Chandan Nagar edges Vrindavan in a nerve-wracking penalty shootout
Salhi and Sambalpur dominate, Hariharpur seals clinical victory
Surguja (Udaipur) । The PCB Trophy Inter-Village Football Tournament 2025 witnessed a night of exhilarating action as Sambalpur, Chandan Nagar, Salhi, and Hariharpur stormed into the semifinals after four thrilling quarterfinal clashes that kept spectators on their toes. The passion, intensity, and sheer determination on display turned the football field into a battlefield, with every goal met by deafening cheers from the crowd.
The opening match saw Sambalpur steamroll Harratikra in a commanding 4-0 victory. Right from the first whistle, Sambalpur dictated the tempo, launching relentless attacks. Ghanshyam Rajwade turned the match into his personal highlight reel, netting a stunning hat-trick, while Dilbar Singh added another goal to send Sambalpur cruising into the semifinals. Harratikra’s defense struggled to contain the relentless onslaught, as the match ended with Sambalpur celebrating an emphatic win.
The second quarterfinal delivered the most dramatic moment of the tournament yet, as Chandan Nagar and Vrindavan locked horns in a pulsating encounter. Yogendra’s two clinical finishes gave Chandan Nagar an early edge, but Vrindavan fought back through Prashant and Anuj, equalizing with a dazzling display of counter-attacks. With the clock running out and the score tied at 2-2, the match headed into a high-pressure penalty shootout. Both teams exchanged 10 spot-kicks in a nerve-wracking battle, but it was Chandan Nagar who held their nerve, winning 3-2 in sudden death, sending their supporters into wild celebrations.
Salhi’s clash against Parsa was a test of resilience, with both sides locked in a tight contest. The deadlock was finally broken by Vaman Singh Porte, who capitalized on a defensive slip to fire home the decisive goal. Salhi’s defense held firm until the final whistle, securing a crucial 1-0 win and a well-earned semifinal berth.
The last quarterfinal pitted Hariharpur against Salhi (B), with Hariharpur executing a well-structured game plan. Panne Singh Uikey opened the scoring with a perfectly timed header, while Ganga Singh Shyam doubled the lead with a clinical finish. Their disciplined defense ensured a smooth 2-0 victory, booking their spot in the final four.
As the tournament inches closer to its grand finale, anticipation is at an all-time high. With Sambalpur set to clash against Chandan Nagar and Salhi facing Hariharpur in the semifinals, the stakes have never been higher. The final on March 1st promises a gripping contest, with the coveted PCB Trophy and cash prizes of Rs 31,000 for the champions and Rs 21,000 for the runners-up up for grabs. The stage is set, the teams are ready, and the battle for rural football supremacy is about to reach its thrilling conclusion.
