Tuesday, Nov 18, 2025 22:00 [IST]
Last Update: Monday, Nov 17, 2025 16:20 [IST]
GANGTOK,: Sikkim Dragons became the third local side to book a pre-quarterfinal berth, while Sikkim Aakraman bowed out of the ongoing 41st Governor’s Gold Cup at Paljor Stadium on Monday.
In the day’s opening fixture, Sikkim Dragons cruised to a 4-0 win over Tibetan NFA, with goals from captain Uttam Rai, foreign recruits Makan Winkel Chothe and Nuhu Sediu Issahak, and substitute Dilli Ram Sanyasi.
Rai put Dragons ahead in the 19th minute with a typical poacher’s finish, tucking in a low cross from the left.
The second half remained tightly contested until the 65th minute, when back-to-back strikes from Chothe and Issahak - scored within two minutes - swung the match firmly in the hosts’ favour.
Sanyasi wrapped up the victory in stoppage time with a tidy finish from close range. Local right winger Robin Nepal was named Player of the Match.
Sikkim Dragons will now take on Neroca FC (Manipur) in the pre-quarterfinals on November 19. Sikkim Himalayan SC and Sikkim Police have already entered the last-16 stage.
In the second match of the day, Sikkim Aakraman SC could not extend the home teams’ winning run, falling 0-3 to Santosh Trophy champions Services XI.
Despite an evenly balanced encounter, Services forward Abhishek Pawar’s pace proved decisive as he broke through the Aakraman backline twice to score in the 29th and 39th minutes. Wangden Tamang sealed the win in the 58th minute. Pawar was named Player of the Match.
Services will face Sudeva Delhi FC in their pre-quarterfinal clash on November 20.
The knockout stage begins Tuesday, with Diamond Harbour FC set to play Sikkim Police at 2 pm.
