Defending champions Punjab and Minerva Academy also from Punjab have set up an all-Punjab final on Thursday by registering big wins in their respective semi-finals played on the Raia grounds in the Dream Sports championships-AIFF junior league on Tuesday.
While Punjab beat Bengaluru 5-2 in the evening, Minerva beat Classic academy of Manipur 5-1 in the morning in fast paced games. In the evening semi-finals, fortunes were evenly shared in the first 40 minutes of the game. However, Punjab forward, Kamlesh Chand hammered in two quick goals in the 42nd and 45th minute to help his team lead 2-0 at half time. In the second half, Bengaluru showed better resolve but continued to miss scoring opportunities.
Punjab on the other hand did not waste opportunities inside the box, with mid-fielders Jasmeet Singh ( 57th minute) and Ayush Koul ( 59th) increasing the tally to 4-0. This is when Bengaluru’s tall forward, Hrishikesh Manavathi scored twice in the 63rd and 66th minute via a penalty kick to create a flutter in the Punjab camp.
But, the Punjab defence remained resolute and substitute K Bikash Singh hammered a pile driver from the right plank in the end of stoppage time to make it 5-2 for the defending champions.
The first semi-final was virtually an “all-Manipur” football game, when Minerva, with several Manipuris in their ranks taking on Classic academy of Manipur. Classic drew first blood when they scored via C. Thoihenba Singh in the 20th minute and managed to successfully ward off the relentless Minerva attacks for another 25 minutes.
However, the floodgates were thrown wide open, the moment the diminutive, L Haokip, one of the best mid-fielders of the tournament scored the first of his two goals in the 44th minute. This was soon followed by his team-mate, L Mahesh Singh who scored in the 47th minute to allow their team to lead 2-1 at half-time.
The second half solely belonged to Minerva who attacked the Classic goal relentlessly. M. Azam Khan ( 72nd minute penalty), L Fanai ( 75th min) and L Haokip ( 87th min penalty) completed Classic’s rout.
FINAL: Punjab vs Minerva, Atal stadium, Bambolim, 4pm, free entry for the public.
