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Minerva Punjab FC eased past Mohammedan Sporting Club 3-0 in the final to triumph in the inaugural U-13 Youth League at the Barasat Stadium in Kolkata today, May 8.
Mohammedan Sporting more than played their part in an entertaining final, but it was Minerva Punjab FC’s energy that would light up the occasion and provide a thrilling end to a thoroughly entertaining tournament.
Minerva Punjab FC who lead 1-0 at the interval scored through Longjam Swami Singh (3rd minute) and Himanshu Jangra (45th and 46th minute) at the Vidyasagar Stadium in Barasat, Kolkata.
Although Minerva Punjab FC went into the game as hot-favourites, Mohammedan Sporting began the game in attacking mode and could have taken the lead in the first minute itself. Skipper Sujay Budhuk did well to cut in past a couple of defenders from the left but his powerful drive sailed inches over the horizontal.
While the Young Panthers pressed high up, Minerva Punjab FC managed to take the lead against the run of the play at the other end. Winger Swami Singh capitalized on an error by Mohammedan Sporting custodian Sakirul Islam from a header to put his team ahead.
Having conceded early on, Mohammedan Sporting began attacking with intensity through Mohammed Zeedan, Nabakumar Santra and Sujay, but Minerva Punjab FC showed character to hold on and at the same time also managed to create chances of their own only to miss with their strikers Tongbram Maheron Singh and Himanshu, as the first half ended 1-0.
The second half was a similar story as Mohammedan Sporting dominated the majority of the proceedings looking for the equaliser and almost camped in the rival half.
Mohammedan Sporting looked to catch Minerva Punjab FC on the counter-attack, but poor finishing proved to be their downfall as they wasted a number of good opportunities to level the scoreline.
However, Minerva Punjab FC ended Mohammedan Sporting’s hopes of a comeback with back-to-back goals through their skipper Himanshu in the 45th and 46th minute respectively.
Meanwhile, Mohammedan Sporting at the other end had their best chance of the game when Sujay slid in a teasing low ball for Tapan Soren, who just managed to direct an effort on target, but Minerva Punjab FC keeper Charles Tongbram had come quickly off his line to make a brave block in the 64th minute.
Minerva Punjab FC had a golden chance to go further up in the 68th minute when Maheron found himself in space inside the area but his first touch let him down and the opportunity slipped by because of poor technique.
In additional time, Mohammedan Sporting went all out for some late goals but Minerva Punjab FC did well to protect their lead as the match ended 3-0 for Minerva Punjab FC to clinch the title.
