CHAMPIONS OF INDIA! MINERVA PUBLIC SCHOOL (CISCE) LIFTS 65TH SUBROTO CUP U-17 TITLE IN A 3-2 THRILLER OVER KERALA

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Minerva Public School (representing CISCE) were crowned champions of the 65th Edition Subroto Cup International Football Tournament (Junior Boys Under-17) after edging Kerala 3-2 in a high-octane Grand Final at the floodlit Ambedkar Stadium. Kicking off at 6:00 PM in front of an electric crowd and broadcast live nationally on Prasar Bharati Sports, the championship showdown pushed both sides to their limits before the young Minervans emerged victorious to hoist the historic trophy.

The grand finale showcased an enthralling tactical contest between two of the nation’s premier football powerhouses. Minerva took the pitch in their classic, fluid 4-3-3 formation, marshaled by captain Kh. Yoihenba in goal behind a disciplined backline of Sailex, Chingkhei, Tony, and Md Azam Khan. The midfield engine room featured Moosa, Punshiba Meitei, and Chetan Tiwari controlling the tempo, feeding an attacking trident of Mahesh, Yohenba, and center-forward Raj. Kerala met the occasion with an aggressive counter-attacking structure, setting up a physical, end-to-end clash for national supremacy.

Md Azam Khan Strikes Early in a Fast-Paced First Half

Minerva enforced their aggressive high press right from the opening whistle, suffocating Kerala’s buildup in their own half. The early pressure paid off in the 7th minute. Winger Mahesh drove past his marker on the right flank to reach the byline before cutting back a low pass across the edge of the area. Overlapping with speed and precision, Md Azam Khan met the delivery cleanly, curling a crisp first-time strike into the bottom left corner to hand Minerva an instant 1-0 lead.

Kerala responded with fierce determination, exploiting a transitional counter-attack to breach Minerva’s backline and level the scoreline. The remainder of the opening half turned into a fierce physical battle across the center of the park, with Chingkhei and Tony executing crucial last-ditch tackles to ensure both sides headed into the interval level at 1-1.

Punshiba Screamer and Azam Khan’s Second Seal Championship Glory

Minerva came out firing in the second half, dialing up their offensive tempo and dominating second balls through the midfield line. In the 39th minute, Minerva reclaimed the lead through individual brilliance from Punshiba Meitei. Picking up a loose clearance 25 yards out, Punshiba shifted the ball onto his right foot and unleashed a vicious, dipping long-range screamer that crashed into the roof of the net, sending the Minerva dugout into raptures.

Minerva doubled down on their momentum and struck what proved to be the decisive championship blow just seven minutes later. In the 46th minute, Minerva won a corner on the left side. Yohenba curled an inswinging delivery toward the far post, where Md Azam Khan rose above the Kerala defense to power a downward header into the net, sealing his personal brace and extending the lead to 3-1.

Kerala refused to bow out quietly, throwing numbers forward in the final stages and pulling a goal back to make it 3-2. However, Minerva showcased championship grit in the dying minutes anchored by crucial claims from goalkeeper Kh. Yoihenba and calm defensive management from Sailex and Moosa to hold off the late onslaught until the final whistle confirmed their coronation as Subroto Cup champions.