Maharashtra reach final of Dr. T Ao Junior Girls National Football Championship

DIMAPUR — Maharashtra defeated Punjab 2–0 in the second semi-final of the ongoing Dr. T Ao Junior Girls National Football Championship 2025–26 (Tier-II) played on Saturday at the Chümoukedima Football Stadium.

With this victory, Maharashtra secured their place in the final, scheduled to take place on December 11. According to an update, the match was attended by Megolhou Dolie, additional director, Youth Resources and Sports, as the match patron.

The first half unfolded with both teams matching each other stride for stride. Possession remained nearly even—Punjab holding 48% to Maharashtra’s 52%. Despite a balanced possession share, neither team succeeded in breaking the deadlock.

Punjab recorded seven shots on target, but Maharashtra’s backline and goalkeeper stood firm. Maharashtra also registered seven shots on target. The match headed into halftime locked at 0–0.

Also read: Punjab, Maharashtra enter semi-final 2 of Dr. T Ao girls national championship

The second half witnessed Maharashtra transforming their tempo. The breakthrough arrived in the 69th minute when Sharvari found the net. In the 81st minute, Aarna doubled the lead with a composed header, sealing the match.

Shivika Shetty, the goalkeeper for Maharashtra, was instrumental in keeping Punjab at bay. Her timely interventions and positioning prevented a potential Punjab lead.

Maharashtra will face the winners of semi-final 1 in the final.

Meanwhile, the remaining fixtures for Group A and Group C will decide the winners who advance to semi-final 1.

Assam will play Chandigarh on December 2, followed by Uttar Pradesh vs Tripura on December 3. Jammu & Kashmir will take on Assam on December 4, while Tripura will face Uttar Pradesh on December 5. Jammu & Kashmir will play Chandigarh on December 6.