Chennai, May 14: Minerva Academy FC has claimed the title of the AIFF Sub-Junior League 2025-26 with an impressive 4-1 victory over Classic Football Academy.
On Wednesday, at Scamper Park in Mahabalipuram, Minerva Academy’s Khutheifam Mukhtar Rahman opened the scoring in the 8th minute with a stunning ‘Olympico’ goal, curling a corner directly into the net, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance.
Maintaining dominance on the ball and launching continuous attacks, Minerva Academy doubled their lead in the 27th minute. Nagaisingyo executed a brilliant tackle to dispossess Classic Football Academy’s midfielder Kangjam Rixson Singh, then struck a powerful low shot with his right foot that beat the goalkeeper.
In search of more goals, Minerva Academy found the net again in the 33rd minute. Captain Rimoson Singh Huidrom took a long-range shot that hit the post and bounced into the net, marking the team’s third goal.
By halftime, Minerva Academy had taken complete control of the match, registering seven shots on goal and holding 60% possession.
The second half started quietly, with both teams vying for midfield control. The pace of the game slowed, and both sides appeared somewhat disjointed.
However, Classic Football Academy found a glimmer of hope in the 70th minute. Following a corner kick, captain Ngangom Suman Singh scored with a brilliant header over the goalkeeper. They nearly scored again moments later, but Minerva Academy’s goalkeeper Tanmay made a spectacular save to maintain the two-goal advantage.
Minerva Academy soon regained control and created more chances to secure the match. In the 90th minute, Classic Football Academy’s defender Ngangom Suman Singh committed a reckless tackle on Minerva Academy’s substitute midfielder Thangmingun Kipgen inside the box, resulting in a penalty. Khumthem Lanchengba Meitei stepped up and calmly sent the goalkeeper Songarin the wrong way, sealing the score at 4-1.
Ultimately, Minerva Academy FC redeemed themselves after their loss in the finals of the previous year’s tournament, showcasing exceptional performance throughout this year’s competition.
Arpit Soni has had a passion for journalism since the beginning. Now he has turned this hobby into his profession. Arpit, who is a resident of Udaipur, enjoys editing and writing news related to journalism. He has worked as a Senior Content Producer in several important roles at Bhaskar, Patrika, Pratahkal, Punjab Kesari, and Times. Arpit completed his schooling in Udaipur and Jaipur. He has been working in the media industry for more than 10 years, and his journey is still continuing. ✍️📚
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