Panaji: Punjab FC continued their dominance in the Dream Sports Championship-AIFF Junior League for the third straight edition as they edged past Minerva Academy FC 5-3 on penalties (1-1 at full time) at the Atal Stadium, Bambolim, on Thursday.
Match Summary
Punjab captain Jasmeet Singh worked tirelessly upfront to give his side the lead in the 38th minute with a composed finish. However, MD Azam Khan made it 1-1 minutes after the restart. The teams from Punjab were then left to settle scores in the tiebreaker, where Punjab goalkeeper Augustasya Gupta emerged as the hero with a save.
Jasmeet converted the final spot kick to confirm Punjab's hat-trick of triumphs. The winners celebrated in front of the opposition dugout, which upset Minerva manager Ranjit Bajaj. An altercation followed with Punjab coach Sandeep Alhan, and players engaged in pushing and shoving, but the situation was brought under control by the organisers after much drama.
First Half Action
Minerva dominated the opening exchanges but were found wanting in the final third. Just before the half-hour mark, a mis-pass at the back by Punjab allowed Minerva a clear look at goal, but Laishram Singh could not keep his shot on target with the rival goalkeeper nowhere in sight. At the other end, Punjab waited to catch their rivals on the counter. They took the lead against the run of play when Jasmeet calmly broke the offside trap, rounded Minerva keeper Gurtejveer Singh, and rolled the ball into the empty net.
Second Half and Penalties
Minerva responded four minutes into the second half as Azam poked in the equaliser. The left winger weaved his way into the box, evaded several tackles, and found the net from an acute angle. Thereafter, both teams had their share of chances but could not find the match-winner, and the outcome was settled in penalties.
Punjab goalkeeper Augustasya Gupta made a crucial save in the shootout, while Jasmeet Singh converted the decisive penalty to secure the title. The victory marks Punjab FC's third consecutive Junior League title, cementing their status as a dominant force in Indian youth football.
