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Bengaluru FC Under-16s went down 0-1 to Minerva Punjab FC in the semifinal of the U-16 Youth League for the Nike Premier Cup at the Cooperage Stadium in Mumbai on Wednesday. A Nongdamba Naorem goal early in the second half settled the tie as John Kila’s side suffered their first ever competitive defeat.
Having secured top-spot in Group C with two wins and one draw, the Blue Colts started on the offensive with returning striker Nonganba Singh leading the attack line as Amay Morajkar sat deep in the Blue Colts’ midfield.
Despite several forays into the Minerva Punjab area, the young Blues were unable to add the finishing touch as the Punjab-side held on for a goalless scoreline at the break.
For all their pressure in the first half, it was a set-piece that allowed Minerva Punjab to take the lead as a corner was met by a towering header from Naorem in the 52nd minute. Bengaluru FC threw the kitchen sink at the Minerva Punjab defence in the closing stages and it almost paid off as a looped free-kick from Morajkar found a header but it was straight at the ’keeper.
Kila was full of praise for his young side, who he said exceeded expectations by entering the penultimate stage of the competition.
“These boys have done really well to reach this stage and I am very proud of them. They’ve only been together a few months and have done immensely well. I’m looking forward to working with them and soon, I’m sure they will be winning tournaments,” Kila said after the clash.
Ozone FC Bengaluru take on Minerva Punjab FC in the final of the Nike Premier Cup at the Cooperage Stadium on Friday, February 10.
