Tuesday, Aug 11, 2026 22:00 [IST]
Last Update: Monday, Aug 10, 2026 16:21 [IST]
GANGTOK,: Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) once again showed their late-game resilience, edging past Sikkim Aakraman SC 2-1 on Monday to book their place in the semi-finals of the State-level Independence Day Football Tournament 2026 for the Chogyal Sir Tashi Namgyal Memorial Cup at Paljor Stadium.
SSB struck early through Dwimalu Brahma in the 13th minute, but Sikkim Aakraman SC hit back five minutes later, with Sagar Gurung finding the equaliser in the 18th minute through a clever free kick to make it 1-1.
The two sides continued to battle for control, with the contest remaining evenly poised for much of the second half. SSB eventually found the breakthrough in the 83rd minute when L. Haokip scored the decisive goal to seal a 2-1 victory.
The result marked another hard-fought win for the paramilitary side, who had also needed an extra-time goal to get past their opponents in the previous pre-quarterfinal. SSB once again displayed their fighting spirit to grind out a late victory and advance to the last four.
The match was witnessed by executive members of the Sikkim Football Association, led by SFA president Menla Ethenpa. The occasion was also graced by SSB Gangtok DIG Hemochandra as the distinguished guest.
The final quarterfinal will be played on Tuesday between Sikkim Police and Thunderbolt North United.
SSB will face St. Joseph’s College, Darjeeling, in the first semi-final on August 12.
The prestigious tournament is organised by the Sikkim Football Association under the aegis of the Home Department, Government of Sikkim.
