90+3’)

Maharashtra defeated Jharkhand 4-1 to maintain their challenge for the top spot in Group D. All the goals came in the second half.

Niranjan Gaikwad (48’, 80’, 90+4’) scored a hat-trick, to keep his side I the hunt for a semi-final spot. While Jharkhand had momentarily equalised through Krishna Hembrom (68’), they would soon find themselves behind again, as Gaikwad continued his scoring form. Arhev Jodhwani (90+3’) added one more in injury time to wrap up the three points for Maharashtra.

The top three sides in the group – Mizoram, Tripura, and Maharashtra – are locked on six points each, though Maharashtra have played three matches, one more than the other two. Only the top team will make it to the semi-finals.

For Fixtures, Results and News regarding Maharashtra State Men’s Football League – Click Here and for Maharashtra State Women’s Football League – Click Here

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The Western state displayed a composed performance, scoring a goal in each half to secure a comfortable three points in their opening fixture.

Maharashtra wasted no time in asserting their dominance, drawing first blood within the opening ten minutes. A well-worked attacking move down the right flank culminated in a precise cross that found the feet of Kshitij Maral, who calmly finished to put his side ahead in the 9th minute. The early goal provided a platform for Maharashtra to control the tempo of the game and dictate proceedings.

After the break, Maharashtra continued their positive momentum and extended their lead six minutes into the second half. A perfectly weighted aerial through ball sliced through the Himachal Pradesh defense, finding the onrushing Keanan Bhobe. The forward showed composure as he collected the ball and slotted it past the goalkeeper at the near post, doubling Maharashtra’s advantage in the 51st minute.

Despite Himachal Pradesh’s efforts to find a way back into the match, the Maharashtra defense remained resolute, denying any clear-cut opportunities. The two-goal cushion proved sufficient as Maharashtra saw out the remainder of the game professionally, securing a well-deserved victory in their opening encounter of the national championship. This solid start will undoubtedly boost their confidence as they look ahead to their subsequent group stage matches.

For Fixtures, Results and News regarding Maharashtra State Men’s Football League – Click Here and for Maharashtra State Women’s Football League – Click Here

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This marks the second edition of the prestigious tournament with 37 teams from across India vying for the national title.

Maharashtra has been drawn into Group D alongside Mizoram, Jharkhand, Tripura, and Himachal Pradesh. Only the group winners will advance to the quarterfinals, making every match crucial in this highly competitive format.

Coaching Staff: The Maharashtra U-20 team will be led by Head Coach Clinton D’Souza, with Manager Owais Khan and Physio Yugant Gurav ensuring the squad’s preparation and well-being throughout the campaign.

The 18-member squad was selected after extensive trials, with many players impressing during the recently concluded WIFA U-20 Inter-District Championship.

The squad reflects the depth of young footballing talent across the state, with representation from champions Kolhapur (3 players), runners-up Raigad (3), third-place Palghar (1), as well as Nagpur (4), Mumbai (4), Pune (2), and Ahmednagar (1).

Last season, Maharashtra endured a disappointing campaign, finishing at the bottom of their group without a win and exiting early from the competition. With lessons learned and a refreshed squad featuring talent from across the state, the team will be eager to upscale their performance and bring the best of Maharashtra football to the national stage this year.

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– 7 days of footballing extravaganza will be broadcast live on FanCode 

– 8 National Under-17 Teams to compete for the Dream Sports Championship Title

*Mumbai, May 28, 2024:* The Dream Sports Championship returns to action for the National Finals on Saturday, June 1, as eight teams fight for the ultimate title after proving their mettle in their respective regional rounds. The National Finals will be a week-long affair, culminating with the decider to be played at the Cooperage Football Ground, Mumbai on June 7.

The U17 tournament is being held by Dream Sports Foundation – the philanthropic arm of Dream Sports, India’s leading sports technology company. The regional rounds were held from April 1 to 18 across six major football hubs in India, under the aegis of the All India Football Federation. 

The football spectacle witnessed 37 teams from across the country. The participants included top AIFF-accredited academy sides from the ISL and I-League. The winners of each leg (as well as the runners-up from Shillong and Goa) secured their tickets to Mumbai for the National Finals.  

*The eight finalists are:*

East Bengal FC

Mumbai City FC

Football 4 Change

Lah Bet FC 

Roundglass Punjab FC 

Chennaiyin FC

FC Goa

Dempo SC

The objective of the Dream Sports Championship is to provide well-organised, high-quality tournaments for lower age group athletes, regular competitive match practice for the development of young athletes. Having received positive feedback from the community and AIFF regarding this tournament, the DSF aims to expand this IP and bring more individual sports and age groups into the mix in the coming years. 

Football fans can watch all the action free on FanCode’s mobile app (Android, iOS), TV app available on Android TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Jio STB, Samsung TV, Airtel XStream, OTT Play, Jio TV, Jio TV+, Prime Video Channels and https://www.fancode.com.

FanCode has been the home of domestic football in India and previously broadcast the Hero Super Cup, I-League, Goa Professional League amongst other events.

*Format of the National Finals:*

The eight teams will be divided into two groups of four teams each. The group stage matches will take place at the CIDCO Football Grounds, Kharghar on June 1st, 3rd and 5th respectively. The top two sides from each group will qualify for the Final to decide the winner. 

*For more information, visit:* https://www.dreamsports.group/dream-responsibly/dream-sports-championship

Also read: Blue Tigresses’ squad for Uzbekistan friendlies

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After 40 days of non-stop action in Narainpur involving 32 teams, Delhi came out on top after a memorable final, where they came from behind three times to take the game to penalties. Karnataka’s Ishaan Raghunanda and Delhi’s Sankhil Darpol Tuishang struck a brace each for their sides before the latter struck the winning penalty to crown Delhi the champions.

Delhi had the first real chance to take the lead in the third minute when captain Lamlallian ST won possession in the final third, ran into the box but dragged his effort wide.

Karnataka opened the scoring soon after in the 12th minute with Ishaan Raghunanda’s delicate finish. It started with a perfect long ball from Gautam Rajesh, which Raghunanda controlled with a great first touch. He made a couple of yards for himself, beating defender Kamginsei Touthang before tucking the ball into the far post with the outside of his boot.

Delhi responded with zeal, going all out in attack in search of the equaliser. In the 18th minute, Karnataka goalkeeper Sam George came to his side’s rescue as he made himself big to deny Ramesh Chhetri in a one-on-one situation from close range. But the Karnataka custodian couldn’t do anything about Delhi’s equalising goal which came in the 43rd minute via captain Lamlallian, leaving the second half nicely poised.

The intensity of the match remained high after the restart as both sides put bodies forward in a desperate hunt for the second goal. Karnataka were the ones who got it, and it took something special from Nithin Paul to help them regain the lead. Running out of options in the box, M Nihaar passed the ball back to Paul, who lashed a first-time shot with his left foot from 30 yards out. Even at full stretch, Delhi goalkeeper Karan Makkar was still miles away from the ball which landed into the top corner.

Unlike in the first half when Karnataka eased up after taking the lead, this time they started to assert their dominance. They would’ve doubled their advantage in the 67th minute had Makkar not pulled off a great double save in quick succession to deny Paul and Saikhom Borish Singh.

But one mistake in the Karnataka backline led to parity again in the 71st minute. As Arjun Gouda failed to clear a loose ball in the box, Delhi substitute Sankhil Darpol Tuishang pounced on it and squeezed it past George, who got a hand on the ball but not enough to keep it out.

Karnataka had the best chance of winning the match in normal time but the woodwork came to Delhi’s rescue. In the sixth minute of added time, Borish, from the edge of the box, side-footed a first-time shot straight onto the crossbar.

However, in the very first minute of extra time, Karnataka took the lead for the third time in the match. Raghunanda set up the pitch on fire again, as he did numerous times during the entire tournament. He spurted forward from the half-line, leaving several Delhi shirts in his wake with his fine dribbling skills, and just upon entering the box, he pulled the trigger with his left foot and lodged the ball into the far corner to make it 3-2.

Delhi had been matching Karnataka every step of the way in normal time and the script continued in extra time. They got their third equaliser in the 98th minute thanks to Tuishang again. Touthang whipped in a delightful curling cross from the left and the substitute forward leapt the highest and headed it in, leaving George rooted to his spot.

Karnataka got the early advantage in the penalty shoot-out too as Raghunanda converted and Lalmallian’s shot was saved by George. However, Delhi went on to score all four of their remaining penalties via Touthang, Akshay Raj Singh, Jajo Prashan and final hero Tuishang, while Karnataka fumbled with Gautam Rajesh hitting the crossbar and M Nihaar seeing his low shot saved by the fingertips of Makkar.

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Amritsar also hosted Group I of the first round, which featured 30 teams divided into six groups and was played across six centralised venues including Haldwani, Margao, Bhilai, Mathura and Bengaluru. It began on March 25, 2023, and ended on April 9, 2023.

Manipur are the record 21-time champions and have also won the previous three editions of the Hero Senior Women’s National Football Championship, most recently edging Railways on penalties in the 2021-22 final in Kerala.

Hosts Punjab & defending champions and Group VI winners Manipur were directly placed in positions A1 and B1 in the draw.

Haryana (Group I), Maharashtra (Group II), Himachal Pradesh (Group III), Jharkhand (Group IV), and Tamil Nadu (Group V) were the other group winners. Chandigarh (Group II), Karnataka (Group VI), West Bengal (Group V) and Odisha (Group III) advanced to the final round as the four best second-placed teams.

The groups of the Final Round of the 27th Hero Senior Women’s National Football Championship are as follows:

Group A: Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Chandigarh, Odisha, Karnataka and Jharkhand.

Group B: Manipur, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Railways, West Bengal and Haryana.

Matches will be played in a single round-robin format, with the top two teams from each group qualifying for the semi-finals. The final will be played on June 28 at the GNDU Sports Complex in Amritsar.

FIXTURES:

GROUP A

June 14

07:30 – Chandigarh vs Punjab (GNDU Main Venue)

16:30 – Odisha vs Jharkhand (GNDU Main Venue)

16:30 – Tamil Nadu vs Karnataka (Khalsa College)

June 16

07:30 – Punjab vs Karnataka (GNDU Main Venue)

16:30 – Tamil Nadu vs Odisha (GNDU Main Venue)

16:30 – Chandigarh vs Jharkhand (Khalsa College)

June 18

07:30 – Karnataka vs Chandigarh (GNDU Main Venue)

16:30 – Jharkhand vs Tamil Nadu (GNDU Main Venue)

16:30 – Punjab vs Odisha (Khalsa College)

June 20

07:30 – Odisha vs Karnataka (GNDU Main Venue)

16:30 – Jharkhand vs Punjab (GNDU Main Venue)

16:30 – Tamil Nadu vs Chandigarh (Khalsa College)

June 22 – Timings and Venues TBD

Karnataka vs Jharkhand

Chandigarh vs Odisha

Punjab vs Tamil Nadu

GROUP B

June 15

07:30 – Maharashtra vs Manipur (GNDU Main Venue)

16:30 – Railways vs Haryana (GNDU Main Venue)

16:30 – Himachal Pradesh vs West Bengal (Khalsa College)

June 17

07:30 – Manipur vs West Bengal (GNDU Main Venue)

16:30 – Himachal Pradesh vs Railways (GNDU Main Venue)

16:30 – Maharashtra vs Haryana (Khalsa College)

June 19

07:30 – West Bengal vs Maharashtra (GNDU Main Venue)

16:30 – Haryana vs Himachal Pradesh (GNDU Main Venue)

16:30 – Manipur vs Railways (Khalsa College)

June 21

07:30 – Railways vs West Bengal (GNDU Main Venue)

16:30 – Haryana vs Manipur (GNDU Main Venue)

16:30 – Himachal Pradesh vs Maharashtra (Khalsa College)

June 23 – Timings and Venues TBD

West Bengal vs Haryana

Maharashtra vs Railways

Manipur vs Himachal Pradesh

The last-round matches of the group may be played simultaneously depending upon the standings after the fourth-round matches.

SEMI-FINALS (Timings TBD)

SF 1, June 25 – Group A Winner vs Group B Runner-up (GNDU Main Venue)

SF 2, June 26 – Group B Winner vs Group A Runner-up (GNDU Main Venue)

FINAL (Timings TBD)

June 28 – Winner SF 1 vs Winner SF 2 (GNDU Main Venue)

Also Read: Disparar FC, Roar FC among Winners in Thane Football Association’s AIFF Golden Baby League

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The Championship would now be played at the Indira Gandhi Golden High School, Kiyit Secondary School, and Daying Ering Football Stadium, Nari. While the Indira Gandhi Ground is in Pasighat itself, the other two are 45 minutes away from Pasighat.

In fact, the Indira Gandhi Golden High School ground has been hosting matches from Friday (September 13) itself. All the three grounds have been duly inspected by the Match Commissioners, Referees and Referee Assessors.

The Championship has been drawing good crowd support, and we need to thank Shri Pema Khandu, honourable Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, and Shri Kiren Rijiju, Minister of State of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports for their support for women’s football, and also attending the opening day of the Championship.

– Courtesy AIFF Media

For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football

Also Read: FC Goa set to begin pre-season on 12th September

Also Read: Sandesh Jhingan: ” Our work starts immediately after the final whistle, and we never rest on laurels.”

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Being held at Kolhapur, Maharashtra, Jharkhand registered the a mammoth 21-0 win over J & K while defending champions Tamil Nadu outclassed Madhya Pradesh 5-0.

Results of other group matches:

GROUP A

The first encounter of the day saw Jharkhand rack up a comprehensive victory over Jammu and Kashmir at the Rajarshi Shahu Stadium, with the score line reading 21-0. Forward Sumati Kumari notched up five goals in the game, while Captain Astam Oraon along with substitutes Anu Radha Kumari and Priya Kumari all picked up a hat-trick apiece. Salina Kumari, Amisha Baxla, Kuwari Indwar all contributed with braces while Santoshi kumara scored the remaining one goal before being replaced by Priya Kumari to complete the 21-0 rout.

GROUP B

At the Polo Ground meanwhile, defending champions Tamil Nadu began their campaign with a comfortable 5-0 win over Madhya Pradesh. M Saritha opened the scoring for her side in the 21st minute and added a second just before half-time, with Mariyammal B recording a second-half brace and Priyadharshini S finding the net four minutes from time.

GROUP C

Three time champions Manipur started off their campaign with a 4-0 thumping win over Uttarakhand. S Lynda Kom opened the scoring in the 20th minute after which UttaraKhand showed some resilence in defence however, T Kritina Devi doubled the advantage in the 62nd minute before N Priyangka Devi and H Shilky Devi converted their chances to wrap up the game 4-0.

Meanwhile joining Manipur at the top of the table will be Goa, who recorded a 3-1 win over Tripura. Striker Karen Estrocio got all three goals for the Goan team while Anjali Debbarma scored a consolation in the 89th minute.

GROUP D

In one of the two group D encounters, West Bengal picked up three points with a 1-0 win over Arunachal Pradesh courtesy of Arunabag’s 15^th minute goal.

Meanwhile in the other Group D game, Haryana started off their campaign with a 9-0 win over Karnataka, with Rajni Bala scoring four goals and captain Raveena finding the back of the net thrice while Kamna and Ritu chipped in with a goal apiece.

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