Minerva Academy FC U16s - defending champions of the Premier Cup, a popular youth championship held in association with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) - have qualified for the final of the 2017 edition after downing Bengaluru FC colts 1-0 at the Cooperage stadium, Mumbai. Nongdamba Naorem scored the winner for The Warriors in the 52nd minute in a closely fought encounter.
They will take on the youth team of Ozone FC, a I-League second division outfit from Bengaluru, in the final after they dismantled Shillong Lajong 4-1 in the other semifinal. Ozone FC had a brace from Ignatius John and strikes from Ajay Alex and Manvir Singh to thank while Parvaj Bhuiya got the consolation for the team from Meghalaya.
The final will be held at the Cooperage stadium in Mumbai on 10th February, Friday.
Semifinal scores:
OZONE FC 4-1 SHILLONG LAJONG
GOALSCORER | MIN | TEAM |
Ignatius John | 20 | Ozone FC |
Ajay Alex (Pen) | 28 | Ozone FC |
Parvaj Bhuiya | 37 | Shillong Lajong |
Ignatius John | 75 | Ozone FC |
Manvir Singh | 90+3 | Ozone FC |
MINERVA ACADEMY 1-0 BENGALURU FC
GOALSCORER | MIN | TEAM |
Nongdamba Naorem | 52 | Minerva Academy |