AIFF Media Team

BHAVNAGAR, GUJARAT: Progressive Sports Academy (Gujarat) will clash with Tlangnuam Futsal Club (Mizoram) in what promises to be a humdinger of a final of the AIFF Futsal Club Championship 2025-26 at the SAG Indoor Stadium in Bhavnagar, Gujarat, on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at 18:00 IST. The final will be streamed live on the Indian Football YouTube Channel.

Who will blink first? That may decide the outcome of the final, as both teams are very evenly matched in attack and defence. Of course, having come so far, the players, coaches, and everyone connected with the team would be eager to lay their hands on the handsome trophy, as both clubs are in the final in what is their maiden appearance in the tournament. Both clubs are also the first ones from their respective states to reach the final of the AIFF Futsal Club Championship.

In the inaugural edition in 2021-22, Delhi FC beat Mohammedan Sporting 7-2, and in 2022-23, Minerva Academy FC downed Mohammedan Sporting 3-1 on penalties after the teams were level at 2-2. Corbett FC won the 2023-24 edition with a 3-2 win over Golazo FC, while Goal Hunterz FC defeated Bhawanipore FC 4-2 in the 2024-25 final.

Progressive and Tlangnuam are packed with some very exciting players who can attack and defend with equal felicity. Interestingly, the top goal scorers of this year’s championship belong to both these teams. 

It doesn't come as a surprise that Progressive skipper and the tournament's all-time top scorer Nikhil Mali heads the goal scorers’ tally in Bhavnagar with 12 goals. His teammates Lalsawmpuia (10 goals) and Gaurav Kankonkar (9 goals) are just below him in the second and third spots. PC Lalremruata of Tlangnuam has eight goals to be placed fourth, while his captain David Laltlansanga is fifth with seven goals to his credit.

Mali and Laltlansanga, both prolific scorers with the Indian national futsal team, did exceedingly well in the semi-finals for their teams. For the home side, Kankonkar was equally impressive as he struck four goals against South Castle United, including three within the final four minutes, to put them into the final.

The teams have the ability to move the ball around on the floor with quick one-touch play and swift interchange of positions. It remains to be seen how the coaches will go about their task of approaching the all-important game. 

Goalkeepers Ozen Silva (Progressive) and Malhar Shah (Tlangnuam) have always started. They haven’t given much cause for worry, though Silva was tested more often in the semi-finals than Malhar. Yet, they have brought off some fine saves throughout the tournament to carry their team along. The tendency to throw high and long passes when in possession has seen them create meaningful attacks as well.

The teams have wonderful bench strengths, and the rolling in the changes at opportune moments will play a vital part in the outcome. Kankonkar has been the most effective when he is brought on for Progressive, while Lalrinzuala has done the same for Tlangnuam. 

The presence of home side Progressive SA has ensured a sizeable turnout at the venue for their matches. Sunday will surely draw more of their supporters to cheer them on. But Tlangnuam have experienced players who will not be unduly worried about the support from the stands or the lack of it.

Surely, an absolutely absorbing final is in prospect. To reiterate, it will be just a question of who blinks first.

Road to the final:

Progressive SA:
Won 10-3 vs Minerva Academy (Group B)
Won 10-1 vs Millat FC (Group B)
Drew 5-5 vs Goal Hunterz FC (Group B)
Won 11-2 vs Build Up Sports (Quarter-final)
Won 8-5 vs South Castle United FA (Semi-final)

Tlangnuam FC:
Won 14-2 vs FC Bushahr (Group C)
Won 13-1 vs Coramandal FC (Group C)
Won 23-0 vs Young Hearts FC (Quarter-final)
Won 10-4 vs Goal Hunterz FC (Semi-final)