Minerva Punjab FC edge past Bengaluru FC to play second consecutive final of NPC

In a closely contested affair, Minerva Punjab FC U-16 etched out a 1-0 victory over Bengaluru FC U-16 in the second Semi-final of Nike Premier Cup

Defending champions Minerva Punjab FC are just one step away from their second Nike Premier Cup title in as many years. After carving out a close 1-0 win over Bengaluru FC colts, Minerva will now face another Bengaluru side Ozone FC, who defeated Shillong Lajong FC in the first semi Final.

Both the teams started on a cautious note playing end to end football but failing to break opposition defence. Minerva seemed a slightly a better side having managed a couple of shots that went off target. But in the 22nd minute, Minerva forward went down injured as he was soon replaced by Nongdamba Naorem.

Soon BFC came in the game with midfielder Amay Morajkar pulling the strings but in the end failing to break the deadlock. Both teams entered the break at score 0-0.

The second half started with blues looking to attack the right but it was Minerva that took the lead in the 50th minute. Striker Sahajahan’s perfect corner found substitute Nongdamba in place as he headed the ball straight into the net.

Blues started to attack in search of equaliser with a flurry of attacks but Minerva defence held on. In the last ten minutes, Bengaluru boys came very close in finding the net with a couple of free-kicks and some corners but failed to make any difference on the score-line.

In the first minute of injury time, Minerva had a chance to finish off the game with two close-range efforts being brilliantly saved by Blues defence. Minerva held on to the lead for the final few minutes without much trouble as the game ended 1-0.

Minerva Punjab will now face Ozone FC for the final of Nile Premier Cup on 10th Feb.

Bengaluru FC – Mohammed S (Gk), Tomnay Saha, Mohammad Khan, Rahul Rajan, Amay Morajkar(L Coloney 68’), Nonganba Singh, Lalrintluanga Chawnglut (Vijay Thangavel 57’), Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Ansar, Rajil S

Booking – Yellow – Arshdeep singh 66’

Minerva Punjab FC – Bharat Singh(GK), M. T. Singh, Ashem Meitei, Mohammed Shah, Arun Kumar, MD. ShahJahan, Amarjeet Mishra(Jagjeet Singh 55’), Naorem Singh, Taranpreet Singh, Luntinmang Haokip(N Naorem 22’), Md. Qais Khan(T J Singh 60’)

Booking – Yellow – Naorem Singh 82’, Md. Qais Khan 60’

Bengaluru FC 0 – 1 Minerva Punjab FC (Naorem 50’)

India Khelo Football Workshop returns to Mumbai for its 4th Season

The Indian Khelo Football (IKF) Workshop returns to Mumbai this September, bringing with it an exceptional platform for aspiring footballers to showcase their skills and seize opportunities that could transform…

Share

Somaiya FC announces trials for the upcoming 2024-25 Season

Somaiya FC, having secured a commendable 5th position in the MFA Super Division last season, has announced open trials as they gear up for upcoming season. The team, known for…

Share

VR Academy to conduct trials for 2024-25 Season

Mumbai based VR Academy has announced trials for the upcoming 2024-25 season. The club is looking for talented young players to join our esteemed academy and participate in various competitive…

Share

MH ORANJE FC U-17 Trials for the Upcoming Season

With a proud legacy of nurturing talent and achieving excellence, Maharashtra Oranje FC has recently made waves with appearances in I-League 2, securing a remarkable runner-up position in the fiercely…

Share

Football School of India announce trials for Young Talents

Football School of India (FSI) has announced trials for young football enthusiasts in the upcoming week of June. A golden opportunity for aspiring players to showcase their talents and potentially…

Share

Mumbai Super League club Charkop FC to conduct open trials for upcoming Season

Calling all aspiring football stars! Charkop FC, a MFA super division club based in Charkop, Kandivali, is set to conduct Open Trials for the upcoming season. About Charkop FC: In…

Share

Mumbai 42 Football Academy to conduct trials for Youth players

Newly established Mumbai 42 Football Academy will be conducting trials for young footballers in the upcoming week.

Share

SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players

SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…

Share

India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here

India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…

Share

Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind

Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.

Share