State-level Independence Day Football Tournament 2026: Thunderbolt North United enter final after penalty shootout win

BIJOY GURUNG

GANGTOK,: Thunderbolt North United booked their place in the final of the State-level Independence Day Football Tournament after edging past Sikkim Brotherhood FC 5-4 in a tense penalty shootout at Paljor Stadium on Thursday.

The two sides were locked 2-2 after regulation time and extra-time, before Thunderbolt North United held their nerve in the shootout to set up a final clash against St. Joseph’s College, Darjeeling, for the Sir ChogyalTashiNamgyal Memorial Cup 2026 on August 15 at Paljor Stadium.

The semi-final was an intense and fiercely contested affair, with players from both sides receiving several yellow cards. Sikkim Brotherhood were also reduced to 10 men for most of extra-time after their foreign striker was sent off following a second booking.

Sikkim Brotherhood suffered an early setback in the fifth minute when goalkeeper John misjudged a back pass, kicking at thin air and allowing the ball to roll between his legs and into the net. The error appeared to unsettle Sikkim Brotherhood, allowing Thunderbolt North United to take control of the proceedings and create several scoring opportunities.

Thunderbolt North United doubled their lead in the 41st minute with a well-worked team move. The ball eventually found LakpaNorbu, who made no mistake in a one-on-one situation with the opposing goalkeeper.

Sikkim Brotherhood, however, responded almost immediately. A minute later, AkashSundas produced a fine strike to reduce the deficit and give his side renewed hope.

Sikkim Brotherhood came out strongly after the break in search of the equaliser and made several attacking forays into the Thunderbolt North United box. The Thunderbolt defence stood firm and appeared set to hold on to its lead until the final stages.

The major talking point came in the 90th minute when the referee awarded Sikkim Brotherhood a penalty after ruling that a foul had been committed on one of their players inside the box.

The decision was strongly contested by Thunderbolt North United players and officials, resulting in a stoppage of several minutes. Play eventually resumed, and Sikkim Brotherhood captain SahilChettri calmly converted the spot-kick to make it 2-2 and force the match into extra-time.

The additional 30 minutes produced few clear scoring opportunities as players from both teams began to show signs of fatigue. With neither side able to find a winner, the match went to a penalty shootout.

Thunderbolt North United eventually prevailed 5-4 from the spot to secure their place in the final.

Thunderbolt North United will now have just one day to recover before facing St. Joseph’s College, Darjeeling, in the final on August 15.

Chief Minister’s Political Secretary Jacob Khaling was the chief guest at the match.