Wednesday, Aug 12, 2026 21:15 [IST]
Last Update: Tuesday, Aug 11, 2026 15:43 [IST]
GANGTOK,: Thunderbolt North United held their nerve in a tightly-contested
quarterfinal battle to edge past Sikkim Police 2-1 at Paljor Stadium on
Tuesday, booking their place in the semifinals of the ongoing State-level
Independence Day Football Tournament for Sir Chogyal Tashi Namgyal Memorial Cup
2026.
A
brace from Ayush Ghalan proved the difference for the Sikkim Premier League
club, with the striker finding the net twice in the first half, while Surag
Chettri scored the lone goal for Sikkim Police.
Thunderbolt
North United took the lead in the 18th minute after Ayush capitalised on adreadful
error by the Sikkim Police defence inside their own box.
Sikkim
Police responded quickly, with Surag Chettri restoring parity just five minutes
later. He produced a precise chip from distance after Thunderbolt North United
conceded possession in their own half.
The
scores, however, remained level for barely two minutes. Ayush struck again in
the 23rd minute to put Thunderbolt North United back in front. Poor marking
inside the Sikkim Police box allowed him to meet a cross first time and fire a
powerful shot past the goalkeeper.
The
second half saw both teams create several opportunities, but neither could find
the finishing touch required to add to the scoreline.
Thunderbolt
North United held on firmly to their one-goal advantage to secure a 2-1 victory
and a place in the last four. They will face Sikkim Brotherhood FC in the
second semifinal on August 13.
Ayush
Ghalan was named Man of the Match for his two-goal performance.
The
match was witnessed by executives of the Sikkim Football Association (SFA),
including SFA president Menla Ethenpa. Sikkim Legislative Assembly Secretariat
Secretary Lalit Gurung was the chief guest.
The
first semifinal will be played on Wednesday afternoon between Darjeeling’s St
Joseph College and SSB.
