State-level I-Day football tournament: KFC Siliguri defeats Aakraman in opening match

GANGTOK, : The State-level 79^th Independence Day football tournament for Chogyal Sir Tashi Namgyal Memorial Cup 2025 kicked-off on Friday afternoon at Paljor Stadium here.

Eight teams are taking part in this prestigious tournament which directly starts from the quarterfinal stage with the final scheduled on August 15.

In the opening match, Siliguri-based Kanchenjunga FC registered a 2-1 comeback victory over home team Sikkim Aakraman FC.

The home side took the lead just before half-time with a fine goal from Prashant Chettri.

However, Kanchenjunga FC came back strongly in the second half and found the equalizing goal from Pranesh Pradhan. Bibesh Sawaria, the man of the match, scored the winning goal to send his team into the semi-final.

On Saturday, Pokhara Thunders from Nepal will face VHA Tukvar United, Darjeeling with the quarterfinal match starting at 2 pm.