In an electrifying showdown, Nagpur claimed victory in the 2023-24, Western Indian Football Association (WIFA) Inter-District Men’s Championship, securing their second consecutive title with a thrilling 1-0 win over Mumbai in a tense final at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Stadium on February 5, 2024.
Nagpur’s journey to glory was marked by resilience, as they conquered formidable adversaries such as Gondia and Kolhapur in the quarterfinals and semifinals, respectively.Captain Fahad Azmi played a pivotal role, netting three crucial goals out of the team’s total of six throughout the competition.
Mumbai’s resurgence in the Championship was remarkable, ending a five-year absence from the finals. The team displayed admirable determination, clinching significant victories over Pune and Jalna on their way to the championship match against Nagpur.
The final showdown between Nagpur and Mumbai was filled with tension from the start, attracting a large turnout of fans eager to witness the spectacle. Despite Mumbai’s commendable efforts, Fahad Azmi proved to be the game-changer, putting Nagpur in the lead in the 25th minute. With this advantage, Nagpur played with heightened confidence, but Mumbai persisted relentlessly, refusing to accept defeat.
As the match progressed, Mumbai’s attempts to score were thwarted by Nagpur’s solid defense. The game became more intense towards the end, with both teams receiving five yellow cards each in injury time. Eventually, Nagpur emerged victorious with a 1-0 win over Mumbai. In the battle for third place, Pune defeated Kolhapur in a penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw after 90 minutes, leading to a penalty shootout. Pune ultimately secured the third-place position with a 4-2 victory in penalties.