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The Maharashtra State (WIFA) Inter-District Championship Junior Boys 2025-26 concluded in thrilling fashion as Thane District emerged champions after a week of intense football action. A total of 33 district teams from across Maharashtra participated in the prestigious tournament, showcasing the state’s emerging football talent.
League Stage Delivers Excitement
The tournament kicked off with seven matches on Day 1. Nashik recorded the biggest victory of the day with an 18-0 win over Osmanabad. Jalgaon staged a remarkable comeback from three goals down to draw 3-3 against Gondia before winning 3-2 in the penalty shootout. Amravati defeated Bhandara 4-2, while Raigad cruised to a commanding 12-0 victory over Washim. Parbhani edged Chandrapur in penalties, Kolhapur defeated Yavatmal 8-0, and Wardha overcame Jalna 3-1.
Day 2 witnessed more dominant performances as Latur thrashed Solapur 10-1. Satara secured a hard-fought 2-0 win against Nandurbar, while Sangli received a walkover victory against Buldhana. Nagpur registered a comfortable 4-0 win, and Nanded outclassed Beed with an emphatic 9-0 scoreline.
Day 3 featured the highest number of matches. Nashik defeated Jalgaon 6-1, Raigad overcame Amravati 6-1, and Kolhapur routed Parbhani 10-0. Palghar beat Wardha 4-2, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar defeated Solapur 5-1, Satara overcame Sangli 7-3, Nagpur thrashed Buldhana 7-0, and Akola defeated Nanded 5-2.
On Day 4, Raigad continued their strong run with a 6-0 victory over Nashik. Palghar defeated Kolhapur 4-1, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar edged Satara 1-0, while Nagpur secured a notable 3-1 win against Akola.
Quarterfinals: Giants Enter the Fray
The quarterfinal stage introduced last year’s semifinalists — Pune, Thane, Ahmednagar, and Mumbai.
Pune defeated Raigad 3-0, while Thane ended Palghar’s impressive journey with a 2-0 victory. Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar handed Ahmednagar their first defeat of the tournament with a 2-0 win. Mumbai completed the semifinal lineup with a comfortable 3-1 victory over Nagpur.
Semifinals: High Drama
The semifinal between Pune and Thane proved to be one of the most closely contested matches of the tournament. Both teams battled relentlessly, but neither side could find a breakthrough as the match ended 0-0 after full time. The contest was eventually decided through penalties, where Thane held their nerve to secure a place in the final.
In the second semifinal, Mumbai delivered a dominant display, defeating Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar 5-0 to book their spot in the championship match.
Grand Finale: Thane Triumph in a Penalty Shootout
The final between Mumbai and Thane lived up to expectations. Both teams displayed excellent defensive organization and determination, while the goalkeepers produced outstanding saves throughout the match.
Despite several opportunities for both sides, neither team could break the deadlock, and the final ended 0-0 after regulation time. The championship was ultimately decided in a penalty shootout.
Thane’s goalkeeper emerged as the hero of the night, producing crucial saves to guide his team to victory. With composure and resilience under pressure, Thane clinched the title and were crowned champions of the Maharashtra State (WIFA) Inter-District Championship Junior Boys 2025-26.
The tournament once again highlighted the depth of football talent across Maharashtra, with young players from 33 districts showcasing their skills, passion, and determination throughout an unforgettable week of football.
