Punjab advanced to the semi-finals of the Swami Vivekananda U20 Men's National Football Championship on 19 May, defeating Tripura 2-1 in a gripping quarter-final at RK Ashram Ground 1 in Narainpur. The decisive blow came in extra-time, making it a hard-fought passage to the last four for the north-western side.

Sahij Pal's Decisive Contribution

Sahij Pal was the standout performer for Punjab, netting the opening goal in the 14th minute to hand his side an early lead. With Punjab and Tripura both entering the tie as group winners, the contest was always likely to be closely contested — and so it proved.

Tripura clawed their way back into the match through substitute Arma Jamatia, who equalised in the 66th minute to level the scores and push the game into extra-time. Pal then settled the nerves with a winner in the opening minutes of the additional period, completing a match-winning double and sending Punjab through.

Punjab's Earlier Group-Stage Demolition

Punjab's quarter-final berth was secured in commanding fashion. In their group-stage encounter at RKM Ashrama Ground 1, Punjab thrashed Assam 6-2, matching Maharashtra's points tally on goal difference.

Pal was again the chief architect, scoring twice inside the first five minutes before completing a hat-trick in the 37th minute. Saqlane Sajid added a fourth in the 41st minute. Assam briefly threatened a comeback when Biliphang Boro reduced the deficit in the 19th minute and Jitul Taye made it 4-2 in the 52nd minute, but Padma Doley's red card in the 82nd minute ended any realistic hope of a revival. Pal struck again in the 83rd minute, with Aviraj Singh Kapur adding a sixth in the 87th.

Tripura's Earlier Upset of Champions Delhi

Before their quarter-final exit, Tripura had produced one of the tournament's most notable results, stunning two-time champions Delhi in the earlier kick-off at Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama. Khaswrang Jamatia scored on either side of half-time — in the 42nd and 68th minutes — to put the North-eastern side firmly in control. Yash Jalal's strike in the 79th minute proved only a consolation for Delhi.

Road to the Semi-Finals

Punjab's clinical performances across both the group stage and the knockout round underline their credentials as genuine contenders. With Pal in the form of his life — netting five goals across two matches — Punjab will carry significant momentum into the semi-finals. The draw for the next round is awaited, and all eyes will be on whether Punjab's attacking depth can sustain their charge for the title.