Chennai, May 14: Minerva Academy FC clinched the AIFF Sub-Junior League 2025-26 title with a resounding 4-1 victory over Classic Football Academy. The match took place at FC Madras’s Scamper Park in Mahabalipuram.
Minerva Academy’s Khutheifam Mukhtar Rahman opened the scoring in the 8th minute with a stunning ‘Olimpico’ goal, directly netting a corner-kick that left the goalkeeper with no chance. The team maintained their dominance, doubling their lead in the 27th minute when Nagizigyo stole the ball from Classic’s midfielder Kangjam Rixson Singh and scored with a powerful shot.
Captain Rimoson Singh Huidrom added a third goal in the 33rd minute with a long-range effort that hit the post before finding the net. Minerva continued to press for more goals, dominating possession with 60% and taking seven shots on target by halftime.
The second half began quietly as both teams sought to control the midfield. However, Classic Football Academy found a glimmer of hope in the 70th minute when captain Ngangom Suman Singh scored with a header from a corner-kick rebound. They nearly scored again shortly after, but Minerva’s goalkeeper Tanmay made a crucial save to preserve the two-goal lead.
Minerva regained control and secured their victory with a penalty in the 90th minute after a careless tackle by Classic’s defender on substitute midfielder Thangmingun Kipgen. Khumanthem Lanchengba Meitei converted the penalty, sealing the match at 4-1.
This victory allowed Minerva Academy FC to redeem themselves after losing in the finals of the previous year’s tournament.
Deependra Singh Chundawat is a Senior Sub-Editor at Udaipur Kiran, specializing in a wide range of technology topics including mobile phones, applications, gaming, PCs, and wearables. Along with covering the latest tech news, he also creates engaging web stories. Passionate about emerging technologies, he stays up to date with the newest trends and enjoys reading and writing about the latest mobile launches and digital innovations.
