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An interesting contest is on the cards, as three-time finalists Minerva Punjab FC take on first-time finalists DSK Shivajians FC for the prestigious Nike Premier Cup 2018 as the final of the U-15 Youth League is scheduled at the Bambolim Athletic Stadium in Goa tomorrow, February 8.
A win for Minerva Punjab FC will give them a hattrick of titles, having won the last two editions, while DSK Shivajians FC would look to wrap their hands around the trophy for the first time ever.
The two teams had to take the tie-breaker route in the semifinals to get to the final as DSK Shivajians FC pipped Bengaluru FC while Minerva Punjab FC downed Aizawl FC. And the two teams are prepared to give their everything in the final showdown.
“As in the semifinal, it won’t be that easy. It will be a good match to watch for the people who love this game. That is a boost for us also. And definitely, both teams would want to win it. We are preparing for tomorrow and show what we have,” a confident Minerva Punjab FC coach Harpreet Bedi said.
The Minervan youngsters put up a good show throughout the game against Aizawl FC and the coach feels it was their desire to fight until the end that got them through.
“It was pretty tight against Aizawl and the opportunity that our forwards were missing, it changed the feel of the game. In the end, they fought till the penalty shootout, I said to my players that it is not about luck and to keep their concentration and give hundred percent. And here we are,” Bedi added.
Meanwhile, DSK Shivajians FC are also thrilled to be in their first Nike Premier Cup final and they look back at how far they have got in this tournament.
“I have been watching Minerva and they are the toughest in the tournament and they have reached the final. The thinking of our boys is the same as they have been playing throughout the tournament. It’s been tough to play every game and match by match. But we have done it. Our boys have done well and we are positive about the match,” Ramesh Bista said.
He further added, “Our strength is the bonding we have and playing as a team. The boys have done hard work and that is why they are here.”
Interestingly, DSK Shivajians FC won 5-4 in penalties while Minerva Punjab FC won 4-2 after both their games had ended 0-0. That is a scenario that both would be looking to avoid.
“We don’t want the game to go into penalties and finish the game before. Because you never know what happens in the shootout but we want to win it in the game. And we are planning to showcase some good football,” Bista suggested.
Both teams have promised good football and it looks to be an interesting match-up. The kick-off is scheduled at 3:30pm.
