In a statement released by the club, it was confirmed that their foreign players were unable to secure visas on time, which delayed their arrival and participation in the pre-season camp. This unexpected issue left Real Kashmir with a limited squad of domestic players, making it impractical to prepare adequately for a tournament of such prestige and competitive intensity.

“With only a small domestic group available for training, it became impossible to compete at the required level of the AIFF Super Cup,” the club explained, expressing regret over the decision.

The club further clarified that these circumstances were completely beyond their control and that the withdrawal was made in the best interest of maintaining sporting standards and player welfare.

In light of Real Kashmir’s withdrawal, Dempo SC has been named as a potential replacement for the competition, with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) expected to confirm the change soon.

Real Kashmir FC also assured supporters that the team remains committed to regrouping and returning stronger in the domestic season ahead. Known for their resilience and strong fan base, the Snow Leopards’ absence will be felt in this year’s Super Cup.

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Both teams entered the fixture with strong momentum following massive wins on their opening days (SSA with a 6-0 win; SSE BFC with a 7-0 victory), setting the stage for an intense clash where only a win would suffice.

The match began with high intensity, reflective of the aggressive approaches both teams brought to the pitch. SSA broke the deadlock in the 20th minute following an aggressive charge into the box.

The sequence began two minutes earlier when Ishan Mohammed showcased dazzling skill on the left wing, dribbling past defenders before delivering an outrageous outer-foot cross near the penalty box. Gururaj Mane met the delivery with a perfect run but was brought down by the SSE BFC skipper centre-back, leading the referee to point to the penalty spot. Gururaj confidently stepped up and slotted the ball into the right bottom corner, scoring his third goal of the campaign in just two games.

However, SSA’s lead was short-lived. SSE BFC fired back with an almost immediate equalizer from a corner. Ishaan Shanker delivered the corner kick to the near post, where Jaden Alex met the ball with a powerful, bullet header that left the keeper, Aarnav, with no chance as the ball sailed into the net. The teams entered halftime locked at 1-1.

The second half began with renewed intensity as both sides pressed hard for the decisive goal. The Cooperage ground witnessed a moment of pure magic in the 56th minute when SSE BFC’s Ishan Ghosh scored arguably the most outrageous goal of the campaign so far. After a heavy touch near the halfway line from second ball, the defender found himself with ample space and launched a rocket from over 25+ yards that nailed directly into the top right corner, stunning everyone watching.

Somaiya quickly answered with a banger of their own to level the score. A short corner involving Vedant Gajamal and Anush Chavan saw Vedant execute some filthy footwork to penetrate the box before setting up Eshan Mohammed. Eshan fired a strike directly to the top left corner from a tight angle, equalizing the score at 2-2.

Both teams created several close chances late on but couldn’t find the back of the net, ultimately settling for a 2-2 draw.

As things stand, the draw leaves SSE BFC as the Group C leaders with a superior Goal Difference (GD) of +7, while Somaiya Sports Academy sits second with a GD of +6.

Everything now comes down to the final matchday of the Group C Qualifiers, where GD will be paramount for securing the top spot and a place in the knockout stage:

• October 10th: SSE BFC takes on Hungry Hearts SS.
• October 13th: Somaiya Sports Academy faces Kenkre FC.

The pressure is inevitable, as both teams must not only win but also score as many goals as possible to top the table. The Cooperage is set for a dramatic conclusion to the group stage of Group C.

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India has been placed in Group B, where they will face teams like Mexico, Uzbekistan, Kuwait, and Hungary. All matches will be hosted at the iconic Red Bull Akademie, Salzburg, promising an atmosphere of high energy and intensity.

The action begins on 4th October 2025, with Boom Boom Goa set for four tightly scheduled encounters in a single day. They open their campaign against Uzbekistan at 4:00 PM (IST), followed by a clash with Mexico at 6:25 PM (IST). Later in the evening, they take on Kuwait at 8:17 PM (IST) before rounding off the group stage against Hungary at 9:41 PM (IST).

With back-to-back matches demanding both stamina and sharp focus, the Goan side will need to bring their best to advance from the group. The top teams will progress to the knockout rounds on 5th October, where the competition is expected to produce even more drama.

Carrying the pride of Indian football, Boom Boom Goa will look to bring their flair, resilience, and fighting spirit to the world stage and give it their all as they aim to leave their mark in Salzburg.

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For the Goan tactician, this was his second U17 crown, adding to earlier triumphs at the SAFF U15 Championships in Kathmandu (2017), Kalyani (2019), the U17 title in Sri Lanka (2022), and most recently, the U19 crown in Arunachal Pradesh (2025). Now, with another U17 success in Colombo for a second time, Fernandes’ record reflects not just silverware, but a legacy of sustained excellence across India’s youth teams.

It is tempting to call this a story of numbers but the man himself quickly shifts the focus. “Winning a trophy is always special, but for me, it’s less about the number and more about the process behind it,” he said. “Each title reflects the hard work, discipline, and belief of the players and staff who commit themselves fully to the team’s cause. The fifth one for me is not a destination, it’s just another marker on our journey. It shows we are moving in the right direction, but it also reminds us that we cannot be satisfied.”

That word “process” has followed Fernandes since he first took charge. His coaching has always been built on the same foundation – realism. Training sessions under him are less about cones and comfort, and more about replicating the chaos, intensity, and decisions of a real match. “I avoid training sessions that merely resemble football. I only implement practices that directly translate to match-day performance. My goal is to ensure the players’ actions are instinctive and game-ready,” he explained.

And yet, within that strict demand for realism, Bibiano has carved out space for freedom. Mistakes, in his teams, are not punished but studied, as long as they come from courage. “I believe in fostering a culture of positive risk-taking. I give players the freedom to make mistakes, provided those mistakes come from an honest attempt to execute the team’s intention. This is how players learn, grow, and contribute meaningfully to the team,” he said. Many of his players over the years, some of whom now represent India at senior and U-23 level have carried that lesson forward, remembering their coach’s insistence that football belongs to the brave.

His leadership, he says, is guided by “understanding the moment”. Sometimes that means an arm around the shoulder of a struggling teenager far from home; at other times it means demanding more, raising standards, and making sure no one slips into complacency. This balance of empathy and firmness has earned him not just results, but loyalty.

Motivation, after so many victories, might be hard for some to sustain. But not for Fernandes. “My motivation comes from the game itself and from the responsibility I feel towards the players and Indian football. What drives me is the vision to see our football reach higher levels, to see players express themselves fearlessly, and to contribute to the long-term dream of competing at the world stage. As long as there is work to be done, I will always find the energy to keep going.”

Behind him, he adds, stands his family, the constant, unseen support system. “Their unwavering support has been an indispensable source of strength and motivation,” he said, acknowledging the sacrifices made at home so he could live this journey with Indian football.

As the trophy glittered under the Racecourse International Stadium floodlights, Bibiano knew the work was far from over. For him, this was not the climax of a story, but another chapter. The seventh U17 SAFF crown for India and his fifth as a coach will sit proudly in the record books, but the greater dream of seeing India stand tall on the world stage remains ahead. And if history is any guide, Fernandes will continue to move forward, one fearless training session, one brave young footballer, and one honest performance at a time.

Credits: AIFF Media

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Accreditation is more than a certification — it determines direct entry into the AIFF Youth Leagues. Academies with four and five stars, along with ISL and I-League youth setups, gain direct qualification, while others must compete through qualifying rounds.

Five-Star Accredited Academies

• Bengaluru FC
• Reliance Foundation Young Champs
• Punjab FC

Four-Star Accredited Academies

• Alchemy International FA
• FC Madras
• Minerva Academy FC
• Jamshedpur FC

Three-Star Accredited Academies

• Adrenaline Sports
• ARA FC
• Altius International Football Academy
• Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools – Delhi
• Community Football Club India
• Corbett FC
• Don Bosco Vaduthala
• First Kick School of Soccer Academy
• FC Mangalore
• Football 4 Change Academy
• Kenkre FC
• Mumbai City FC
• Maharashtra Oranje FC
• MUM – D’souza Football Academy
• PFC Kerala
• Sreenidhi Deccan FC
• South United
• SSE BFC Soccer Schools (Mumbai)
• Sports Mania
• Roots Football Club
• Somaiya Sports Academy
• Techtro Lucknow FC
• Zinc Football Academy

Two-Star Accredited Academies

• The Soccer Academy (TSA)
• SESA Football Academy
• Mumbai Soccer Prodigies
• Conscient Football
• PUNE-UKM Kothrud FC
• Muthoot Football Academy
• Snigmay Pune Football Club
• Bidhannagar Municipal Sports Academy
• SKM Sports Foundation (Kalna)
• Bravo Football
• Adamas United Sports Academy
• Classic Football Academy
• Conscient Football Mumbai
• Hungry Hearts Soccer School
• Bengal Football Academy
• FC Marina Academy, Chennai
• Murugappa Youth Football Academy
• Thane City FC
• AC Milan Academy Kerala
• Dempo Sports Club
• Pehlum Lamhil Lawm
• Thadam FC
• FC Goa
• Sethu, Madurai
• Numaligarh Refinery Limited Football Academy
• North East United FC
• Raman Sports Academy
• KFTC Football Academy Kozhikode
• Kickstart FC Karnataka
• Football School of India – Mumbai
• BBFS Shillong
• Snipers Football Club
• United Sports Club
• Regular Football Coaching Center
• East Bengal FC
• Artz N India Football Club, Dindigul
• Mohun Bagan Super Giant
• Namdhari Sports Academy
• Aazura Football Academy
• Brothers Sports Association
• Vels Football Club
• RKM Football Academy
• The Sports School
• ASUFII FA
• Inter Kashi
• FC Tamilions
• Sportiqo Football Academy
• Bangalore City FC
• Belgaum United Football Academy
• Gokulam Kerala FC
• Football Plus Professional Soccer Academy
• Elite FA
• The Soccer Academy
• FC Madurai
• Sirukalathur Galatipet Football Club
• Rising Pune FC
• Reeds FC
• 4 For All Football Academy
• Panihati Fashion Zone Football Academy
• Pune Pioneers FC
• Shillong Lajong FC
• TYDA
• Bhawanipore FC
• Dream Big Soccer School India, Karur
• SP Football Academy
• Great Goals
• Savvy Swaraaj FC, Ahmedabad
• TLT Sports Academy
• Conscient Football Bangalore
• Kerala Blasters FC
• Nova Football Club
• Sportto Soccer Club
• Real Kashmir FC

One-Star Accredited Academies

• POLOI Football Club
• Sanjeevan Sports Academy
• Rudra FC
• A & N Soccer School
• SAIL Football Academy, Bokaro
• India Rush Soccer Club
• Little Star Academy
• Yazhi Football Club
• Northern United Football Club
• Kodagu FC
• Infocus Sports Academy
• SP One Foundation
• Sporthood FC
• Sang-Gai Heroes
• New Football Club Kerala
• Lucknow Falcons Football Club
• Raman Vijayan Soccer School
• Sadar Hills FA
• Rebels FC
• Kahaani Football Club
• South Dumdum Municipal Sports Academy
• Stemfield Football Club, Jabalpur
• Oscar Foundation – Mumbai
• Puzhal Football Coaching Association
• Alpha Sports Academy
• Mahogany FC
• Chikim FA
• Lamka FA
• Muvanlai Athletics
• City FC Pune
• Athlead Football Club
• Nashik Juniors Football Club

The AIFF Academy Accreditation Programme continues to raise the bar for youth football in India by setting transparent benchmarks and rewarding academies that invest in structured development. From elite five-star setups to one-star grassroots academies, the programme provides a roadmap for growth, inclusion, and professionalism. With this updated list, AIFF strengthens the foundation of Indian football and ensures that young players across the country have access to well-regulated pathways that prepare them for the next level of the game.

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The post AIFF Accredited Academies 2025-26: Full Updated List appeared first on Football Counter.

The ceremony was attended by a host of dignitaries, adding grandeur to the occasion. Leading the event was WIFA President Shri Praful M. Patel, joined by Shri Chhatrapati Maloji Raje, Dr. Vishwajeet Kadam, and Shri Sunil Dhande, the Vice Presidents of WIFA. Their presence highlighted WIFA’s unwavering commitment to fostering a thriving football ecosystem in the state. In his address, Shri Praful Patel extended warm congratulations to all the award winners and lauded their dedication to the sport. He also shared his vision of scaling the award ceremony to greater heights in the years ahead, in step with the rising standards and accomplishments within Maharashtra football.

The Maharashtra State Award Ceremony 2024-25 stood as a powerful testament to WIFA’s continued efforts to elevate football in the region — recognizing dedication, encouraging excellence, and inspiring the next generation of footballers in Maharashtra.

List of Awardees – WIFA Awards 2024-25

Lifetime Achievement Awards

• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Sanman Puraskar (Administrator Category): Shri Haresh Vora
• Rajmata Jijau Football Vikas Puraskar (Grassroots & Community Building): Shri Sunil Poojari

District Awards

• Top Performing District in WIFA Competitions: Mumbai Football Association
• District Promoting Football Through Tournaments: Dhule District Football Association

Individual Awards – Coaches

• WIFA Coach of the Year (Senior Men): Shri Paresh Shivalkar
• WIFA Coach of the Year (Senior Women): Smt. Surbhi Manjrekar
• WIFA Coach of the Year (Youth – Boys): Shri Shrungar Raul
• WIFA Coach of the Year (Youth – Girls): Kumari Prithvi Gaikwad

Individual Awards – Players

• WIFA Best Player of the Year (Senior Men): Shri Yash Shukla
• WIFA Best Player of the Year (Senior Women): Kumari Prerna Meshram
• WIFA Best Player of the Year (Youth – Boys): Kumar Yuvraj Kadam
• WIFA Best Player of the Year (Youth – Girls): Kumari Gauri Gurav

Referee Awards

• WIFA Referee of the Year (Men): Shri Divyesh Ule
• WIFA Referee of the Year (Women): Kumari Anushka Pandit

Maharashtra State Youth & Senior League Awards

Youth Club League – Sub Junior (Boys)

• Champions: Rising Pune
• Runners-Up: Oscar Foundation

Youth Club League – Junior (Boys)

• Champions: Loukik FA
• Runners-Up: D’souza FA

Youth Club League – U-17 Elite (Boys)

• Champions: D’souza FA
• Runners-Up: Sports Mania FDC

Youth Club League – Junior Girls

• Champions: YMCC
• Runners-Up: KMP Aspire FC

Senior Women’s Club League

• Champions: Mumbai Knights
• Runners-Up: Aspire FC

Senior Men’s Club League

• Champions: Magic Made Soccer
• Runners-Up: MYJ – GMSC

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COLOMBO, SRI LANKA: In a final brimming with drama and tension, the India U17 men’s national team held their nerve to defeat Bangladesh 4-1 on penalties and lift their seventh SAFF U17 Championship title at the Racecourse International Stadium in Colombo on Saturday, September 27, 2025.

In a contest where India led 2-1 at half-time with goals from Dallamuon Gangte (4’) and Azlaan Shah KH (38’), Bangladesh clawed back with a last-gasp equaliser from Ihsan Habib Riduan to level things up at 2-2 and force a shootout. But it were the Blue Colts who held their composure when it mattered most.

The penalty shootout saw India showing maturity beyond their age. Dallalmuon Gangte, Korou Meitei Konthoujam, and Indra Rana Magar converted with aplomb before Shubham Poonia slotted home the decisive fourth kick. Bangladesh, by contrast, crumbled under pressure. Md Ikramul Islam struck the crossbar, Md Azam Khan saw his effort saved by Manashjyoti Baruah, and although Md Manik converted their third attempt, it was too late. India erupted in celebration, reclaiming their throne in emphatic fashion.

India began the match with vigour and aggression, fully aware that Bangladesh had not conceded a single goal throughout the tournament. The breakthrough came as early as the 4th minute, when Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam whipped in a cross from the left. After a Bangladeshi defender attempted to clear, the ball rebounded kindly, and Gangte made no mistake with the second attempt to give India the perfect start.

While India continued to dominate possession, their inability to convert more chances into goals kept Bangladesh in the hunt. Slowly but surely, Bangladesh grew into the game and found their equaliser in the 24th minute. After a long-range attempt from Nazmul Huda Faysal forced a diving save from Baruah, Bangladesh capitalised from the resulting corner. Faysal floated the ball in, and it eventually fell to Manik, who nodded it home from close range.

The goal injected life into Bangladesh’s play. They came agonisingly close again in the 29th minute when Md Opu Rahman’s header struck the woodwork. India’s defence suddenly found themselves tested, but Baruah remained composed, pulling off multiple saves to deny the Bangladeshi forwards.

India, however, showed their resolve by regaining the lead in the 38th minute, thanks to a defensive lapse from Bangladesh. Once again, Gunleiba wreaked havoc down the left and delivered a dangerous cross. The Bangladesh goalkeeper failed to gather cleanly, allowing Azlaan Shah Kh to pounce on the rebound. Md Ikramul Islam had the chance to block the shot on the goal line, but Azlaan’s powerful left-footer sneaked past to put India 2-1 ahead before half-time.

The second half saw India adopt a more pragmatic approach, content with protecting their slender lead. Bangladesh pressed forward, looking for an equaliser, and Islam nearly made amends in the 49th minute with a glancing header from a corner, but Baruah again was alert.

A fierce strike from Faysal in the 50th minute hit the crossbar, underlining how close the match was. India, too, had chances to finish the game. In the 88th minute, Lesvin Rebelo’s header from a corner rattled the bar, while Gangte also forced a good save from distance.

However, just when India seemed destined to win in regulation time, Bangladesh delivered a sting in the tail. In the seventh minute of added time, Md Sabbir Islam launched a desperate long throw into the Indian box. Amid chaos and indecision, Ihsan Habib Riduan capitalised on a loose ball to smash it in and send the final into a penalty shootout.

Yet, the night ultimately belonged to Bibiano Fernandes’ brave young side, who held their nerve under the floodlights to emerge victorious. It was the fifth SAFF title for Fernandes, and the second in less than five months, adding to the SAFF U19 crown won in Arunachal Pradesh in May.

India U17: Manashjyoti Baruah (GK), Indra Rana Magar, Shubham Poonia, Thanggoumang Touthang (Diamond Singh Thokchom 75′), Rahan Ahmed (Lesvin Rebelo 65′), Dallalmuon Gangte, Lawmsangzuala, Azlaan Shah Kh (Aazim Parveez Najar 75′), Md Aimaan Bin (Korou Meitei Konthoujam 90+1′), Wangkheirakpam Gunleiba (Kamgouhou Doungel 90+1′), Denny Singh Wangkhem (C).

Credits: AIFF Media

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The tournament kicks off on October 25, with two exciting fixtures: East Bengal FC take on Real Kashmir FC, while Mohun Bagan Super Giant face Chennaiyin FC. These opening encounters already promise high intensity, with some of Indian football’s most celebrated clubs going head-to-head.

The following days feature a mix of historic rivalries and fresh matchups. Clubs like FC Goa, Bengaluru FC, Hyderabad FC, Kerala Blasters, and Mumbai City FC are all set to showcase their best football, while emerging teams like Inter Kashi, Rajasthan United FC, and Gokulam Kerala FC aim to make their mark in the competition.

Fans will also be treated to classic encounters such as Mohun Bagan SG vs East Bengal FC on October 31, a fixture that continues to be one of the most watched and fiercely contested clashes in Indian football.

Fixtures for the AIFF Super Cup 2025-26:

October 25: East Bengal FC vs Real Kashmir FC
October 25: Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs Chennaiyin FC
October 26: NorthEast United FC vs Inter Kashi
October 26: FC Goa vs Jamshedpur FC
October 27: Punjab FC vs Gokulam Kerala FC
October 27: Hyderabad FC vs Mumbai City FC
October 28: Chennaiyin FC vs East Bengal FC
October 28: Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs Real Kashmir FC
October 29: Jamshedpur FC vs NorthEast United FC
October 29: FC Goa vs Inter Kashi
October 30: Bengaluru FC vs Mohammedan Sporting Club
October 30: Rajasthan United FC vs Kerala Blasters FC
October 31: Real Kashmir FC vs Chennaiyin FC
October 31: Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs East Bengal FC
November 1: Inter Kashi vs Jamshedpur FC
November 1: FC Goa vs NorthEast United FC
November 2: Mohammedan Sporting Club vs Punjab FC
November 2: Gokulam Kerala FC vs Bengaluru FC
November 3: Rajasthan United FC vs Mumbai City FC
November 3: Kerala Blasters FC vs Hyderabad FC
November 5: Bengaluru FC vs Punjab FC
November 5: Gokulam Kerala FC vs Mohammedan Sporting Club
November 6: Rajasthan United FC vs Hyderabad FC
November 6: Mumbai City FC vs Kerala Blasters FC

While the fixtures for the group and league stages have been confirmed, the dates for the knockout matches will be announced later, keeping fans eagerly anticipating the next phase of the tournament.

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As DreamSetGo’s first Dream Icon to visit India, Bolt attended the Mumbai grand finale of
Dream Dash, India’s national school sprinting movement that gives young athletes the chance
to compete through city-level qualifiers. The inaugural edition saw participation from over 7,000
students representing 400 schools across 15 cities. Hosted at Jamnabai Narsee School,
Mumbai, the finale gave students the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase their talent in
front of Bolt. He interacted with them, answered questions, shared stories from his track career,
encouraged them to dream big, and later presented prizes to the winners.

Reflecting on his experience, Usain Bolt said, “Being in India with DreamSetGo is an incredible
experience. Meeting so many passionate fans reminds me why sports matters and why it
connects people everywhere. The energy here is amazing, and I’m glad to be part of
DreamSetGo’s vision to create world-class experiences that bring fans even closer to the sports
they love.”

Daniel D’Souza, Co-founder of DreamSetGo, said, “Having Usain Bolt as our first Dream Icon in
India underscores our commitment to making sporting legends accessible in the country. It isn’t
just about the spirit of sports, it’s about inspiring young athletes and turning dreams into
memories they’ll never forget.”

Bolt was joined by DreamSetGo’s founders, Monish Shah and Daniel D’Souza, underscoring the
company’s mission to forge deeper connections between fans and the sports they love. With
the Mumbai leg now concluded, the Dream Dash journey moves to Delhi for its second grand
finale at Pathways School on Sunday, 28th September, where Bolt will once again meet and
inspire young athletes and fans as part of Dream Icons.

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COLOMBO, SRI LANKA: In a commanding performance, the India U-17 men’s national team brushed aside Nepal with a comprehensive 3-0 victory to book their place in the final of the SAFF U-17 Championship 2025. The semi-final, held at the Racecourse International Stadium on Thursday, 25 September 2025, saw the defending champions finally convert their dominance into goals, setting up a title clash against Bangladesh, who earlier defeated Pakistan 2-0.

Wangkheirakpam Gunleiba (61’) and substitutes Azlaan Shah Kh (80’) and Diamond Singh Thokchom (90+4’) were the scorers as the Blue Colts notched up their fourth consecutive win in the tournament.

While the scoreline at half-time remained goalless, it belied India’s authority and composure on the ball. India displayed maturity beyond their years, orchestrating attacks through smart distribution and wide play, keeping Nepal on the back foot for most of the half. The only concern for head coach Bibiano Fernandes’ side was the lack of clinical finishing, an issue that prevented them from going into the break with a comfortable cushion.

India’s first real opportunity came amidst a scramble in the box when Wangkheirakpam Gunleiba fired goalwards, only to be thwarted by a sharp block from a Nepal defender. The chance sparked further urgency in the Indian ranks. Moments later, Md Aimaan floated in a delightful cross from the left which fell to Dallalmuon Gangte, but the usually dependable forward couldn’t find the target.

Defensively, India were watertight. The midfield closed down space with discipline while the backline cut off passing channels, leaving Nepal with little choice but to attempt long-range efforts. One such effort by Pratis Thapa Magar, a powerful drive from the edge of the box, forced a full-stretch save from goalkeeper Manashjyoti Baruah.

Just before the interval, India nearly took the lead. A cross from the left caught the Nepal custodian off his line. Kamgouhao Doungel, perfectly placed at the far post, hesitated to take the shot first time, opting instead to control the ball, an error that allowed Nepal’s defence to regroup and clear.

The breakthrough finally came in the 61st minute. Denny Singh Wangkhem fed a low ball from the right into the Nepal penalty area. Gangte cleverly dummied the pass, wrong-footing the entire backline and goalkeeper. The ball landed at the feet of Gunleiba, who calmly slotted it home to open the scoring and break Nepal’s resistance.

The second goal came in the 80th minute, the result of a classic counter-attack. Substitute Azlaan Shah received a pass down the left and charged forward with blistering pace. A sharp change of direction left his marker stumbling, before he unleashed a thunderous and spectacular strike into the net.

India wrapped up the match in stoppage time. Gunleiba’s low cross beat the Nepal defence and fell invitingly for another substitute, Diamond Singh Thokchom, who tapped in from close range to cap off a clinical performance and spark wild celebrations in the Indian camp.

India: Manashjyoti Baruah (GK), Maldino Singh Yumnam (Lawmsangzuala None 45′), Indra Magar, Shubham Poonia, Thanggoumang Touthang, Kamgouhao Doungel (Azlaan Shah Kh 45′), Rahan Ahmed, Dallalmuon Gangte (Nitishkumar Meitei Yengkhom 88′), Md Aimaan Bin, Wangkheirakpam Gunleiba, Denny Singh Wangkhem (C).

Credits: AIFF Media

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