Shillong, Aug 13: Tenga United FC secured their place in the final of the Rupa Football League Independence Cup 2026 after edging past New Star Club 2-1 in a closely contested first semi-final at Gyaptong Stadium in Rupa, in the West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh.
Both teams produced a competitive contest and battled hard for a place in the final. The match remained evenly poised at 1-1 before Tenga United FC found the decisive goal to take a 2-1 lead.
New Star Club pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages, but Tenga United FC held on to secure victory and become the first team to qualify for the final.
The result sparked celebrations among the Tenga United FC players and supporters, who now await the outcome of the second semi-final to learn their opponents in the Independence Cup 2026 final.
The tournament will conclude with Tenga United FC looking to cap their campaign by lifting the coveted title.
The Rupa Football League – Independence Cup 2026 is being organised under the theme “Say No to Drugs, Yes to Football”, with the tournament also promoting sports as a pathway towards discipline, leadership, healthy living and nation-building among young people.
The RFL-Independence Cup 2026 was inaugurated on July 26 by Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt. Gen. K.T. Parnaik (Retd.), and will conclude on August 15.
Jointly organised by the Indian Army and the Rupa Town Club, the tournament has brought together 16 men’s teams, including formations of the Indian Army under the Kameng Sector, teams from across the northeastern states and a team from neighbouring Nepal.
The tournament also features six women’s teams, highlighting the growing participation and opportunities for women in football.
