Kerala Triumphs in Thrilling Comeback to Claim Swami Vivekananda U-20 Men’s NFC Title Against Mizoram
Kerala Stages Dramatic Comeback to Claim Swami Vivekananda U-20 Men’s NFC Title
Narainpur, Chhattisgarh – In a thrilling finale that showcased the resilience and talent of young footballers, Kerala staged a remarkable second-half comeback to defeat Mizoram 4-2 and clinch the Swami Vivekananda Under-20 Men’s National Football Championship title. The match, held at the Ramakrishna Ashrama Ground 1, kept fans on the edge of their seats as Kerala turned the tide after trailing 0-2 at halftime.
Mizoram started strong, with Mesak C Lalrinngheta opening the scoring in the 11th minute with a stunning long-range curler. The team doubled their lead in the 34th minute when Lalrinngheta set up Vanlairamnghaka for a well-placed finish, leaving Kerala in a challenging position at the break.
However, the second half saw a different Kerala side emerge. Ajith KR ignited the comeback with a goal in the 55th minute, giving the team a much-needed boost. The momentum shifted further when Sheril Shaji Thomas, Kerala’s standout player, netted a brace, including a crucial stoppage-time penalty in the 95th minute. Thomas finished the tournament as the top scorer with an impressive 13 goals, solidifying his status as a key player for the team.
Substitute Shamil EK also played a pivotal role, scoring the decisive goal in the 83rd minute that put Kerala ahead for the first time in the match. The final whistle marked a triumphant moment for Kerala, who celebrated their hard-fought victory and the championship title.
This comeback victory not only highlights Kerala’s fighting spirit but also sets the stage for a promising future in Indian football, as these young talents continue to develop and shine on the national stage.
Chess: Reyaansh Venkat Takes Sole Lead in Mumbai FIDE Rated All India Chess Masters
In other sports news, Reyaansh Venkat has emerged as the sole leader in the Mumbai FIDE Rated All India Chess Masters season four after a hard-fought victory against Shreyansh Somaiya. Playing with the black pieces, Reyaansh showcased his strategic prowess, transitioning from a solid opening into a complex middle game.
With a score of 6/6, Reyaansh’s victory not only solidifies his position at the top but also highlights his exceptional end-game technique. Meanwhile, Janhavi Soneji’s win over Dhruv Muthe has propelled her to joint second place with 5.5 points.
As the tournament progresses, chess enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the next rounds, where the competition continues to heat up.
Cricket: Former Maharashtra Cricketer Randolph Daniel Passes Away
In a somber note for the sports community, former Maharashtra cricketer Randolph Daniel has passed away at the age of 62. Daniel, who played 16 First-Class matches from 1982 to 1999, was known for his skills as a right-handed batter and right-arm medium pacer.
The Maharashtra Cricket Association expressed its condolences, remembering Daniel as a talented fast-medium pacer who proudly represented the state. His contributions to cricket will be remembered by fans and players alike.
As the sports world reflects on these events, the spirit of competition and camaraderie continues to thrive across various disciplines.