The Nagaland U-20 football team secured a quarterfinal berth at the Swami Vivekananda U-20 Men’s National Football Championship, currently underway in Narainpur, Chhattisgarh.
CHHATTISGARH, APRIL 23 (MExN): First-time participants Nagaland have secured a historic quarterfinal berth at the ongoing Swami Vivekananda U-20 Men’s National Football Championship, currently underway in Narainpur, Chhattisgarh.
The team sealed qualification with a gritty 2-2 draw against a strong Haryana side in their final group stage match on April 23. Earlier, Nagaland stunned higher-ranked teams Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal in their opening matches, winning both and collecting vital points to top their group.
The high-stakes match against Haryana proved to be a nail-biter, especially as Nagaland had to contend without four of their star players due to suspensions.
Nagaland took an early lead in the 14th minute through in-form forward K. Arap Konyak (J-13). Haryana responded strongly, equalising in the 30th minute via their captain Yaman Sheoran (J-7). With the scores level at half-time, the match intensified as Haryana needed a win to qualify, while a draw would suffice for Nagaland.
In a dramatic closing phase, Konyak struck again in the 87th minute, putting Nagaland 2-1 ahead and edging them closer to the knockout stage. But the battle was far from over. Haryana, refusing to go down without a fight, found the net once more in stoppage time—again through captain Yaman—to level the match 2-2.
Despite the late equaliser, Nagaland held firm till the final whistle to secure the crucial point needed for quarterfinal qualification. The quarterfinal match is scheduled for April 25 at the same venue.
The team has expressed gratitude to the Nagaland Football Association (NFA) and supporters from across the state, crediting their prayers and encouragement as key to the team’s spirited performance.
