Swami Vivekananda U20 NFC: SAI sink Nagaland on penalties to seal semis spot

IANS April 25, 2025 206 views

The Sports Authority of India (SAI) dramatically secured their place in the U20 National Football Championship semifinals after a nail-biting penalty shootout against Nagaland. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams trading leads during regular and extra time. SAI's goalkeeper K Rahul Kannan made a crucial save during penalties, setting the stage for Sameer Gurung to convert the winning shot. The victory sets up an intriguing semifinal clash against defending champions Delhi on May 2nd.

"Sameer delivered the winning penalty into the bottom-left corner" - Match Report
Narainpur, April 25: The Sports Authority of India (SAI) entered the semifinals of the Swami Vivekananda U-20 Men's National Football Championship (NFC) 2025, as they beat Nagaland in a penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw at the end of 120 minutes, at the Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama Ground in Narainpur, Chhattisgarh, on Friday.

Key Points

1

SAI win intense quarter-final after 2-2 draw goes to penalties

2

K Rahul Kannan's crucial penalty save proves decisive

3

Sameer Gurung scores dramatic equalizer and winning shot

4

Nagaland lead twice but couldn't close out match

SAI will face the defending champions, Delhi, in the semifinal on May 2.

Nagaland were off to a good start as midfielder Pulovi scored a tap-in from a loose ball in the 25th minute to give his side the lead. Oinam Romio Singh, with just 11 minutes into the second half, scored with a header to bring the Sports Authority of India back on level terms.

The game was up for grabs entering the extra time, and Nagaland's K Arap Konyak made the most out of it. The forward was in a perfect spot to convert the tap-in, in the 96th minute, giving Nagaland the lead once again. The celebrations, however, were short-lived as Sameer Gurung equalised again in the 107th minute with his left foot from inside the box, keeping SAI alive in the game.

As the full-time whistle blew, a nerve-wracking penalty shootout awaited to decide the fate. Both SAI and Nagaland were on level terms after the first five shots each, before SAI goalkeeper K Rahul Kannan anticipated and saved Nagaland's Haominlal's penalty, giving his side a crucial edge in the sudden death.

Sameer, who had scored the extra-time equaliser, was up for the job once again. The midfielder delivered the winning penalty into the bottom-left corner to take SAI into the last four.

Earlier, Nagaland made the quarter-finals of the Swami Vivekananda U20 Men's National Football Championship from Group H after a 2-2 draw against Haryana. Bengal defeated Madhya Pradesh 3-0, but still finished third in the group with four points, while Haryana stood second with five points. Nagaland collected seven to top the table and set up a clash with Group G winners SAI in the quarterfinal.

Sunday (April 27), Group A Fixtures:

Meghalaya vs Jammu & Kashmir (7:30 AM)

Rajasthan vs Bihar (4:15 pm)

All matches are streamed live on the Indian Football YouTube channel.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K
What a thrilling match! The penalty shootout had me on the edge of my seat. Rahul Kannan's save was the turning point - what a hero! 🔥
P
Priya M
Nagaland played so well but just couldn't hold on. Their midfield was brilliant in the first half. Hope they come back stronger next season!
A
Arjun S
While the match was exciting, I think both teams need to work on their defense. Too many easy goals conceded from tap-ins. Otherwise great tournament so far!
S
Sneha R
Sameer Gurung showing nerves of steel! Scores the equalizer AND the winning penalty. That's what champions are made of 💪
V
Vikram J
The YouTube streaming quality was surprisingly good. More people should watch these young talents - future of Indian football right here!
N
Neha P
Heartbreak for Nagaland but they should be proud of their performance. That header by Romio Singh was world class! 👏

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Tags:
Swami Vivekananda U20 NFC SAI Football Indian Youth Football Nagaland Sports Football Championship
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