On May 31, 2025 (Saturday), in the afternoon, Bethlehem Vengthlang and Republic Veng faced off in the final of the LBS Suzuki 22nd Inter Branch YMA Football Tournament 2025 at RG Stadium. The match ended in a 1-1 draw after regular time, with no goals scored in extra time. Republic Veng won 6-5 in a penalty shootout, securing the championship.
The match was thrilling, with spectators highly enthusiastic. In the first half, both teams defended well, but Bethlehem Vengthlang pressed harder. They created dangerous chances and scored a goal with five minutes left in the first half. At the 40th minute, Giroud delivered a precise pass to Rammawia, who controlled it, entered the box, and slotted a beautiful shot into the bottom corner. At halftime, Bethlehem Vengthlang led 1-0.
The second half began with Bethlehem Vengthlang, the leaders, starting strongly. They controlled the game, while Republic Veng fought to seize opportunities. Around the 45 yards, Republic Veng earned a free kick, which C. Hriata took, shooting directly at the goalkeeper. Bethlehem Vengthlang’s goalkeeper, Muansanga, failed to hold it cleanly, and Munez capitalized on the rebound to score in the 66th minute, equalizing for Republic Veng.
Republic Veng grew bolder and scored a second goal in the 79th minute when C. Hriata’s shot was not held by the goalkeeper. However, the goal was disallowed due to a foul by Valpuia. Several half-chances followed, but no further clear scoring opportunities arose. Regular time ended with both teams tied at 1-1.
In extra time, Republic Veng earned another free kick around the 30 yards. Valpuia took it, but Muansanga parried the shot, and Munez’s follow-up attempt went over the bar. Extra time concluded without additional goals, leading to a penalty shootout.
In the shootout, after five penalties each, the score was tied at 3-3. Bethlehem Vengthlang’s Ramzauva and Dinpuia missed their shots, while Republic Veng’s Valpuia and Zirtea also failed to score. In sudden death, after seven penalties each, the score was 5-5. Bethlehem Vengthlang’s Rochhuanga missed, and after eight penalties, Republic Veng clinched a 6-5 victory.
This is Republic Veng’s second championship in the Inter Branch YMA Football Tournament. On their path to the final, they defeated Zemabawk East, Chanmari, Samlukhai, Khawzawl Zuchhip, Khawzawl Vengthar, Sialhawk, and Durtlang, before overcoming Bethlehem Vengthlang to claim the title.
The LBS Suzuki 22nd Inter Branch YMA Football Tournament 2025 featured 154 teams. The top scorer was Bawngkawn’s striker MS Dawngliana with 12 goals. Republic Veng’s RS Lallawmzuala was named Best Goalkeeper, and their captain, Lalnunzira, was also selected as Best Player. Bethlehem Vengthlang, the runners-up, received the Fair Play Award.