Minerva colts start off in style

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, November 23

Punjab-based Minerva Academy Football Club handed a 6-0 drubbing to Thau Football Academy, Manipur, on the second day of the 15th Administrator’s Challenge Cup All India Football Tournament here today.

Defending champions Minerva were on top of their game right from the word go and put their eastern counterparts under pressure with a free-flowing game. 

In the 8th minute of the play, Jagjeet sent in a cross from the left flank, Thau defender Inabhuna tried to clear the low ball but failed, providing Minerva’s Vikram an opportunity to score and he did not disappoint.

Buoyed by an early lead, Minerva looked in total control and dominated their opponents in every department. 

In the 16th minute, Minerva boys again initiated a move from the left flank, Jagjeet once more sending in a low height cross inside the Thau Academy penalty area, which was converted by Ajjo.

Three minutes later, a Thau defender deliberately pushed a Minerva player inside the penalty area and referee Jitender had no hesitation in awarding the Punjab side a penalty kick. Ajjo scored from the spot to lead Minerva 3-0 into the break.

After half time, both the teams slowed down as Minerva played for possession to hold Thou.  

The defending champions finally pumped in another goal in the 76th minute, Vikram increasing his tally with a powerful volley from 20 yards. 

Minerva boys scored two more goals in the dying minutes of the game to eventually seal the match 6-0. In the 88th minute, Kartik advanced from the left flank and pushed in a diagonal pass just in front of the penalty box and Gibson converted by placing the ball in the net.

Gibson struck again in the last minute to complete the rout.

Chandigarh Football Association held

In another match, Chandigarh Football Association held Kuljeet Football Academy to a 1-1 draw. Jashampreet Singh put Kuljeet Academy ahead in the 10th minute, while Alankar scored the equaliser for Chandigarh Football Academy in the 69th minute.  

CFA boys beat Bhutia School

In the last match of the day, Chandigarh Football Academy (CFA) overcame Bhaichung Bhutia Soccer School 3-2. 

Gobind Das put Chandigarh Academy ahead in 28th minute, before Taison Singh doubled the lead in the 57th minute. Muvesh reduced the deficit for Bhutia School in the 59th minute, but five minutes later, Taison struck again to make it 3-1 for Chandigarh Academy boys.     

Arun scored for the Bhutia School in 80th minute, but the goal had little bearing on the final score as Chandigarh Academy wrapped the match 3-2.