(MOREPIC1) Face2News/Chandigarh
Minerva Academy Football Club extended their dream run in the AIFF Junior League 2025–26 with a commanding 7–1 win over Namdhari FC, registering their second consecutive victory of the campaign. The emphatic triumph once again highlighted Minerva’s attacking prowess, tactical discipline, and impressive squad depth as they maintained a flawless start to the tournament.
Right from kickoff, Minerva dictated proceedings with high-intensity pressing and swift ball movement, consistently troubling the opposition defence. Their early dominance paid off when Mahtab Singh opened the scoring with a composed finish after a well-orchestrated attacking move.
Buoyed by the lead, Minerva continued to control possession and territory. Mahtab soon doubled his tally, capitalising on space inside the box to extend the advantage. The relentless pressure forced repeated defensive lapses from Namdhari FC, and just before halftime, Laishram Mahesh added a third goal to cap a commanding first-half display, giving Minerva a comfortable 3–0 lead at the break.
The second half saw Minerva introduce fresh legs through multiple substitutions, underlining the team’s depth and bench strength. The changes paid immediate dividends as Mahesh struck again early in the period to make it 4–0.
Although Namdhari FC managed to pull one back, Minerva responded calmly and quickly regained control. Their structured build-up play and disciplined approach continued to create openings in the final third.
Substitute Haokip made a major impact off the bench, scoring a clinical brace. Both goals came from well-crafted team moves, with the forward demonstrating sharp positioning and composure to finish at the far post, further stretching Minerva’s lead.
In stoppage time, Ramung added the final flourish with a goal in the 91st minute, sealing a comprehensive 7–1 victory and completing a dominant all-round performance.
With this result, Minerva Academy FC have now netted a remarkable 23 goals in just two matches while conceding only once — one of the strongest starts in the competition so far. Their performances reflect the club’s hallmark attacking philosophy, defensive solidity, and collective discipline nurtured through their youth development system.
Minerva Academy FC will next travel to Ludhiana on 12 February to face YFC Khad, where they will aim to continue their winning momentum in the AIFF Junior League.
