Minerva edge lajong in a five goal thriller
Minerva Punjab sensationally overcame a thunderous Shillong Lajong second-half comeback to take all 3 points eventually from their first home game at the Tau Devi Lal stadium in Chandigarh today (February 7, 2018).
Minerva started attacking heavily in the opening few minutes of the match and they were rewarded with a goal in the 5th minute. It came as an outcome of Sukhdev’s long throw-in which came rumbling down to Dano after multiple deflections and flicks. Dano volleyed it with utmost precision to finish in the top right corner of the net giving no chance to the keeper.
Shillong Lajong nearly conceded an own goal from another long throw in the 24th minute. Defense line of Minerva was really strong with Sukhdev and Dano’s rock solid partnership held Shillong’s attack comfortably.
Gagandeep set up Chencho in the 14th minute for a simple finish but he couldn’t sort his feet quickly and couldn’t hit the target from 6 yards out. William struck a rocket from 35 yards out in 28th-minute troubling Lajong keeper Phurba in the process who somehow managed to keep the shot out.
Minerva struck another one through Gagandeep Bali just seconds before halftime after setting off Chencho on the run down the right flank and meeting his low cross at the end of a great supporting run. The first half ended with a scoreline of 2-0 in favour of the home side. Shillong Lajong made a half-time substitution as Alen Deory joined the fray at the expense of Lalrohlua which made an instant impact for them. Lajong struck two back to back goals in a span of 3 minutes to put in life in the match.
A tad scuffle in the box followed by multiple clearance attempts gave Odafin a chance to take a shot at the loose ball from outside the box and he has found the elusive goal on the hour-mark. Three minutes later, Laurence Doe stunned the noisy Minerva supporters having scored the equaliser. As he was completely left unmarked, he had all the time and space to head it past a leaping Dagar to help his team equalise.
Minerva’s new signing Bazie Armand tried his luck to get back Minerva’s lead but his shot took a deflection for a corner kick. Gagandeep Bali finally restored Minerva’s lead in the 80th minute after a confusion among Shillong defenders leaving Gagandeep unmarked just outside the box. Shillong kept bombarding Minerva’s defence with further attacks almost scoring the equalizer in injury time but William’s goal-line clearance secured all three points for Minerva Punjab FC.
With this win, Minerva have dethroned Neroca FC at the top with 29 points from 13 matches whereas the Manipur-based outfit have amassed 27 points playing one match extra.
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / MFA Super League
Redefining Mumbai Football: The unique approach of India On Track FC
In a football landscape where clubs often prioritize short-term success over long-term sustainability, India On Track FC (IOT FC) stands out as a beacon of dedication, unity, and unwavering commitment…
Mohun Bagan Super Giant produce magnificent triumph to storm into second straight ISL final after 2-0 win against Odisha FC
Kolkata, April 28: Mohun Bagan Super Giant emerged triumphant against the Odisha FC by 2-0 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata tonight to win the second leg of their…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJ-GMSC Completes Unbeaten Season with Draw Against Millat FC
Kartik Strike in the first half seize’s MYJ-GMSC their unbeaten debut season in MFA Premier League In a high-octane Clash at the MFA Premier League, MYJ-GMSC faced off against Millat…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MH Oranje FC Seals Penultimate Game with Thrilling 2-1 Win Over Reliance FYC
Yogesh Kadam’s First-Half Brace Propels MH Oranje FC Toward a Strong Season Finish. MH Oranje FC clinched a significant 2-1 win over Reliance FYC in the penultimate game of the…
Mumbai City FC ease past FC Goa to set up blockbuster grand finale clash against ISL Champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Mumbai, April 29: Mumbai City FC set up a finals date with the Mohun Bagan Super Giant after defeating FC Goa by 2-0 in the second leg of their semi-final…
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…
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…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
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.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…