In the Neeljyoti Rakhal Shield Knockout Football Tournament, Forward Club advanced to semifinals after beating four-time Champion Egiye Chalo Sangha. Nine Bullets club, with a junior-centric team, getting ready for July 15 match.
Agartala July 13: In a stunning performance, the star-studded Forward Club sent shockwaves through the tournament by knocking out four-time champions Egiye Chalo Sangha to secure a spot in the semifinals of the Neeljyoti Rakhal Shield Knockout Football Tournament.
Displaying spectacular total football, Forward Club dominated both ends of the pitch and earned the admiration of Agartala’s football lovers. From goalkeeper to strikers, the entire team played in perfect coordination. For fans of the club, it was difficult to recall when they had last witnessed such high-quality football in the state.
Right from their opening match, Kishan Singh and his men made their intentions clear: they’re here not just to compete—but to win the title and win over hearts.
In the much-anticipated derby match held on Sunday at Umakanta Mini Stadium, Forward Club convincingly defeated Egiye Chalo Sangha 2-0. The team maintained control throughout the game and never let their grip loosen.
One of the standout performers was goalkeeper Md. Sinan, who hails from Kerala. His agility and presence under the bar left even former state goalkeepers impressed. Pritam Singh and Senthamil also grabbed attention with their sharp game-play.
With this impressive show in today’s match, coaches of rival teams are already on alert – knowing Forward Club will be tough to stop. While Egiye Chalo Sangha did not perform poorly and posed a strong challenge in the first half, they couldn’t match Forward Club’s tactical superiority and cohesion.
The strategic brilliance of coach Roz Nakoch also played a vital role in turning the match in Forward’s favor. Despite a competitive first half, Forward Club took control after the break.
In the 48th minute, Pritam Singh netted a brilliant opener. Just three minutes later, Yami Lunga capitalized on a counterattack to score the second goal, sealing the victory for Forward Club.
The match ended 2–0, with Forward Club marching confidently into the semifinals. Dhanesh Shah officiated the match. …..(Photo)
Rakhal Shield: Ramkrishna club vs Kalyan Samiti today
Last year’s runners-up Ramkrishna Club will take on Kalyan Samiti today at 6 PM under floodlights at Umakanta Mini Stadium in the Neeljyoti Rakhal Shield Knockout Football Tournament organized by the state football body.
The winning team will qualify for the semifinals. Ramkrishna Club, led by coach Kaushik Roy, is considered the favorite. However, Kalyan Samiti, packed with talented players from other states, is expected to put up a tough fight.
Coach Kaushik Roy emphasized the importance of midfield dominance to ensure victory. On the other hand, Kalyan Samiti’s coach Abu Taher expressed confidence in his squad’s potential to turn the match around.
Fans are eagerly anticipating a quality game on Monday evening.
Nine Bullets form junior-focused squad
The goal is not just to win but to offer entertaining football and encourage youth engagement. With this vision, Nine Bullets Club formed a squad primarily composed of junior players for the ongoing Rakhal Shield Knockout Football tournament. Club manager Prakash Debbarma expressed confidence that these youngsters will impress football lovers.
On Sunday evening, the club unveiled its jersey in a press conference. The jersey has been sponsored by Golaighati MLA Manab Debbarma. The team slogan “Quit addiction, return to football” is also inscribed on the jersey.
While the team initially planned to include seven players from Manipur, only two have joined so far. The remaining five are expected to play in the senior league. The team also includes five players from Mizoram, two each from Kalimpong, Siliguri, and Jharkhand. Local player Shiva Debbarma will lead the team.
Wearing red and white jerseys, the squad includes Manish Singh, Robin Singh, Manish Debbarma, Shiva Debbarma, Biswajit Debbarma, Shasan Kumar Jamatia, Naisin Jamatia, Dipankar Debbarma, Bikash Orang, Sagar Orang, Pribesh Rai, Landop Lepcha, David, Amuj, Jwala, Moses, Rema, and Sumanta Pramanik. The team coach is former footballer Rajib Ghosh. Their first match in the Rakhal Shield Knockout on July 15 will be against Lal Bahadur Gymnasium.
Also present were Club president Bhaswati Debbarma, Secretary Apu Sarkar Sur, and MLA Manab Debbarma.
