Tura, Sept 16: Do•po Mahari and Gabil Mahari secured their places in the finals of the Inter-Mahari Football Tournament 2026 after contrasting victories in their respective semi-final matches at the P.A. Sangma Football Stadium in Dakopgre, Tura, on Wednesday.
The semi-final action in both the men’s and women’s competitions produced closely fought encounters, with Mahendraganj MLA Sanjay A Sangma also present at the stadium to watch the matches.
In the second semi-final of the 6th Inter-Mahari Men’s Football Tournament, Do•po Mahari edged past A•gitok Mahari 2-1 in a physical and fast-paced contest.
Do•po made a quick start, taking the lead in the third minute when Riknang R Marak converted from the penalty spot. A•gitok responded in the 17th minute as Balkim A Sangma successfully converted their own spot-kick to bring the match level.
Do•po restored their advantage seven minutes later when Rajib D Sangma found the net in the 24th minute, giving his side a 2-1 lead going into the break.
The second half saw both teams create opportunities, but neither was able to add to the scoreline. The match also saw five yellow cards being shown, reflecting the intensity of the contest.
A•gitok’s Bargam D Marak and Balkim A Sangma were booked in the second and 28th minutes respectively, while Do•po’s Rivellino Massa D Sangma, Greatbath D Sangma and John Christ D Sangma received yellow cards in the 15th, 16th and 22nd minutes.
Greatbath D Sangma of Do•po Mahari was named Player of the Match.
With the victory, Do•po Mahari advanced to the men’s final, where they will face Chambugong Mahari.
Earlier, Gabil Mahari produced a dramatic result in the second semi-final of the 4th Inter-Mahari Women’s Football Tournament, defeating Chambugong Mahari on penalties after the teams finished 1-1 at the end of regulation time.
Gabil converted two of their four attempts in the shootout, while Chambugong failed to convert any of their four penalties, giving Gabil a 2-0 victory in the shootout.
Gabil Mahari will now meet Mangsang Mahari in the women’s final.
The tournament’s grand finals are scheduled for September 21 at the P.A. Sangma Football Stadium.
Organisers have also made temporary arrangements at the stadium in view of ongoing construction and repair work on the western side of the complex. One of the stadium’s four corner floodlights has been removed due to the work on the western stand.
A temporary bamboo lighting tower has been installed to provide illumination for the final. Organisers said the arrangement is temporary and has been made to facilitate the smooth conduct of the title decider.
Ticket prices for the final will remain unchanged, with general stand tickets for the North and South stands priced at Rs 50 and VIP stand tickets at Rs 100. Ticket counters will be opened directly in front of the stadium on the morning of the final.
