How Did Delhi U20 Come Back to Defend Their Title in the Swami Vivekananda Men’s U20 NFC?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Delhi U20 made a remarkable comeback from being two goals down to clinch the championship title against Mizoram U20. With a thrilling performance in extra time, Delhi showcased incredible resilience and teamwork. Discover how this memorable match unfolded and what it means for the future of youth football in India.
Key Takeaways
- Delhi U20 showed remarkable resilience by overcoming a two-goal deficit.
- Laishram Rahul Meitei emerged as a key player with two crucial goals.
- The final was marked by intense competition and high emotions, leading to multiple expulsions.
- The match showcased the growing competitiveness of youth football in India.
- Delhi's victory solidifies their status in U20 football.
Narainpur (Chhattisgarh), May 27 (NationPress) — Overcoming a two-goal deficit, the Delhi U20 team celebrated a thrilling title defense by defeating Mizoram U20 4-2 after extra time in the final of the Swami Vivekananda Men’s U-20 National Football Championship held at the Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama Ground on Tuesday.
Emerging as the hero, super-sub Laishram Rahul Meitei (90+1’, 108’) scored two crucial goals, including the pivotal go-ahead goal during extra time, showcasing Delhi’s resilience and tenacity throughout the match, which saw an astonishing 10 players expelled. Mizoram concluded the match with eight players, while Delhi was reduced to nine.
Other goals for Delhi came from Arya Kashyap (48’) and Prashan Jajo (110’). For Mizoram, Mesak C Lalrinngheta (39’) and PC Pazawna (45+2’) found the net.
The final presented two contrasting halves: Mizoram asserted dominance in the first 45 minutes, but Delhi rallied back with vigor in the second half, ultimately securing the title decisively in extra time.
The match commenced with both teams cautiously evaluating each other's strategies. Despite their attacking prowess leading up to the final, neither side committed heavily in the opening stages.
Mizoram quickly established control and began to apply pressure through the dynamic Lalrinngheta, compelling Delhi’s goalkeeper Karan Makkar into an early save.
Meanwhile, Delhi struggled to find their rhythm in the attacking third. Although they attempted to exploit the flanks and utilize short passes in midfield, their efforts lacked the incisiveness necessary to penetrate Mizoram's defense.
The first breakthrough occurred in the 39th minute as a swift move from Mizoram caught Delhi's defense off guard, allowing Lalrinngheta to finish clinically, giving Mizoram a deserved 1-0 lead. Just before half-time, Pazawna struck again with a remarkable volley, extending Mizoram's lead to 2-0.
Delhi needed a response, and they provided it almost immediately after the restart. In the 48th minute, Aditya Adhikari delivered a well-placed corner, enabling Arya Kashyap to head the ball past the keeper, reducing the deficit.
As the game progressed, Mizoram retreated deeper, determined to safeguard their lead. Delhi continued to press but grew increasingly frustrated as they failed to find the equalizer until injury time. A floated cross from Kashyap created chaos in the box. Following a strike that hit the post, Sankhil Darpol Tuishang showed remarkable awareness to pull the rebound back into the danger zone for Meitei, who headed home from close range to level the score and take the final into extra time.
Buoyed by their momentum, Delhi struck again in the 107th minute. From a set-piece, Meitei found space in the six-yard box and powered another header past the Mizoram keeper to put his team ahead for the first time.
The result was finalized in the 110th minute. Kushagra Chaudhary sent in a perfect cross from the right, and Jajo made a clever run behind the defense to slot the ball home, igniting jubilation among his teammates and securing Delhi's second consecutive title.
Unfortunately, the match descended into chaos as a scuffle broke out, resulting in the expulsion of 10 players.
Point of View
The Swami Vivekananda Men’s U-20 NFC final was not just a match but a showcase of youthful talent and tenacity. Delhi’s comeback reflects the growing competitiveness in Indian youth football, while Mizoram’s fight demonstrates the potential of teams from across the nation. It’s vital we support this evolution in the sport.
NationPress
11/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the match?
Delhi U20 defeated Mizoram U20 with a final score of 4-2 after extra time.
Who were the standout players in the final?
Super-sub Laishram Rahul Meitei was a standout performer, scoring two crucial goals for Delhi, along with Arya Kashyap and Prashan Jajo.
Where was the final held?
The final was held at the Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama Ground in Narainpur, Chhattisgarh.
How many players were sent off during the match?
A total of 10 players were sent off during the match due to escalating tensions.
What does this victory mean for Delhi U20?
This victory marks Delhi U20's second consecutive title in the Swami Vivekananda Men’s U-20 National Football Championship.
