The Golden Girls from Manipur, Coached by “Golden Tomba”, Are Ready to Set IWL 2 on Fire

Friendly · Classic Football Academy, Loitang

The Golden Girls from Manipur, coached by “Golden Tomba”, are ready to set IWL 2 on fire. In their final test in Imphal, they lost 3–1 to PurePlay India’s team of former India Internationals and National Footballers, then took the legends all the way to penalties.

By PurePlay India Sports Desk · 17 October 2026

Youth Welfare Club, Manipur, coached by former India International Wangkheirakpam Tomba Singh, played their last friendly in Imphal on Friday before leaving for Odisha on 19 October for their Indian Women’s League 2 campaign. The opponents were PurePlay India’s team of former India Internationals and National Footballers, a men’s side brought together at short notice.

The YWC line-up also featured the club’s six India U17 players who helped the Young Tigresses qualify for the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2027.

A football mecca at sunset

The match was played at sunset at the Classic Football Academy ground in Loitang, with hillside on two sides of the pitch. The ground is a view to behold, and its green grass and soft surface make it a mecca for footballers.

How the game unfolded

Both teams tried to control midfield from the start, with short, quick passes through the middle to release their forwards. The YWC women did exceptionally well to keep strong possession against a far more experienced side, but went in 1–0 down at half-time.

YWC came out more attacking after the break. Two world-class, line-breaking through balls undid much of that effort, and although YWC created five or six big chances, the men’s team’s height advantage told in both boxes. YWC eventually pulled one back with a beautiful team goal: quick passing and interchange in the final third.

The match ended 3–1, and the teams went to a penalty shootout, which PurePlay India XI won 3–2.

Golden Tomba’s verdict

Coach Tomba said he was satisfied with the overall performance and the match fitness of his team. He is confident the squad is capable of creating history and bringing glory to Manipur.

He thanked PurePlay India for arranging the game, and Classic Football Academy for its continued support of YWC’s IWL 2 campaign this season.

The nursery behind the pitch

Classic Football Academy has been one of Manipur’s best feeder academies in recent years. It has produced top talents in the age-group categories, and many of its players have gone on to bigger youth academies and clubs and done very well. Former India footballer and Bengaluru youth coach Potshangbam Renedy Singh has played a key role in developing the academy’s young players and shaping its future, with the vision and support of the club owners.

What’s next

The Golden Girls leave for Odisha on 19 October. The Indian Women’s League 2 begins on 24 October, and YWC open their campaign that day against Pune Krida Prabodhini. If Friday was any guide, IWL 2 had better be ready for them.

Disclosure: PurePlay India organised this match and is the official consultant and media partner of YWC, Manipur.