Minerva on course for semis

Tribune News Service

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Chandigarh, December 30 

Minerva Academy extended their impressive run in the Reliance Foundation Youth Sports National Football Championship as they downed Panampilly Nagar Government Higher Secondary School, Kochi, 5-0 to record their second successive win the tournament in Mumbai today.  

With today's victory, the side has also improved their chances of qualifying for the semifinals from Group A of the senior boys' category. 

Minerva had earlier defeated Rosary Higher Secondary School, Goa, 4-0 in their opening match.

Midfielder Makan Chothe and striker Konan Kouame powered the RFYS North Zone champions' surge, booting two goals each. 

Makan set the match up with a 15th minute strike before Konan pumped in the second for Minerva 

in the 33rd as the side went into the half-time with a 2-0 lead.

After the break, Panampilly boys managed to keep the rivals at bay for nearly 40 minutes, but the Minerva boys were not to be denied for long. They struck again, scoring three goals in four minutes, for a comprehensive victory.

Konan and Makan added to their tally in the 81st and 84th minute respectively, while striker Vivek Rana chipped in with an 83rd-minute strike.

Minerva juniors are also on course having won their opening match against OM Roy Memorial Higher Secondary School, Shillong. The side will play its second match of the tournament tomorrow. 

The RFYS National Championship semi-finals will be played at the Reliance Corporate Park, Ghansoli, on January 3 and 4 with the finals slated to be held on January 6.

Chanakya boys claim top spot

Chandigarh: Manmeet, Vansh and Sahil scored a goal each as Chanakya House overcame Vishwamitra House 3-2 to finish on top in the U-14 

inter-house football competition held at Tribune Model School here on Saturday. Sahil and Karan scored for Vishwamitra House. Dronacharya House ended in third place. Students from class VI to VIII participated in the event. — TNS