Football: Mizoram, Kerala fight it out for Swami Vivekananda U20 Men's Nationals title
Narainpur, May 27
Two of the tournament's most exciting attacking sides, Mizoram and Kerala, will lock horns in the final of the Swami Vivekananda U-20 Men's National Football Championship 2026, with both teams aiming to cap off an outstanding campaign with the title.
The road to the final has been impressive for both sides. Mizoram booked their place after defeating Manipur 3-1 via tie-breakers in a tense semifinal that remained goalless after 120 minutes. Kerala, meanwhile, produced another dominant attacking display to thrash Punjab 4-1 in the other semifinal.
Both teams have shown consistency throughout the tournament. Mizoram eased past SAI 6-2 in the quarter-finals, while Kerala edged Meghalaya 2-1 to secure their place in the last four. Importantly, both finalists topped their respective groups and remain unbeaten heading into the title clash.
Goals have been a major feature of their campaigns. Mizoram finished the group stage with a staggering goal difference of 22, while Kerala bettered that with a remarkable tally of 25. Their fearless attacking football has entertained throughout the tournament, and the final promises to be another high-quality contest between two confident sides.
A key battle could also emerge in the race for the top scorer. Kerala striker Sheril Shaji Thomas currently leads the scoring charts with 11 goals and has been in sensational form throughout the competition. The forward's movement, finishing, and composure inside the box have made him one of the standout performers of the tournament.
Mizoram, however, possess attacking firepower of their own. Lalrinfela Ralte has already netted nine goals, while Vanlairamnghaka has contributed eight, forming one of the most dangerous attacking combinations in the championship. Their pace and ability to exploit spaces in transition could trouble Kerala's defence.
While Kerala may enter the final with slightly stronger attacking numbers, Mizoram have already shown in the semi-final against Manipur that they can also grind out results in difficult situations. With both sides carrying momentum, confidence, and plenty of goals into the final, fans can expect an entertaining battle between two deserving finalists.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Finally some good news for Indian football! 😊 Our U-20 boys are playing such attractive football. 25 goals in group stage for Kerala is just insane. But what impressed me more is Mizoram's resilience - going to penalties against Manipur and winning shows mental strength. Both teams deserve this final. Just wish Doordarshan or Sports18 would telecast such events live!
As a football fan from Bengal, I'm loving this rise of football in the South. But honestly, the most heartening thing is seeing states like Mizoram producing top talents despite limited resources. Their grassroots development is something other states should learn from. Expecting a high-scoring final - both teams don't know how to defend! 😄
Great to see Indian football developing at the youth level. Somebody tell the AIFF to get these U-20 boys some exposure matches against foreign teams. A final between two undefeated attacking teams is exactly what our football needs to inspire more kids to take up the sport. Kerala vs Mizoram - take your pick! Mine's Kerala for the trophy, but Mizoram for the heart.
Swami Vivekananda would be proud to see such competitive football! 🏆 My only concern - why is this tournament being held in Narainpur, Chhattisgarh? The facilities there are decent but the remote location means very few fans can attend. These boys deserve a bigger stage. Nevertheless, both teams have been brilliant. Sheril vs Lalrinfela in the final will be the battle to watch!
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