RFDL 2024-25: Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Classic FA join Jamshedpur FC, FC Goa in semi-finals

So far, the tournament has seen 285 high-octane matches, and is now down to the much-awaited semi-finals & final, with the four best teams in the country vying for India's premier U-21 crown. To add to the excitement, the four teams have qualified for the 2025 edition of the Premier League Next Generation Cup presented by Reliance Foundation. The tournament provides India’s talented young footballers an opportunity to compete with their counterparts from the Premier League Academies.

On the final matchday of the RFDL National Group Stage on Saturday, Muthoot FA registered a resounding 3-1 win over Dempo SC, unfortunately, it wasn't enough for the side to make it to the National Championship, thus ending their RFDL 2024-25 on a high. The Kerala side showed intent right from the first kick of the game and kept the Dempo SC defenders on their toes throughout the 90 minutes. Muhammed Ansil K drove first blood for Muthoot, giving them a much deserved lead in the 18th minute when he tapped in a free-kick from Abin Rajan. However, the Golden Eagles rallied to get an equalizer in the 32nd minute. Murphy Fernandes was brought down inside the box and the referee pointed straight towards the penalty spot. Skipper Sairon Albuquerque made no mistake to drive it in and pulled Dempo level.

Muthoot FA came back stronger in the second half and immediately took their lead back in the 49th minute. Arjun MM's aerial cross was met by substitute Alfas K E with a simple tap-in, putting his side in the driver's seat again. Dempo SC had their fair share of chances to get back into the game, but lack of finishing left them heads in hands. Eventually, Muthoot FA put the game to bed in the dying minutes when Alfas sent Febil K through on goal, who struck right in the centre of the goal to make it 3-1.
Meanwhile, a tense final fixture between Classic FA and Mohun Bagan ended in a goalless draw. The two sides were equally matched in all areas throughout the game and could not break the deadlock. The result meant both sides booked their place in the RFDL 2024-25 National Championship, joining Jamshedpur FC and FC Goa.

Earlier, Mumbai City FC and Sreenidi Deccan FC concluded their RFDL 2024-25 campaign with an exciting 2-2 draw. Supratim Das had expertly given the Islanders the lead in the 32nd minute by chipping the ball above the goalkeeper and into the back of the net, but R Lalbiakliana pulled one back for the Telangana based side just before the half time. After the restart, Emboklang Nongkhlaw scored Sreenidi Deccan's second goal in the 67th minute with a perfectly-driven left footed attempt in the top left corner. However, Mumbai City FC left it till the end to find the equalizer through substitute Aadil Khan.

Brief Scores
Mumbai City FC 2 (32' Supratim Das, 88' Aadil Khan) - Sreenidi Deccan FC 2 (44' R Lalbiakliana, 67' Emboklang Nongkhlaw)

Muthoot FA 3 (18' Muhammed Ansil K, 49' Alfas K E, 90+3' Febil K) - Dempo SC 1 (32' Sairon Albuquerque (P))

Classic FA 0 - Mohun Bagan Super Giant 0

National Championship Fixtures
Thursday | 10th April 2025
8:00 AM | Jamshedpur FC vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant
6:00 PM | Classic FA vs FC Goa

The RFDL 2024-25 National Group Stage matches are streamed live on RF Youth Sports YouTube channel.