Kalinamei FC crowned Mao League 2025 champions with 2-1 victory against Song Song FC
Source: The Sangai Express

Senapati, August 17 2025: As the final whistle blew, sold out crowd at Asufii Football Academy, Punanamei-Mao erupted into cheers and tears as Kalinamei FC defeated Mao League giant Song Song FC by 2-1 margin at Asufii Football Academy Artificial Turf Ground.

Dominant till the last minute Kalinamei FC edged past confident Song Song FC to lift the coveted Mao League 2025-26 title in the presence of MLA Losii Dikho, Chief Secretary PK Goel, PHED Secretary Worshang, DC Mamoni Doley, ADM, SDOs, CEO ADC Senapati, Govt.Officers, sponsors & promoters, CSOs, Local leaders and noisy football enthusiasts.

It were giant slayer Kalinamei FC who scored both the first and second goals in a span of 6 minutes before Song Song FC replied in the 71 st minute.

Kalinamei FC crowned Mao League 2025 champions with 2-1 victory against Song Song FC

It was too late for the title favorites as Kalinamei team reinforced their defence to ward off a barrage of attacks till the last extra minutes.

Impressed on his maiden visit to Senapati District, Manipur's new Chief Secretary PK Goel congratulated Kalinamei FC before giving away the champions trophy.

Many other prizes and recognition were also awarded on the occasion by different dignitaries present.

It may be noted that, Song Song FC reached the final after defeating Mao League favorites Punanamei FC by solitary goal in the semi finals match while Kalinamei FC won by penalties in semi against Robunamei FC who were actually leading from the first half but lost in the penalty shootout.

This year's Mao Football League witnessed many first time records including organizing the matches purely on artificial turf international standard size ground.

While local players were given first preference, 60 hired professional players from different Northeast States also played amongst those 10 Mao village football clubs.

All the 10 participating teams were only coached by AIFF/AFC certified coaches while officiating referees and matches officials are also AIFF certified.

Notably, the grand final match was officiated by AIFF 'A' certified National referees & officials.

The Asufii Football Academy (AFA) is first of its kind in Manipur with a well equipped Football facilities including a dedicated residential complex for players in different categories, certified coaches, artificial turf standard size Football ground along with natural standard ground and two other artificial turf on smaller size, all within the AFA complex overlooking the scenic Manipur-Nagaland border mountains.

Presently, AFA is imparting the "beautiful game" skills for Under-10, Under-14, Under-16, Under-18, Under-20 categories.

AFA has 10 professional & certified coaches with one Technical Director who is AFC 'A' licensed.

It also has a AFC 'B' certified Youth Development Head.

The academy has around 100 young players who are on residential coaching.

According to sources, the U-16 and U-18 players are in hectic preparation to participate in the upcoming Zonal round AIFF youth league 2025 likely to be played in November-December this year.