Maharashtra advances to semifinals with 14-0 win; Mizoram beats Madhya Pradesh 4-2 in Group D battles
Maharashtra and Mizoram both claimed victories in their respective Group D matches of the Dr. Talimeren Ao Junior Girls’ National Football Championship 2025–26 (Tier 2) at Chümoukedima, Nagaland on Thursday. Maharashtra defeated Himachal Pradesh 14-0, while Mizoram beat Madhya Pradesh 4-2.
Despite both teams finishing the group stage with seven points each, Maharashtra (+16) advanced to the semifinals due to a superior goal difference compared to Mizoram (+10). Maharashtra’s overwhelming win secured their place in the knockout stage, where they will face Group B winners Punjab on November 29.
Maharashtra dominated their match from the outset, with Aarna opening the scoring in the first minute and Ipshita adding another immediately after. Aarna scored four goals in total, while team captain Aysha was the standout performer with five goals. Additional goals came from Aria, Aanshi, Poonam, and Sharvari. Maharashtra maintained 76% ball possession, registered 30 shots on target, and earned 15 corners. Himachal Pradesh struggled to mount any significant challenge, managing just one shot on target and committing three fouls, while Maharashtra committed only one foul and received no cards.
In the second match of the day, Mizoram took the lead in the 30th minute through Loisy’s clinical finish. Madhya Pradesh responded immediately after halftime when Khushi Parte scored to equalize. Mizoram’s Mawipuii then restored their lead with a powerful strike in the 49th minute.
Madhya Pradesh’s Komal Saket once again leveled the score at 2-2 in the 59th minute. Mawipuii scored her second goal in the 74th minute to put Mizoram ahead, and Nunpuii added a fourth goal in the 81st minute to secure a 4-2 victory. Despite their spirited performance, neither Mizoram nor Madhya Pradesh qualified for the semifinals.
Maharashtra’s commanding performance throughout the tournament has marked them as strong contenders as they prepare to face Punjab in the semifinals.