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It’s been a double delight for Minerva Academy in the 59th All India Principal Harbhajan Tournament as they have clinched the title in both U17 and Senior categories.
Minerva Delhi FC had been dominant all throughout the tournament, they haven’t conceded a single goal in the tournament.
In the first match, Minerva Delhi FC defeated International FC in their first group stage game courtesy of Arthur Kouassi’s second-half brace.
A draw was all they needed to qualify for the semifinals of the tournament against Techtro Swades United FC, Minerva Delhi FC comfortably won the game by two goals courtesy of a banger from Karandeep at the stroke of half-time and a goal from Laiwaang Bohham in the second half.
A sterner test followed as they were going to face CRPF, Jalandhar in the semifinals, the defense remained solid all throughout the game, the only goal in the match came at the last quarter from the brilliant header by Saydou.
Minerva Delhi FC defeated Khalsa Warriors FC in the final of the 59th All India Principal Harbhajan Tournament courtesy of a side-foot volley from Arthur Kouassi in the 27th minute of the game. Arthur Kouassi was adjudged the player of the tournament, scoring three goals in four appearances. The tournament had been a perfect start to the pre-season campaign for Minerva Delhi FC.
After the 3rd JCT Punjab League was paused due to the ongoing pandemic, it was the first tournament in a month for the U-17 guys, they faced Namdhari Football Academy in their pre-quarterfinal match, it was a dominant display from the boys as they got a healthy two goals lead inside the first quarter courtesy of an F.Malsawmdawngpuia’s finish and another from Gwgwmsar Gayary. In the second half, Minerva Academy added two more goals to the scoreboard, Lalpekhlua got his first goal in the 48th minute and Dwanga gets his second of the match in the 51st minute.
In the quarterfinal, Minerva Academy faced JCT Football Academy and stunned everyone with a fine comeback with 10 men. JCT were leading at the break, Gwgwmsar equalized it at the start of the second half but the Minerva again pegged back by JCT soon, Minerva Academy showed excellent composure as they fought back in the match from Gwgwmsar’s header. Then the match went into the tie-breaker, where Minerva ran out comfortable winners courtesy of Himanshu Jaiswal’s heroics where he stepped up and saved the second penalty whereas Rakshit, Nakul, Lalpekhlua scored from the spot-kick and sealed a place in the semi-finals.
In the semifinal, Minerva Academy faced Mahadani S. Kundan Singh FA where they were successful in outclassing the opponents by four goals. Gwgwmsar Gayary (2), Rakshit, Lalpekhlua found themselves on the scoresheet.
In the much-awaited final against Sant Baba Singh FA, Minerva Academy managed to get two early goals inside the first quarter courtesy of Gwgwmsar and Lalpekhlua’s fine strikes from outside the box, where they managed to keep the lead for the next part of the game where Sant Baba Singh FA was managed to get one consolation goal. Gwgwmsar Gayary had been named the Best Player of the Tournament with six goals in four games.
