Punjab FC Triumphs Over Minerva Academy to Secure AIFF U-15 Junior League Title

Punjab FC Claims U-15 Junior League Championship

Jamshedpur (Jharkhand) [India], May 28: In a thrilling final at the JRD Tata Complex, Punjab FC emerged victorious against local rivals Minerva Academy FC, clinching the AIFF U-15 Junior League 2024-25 title with a narrow 1-0 win. The decisive moment came in the first half when Keisham Bikash Singh scored, marking the club's second youth league title this season, following their Under-17 team's success in the AIFF U-17 Elite Youth League earlier this month.

The match's sole goal was netted in the 40th minute, following a low cross from Arambam Deepak Singh that the Minerva defense struggled to clear. The deflection off Bikash Singh found its way into the bottom corner, sealing the game for Punjab FC. The team's defense, anchored by Khupkhanlian, Maibam Mangalsana Meitei, and Prabhjot Singh, held strong, with captain Jasmeet Singh effectively managing the midfield. Prabhjot Singh was honored with the 'Player of the Final' award for his outstanding performance, while goalkeeper Augustasya Gupta made several crucial saves to preserve the lead.

In the quarterfinals, Punjab FC narrowly defeated Parappur FC Kerala 1-0, thanks to a goal from Jasmeet Singh. They showcased their dominance in the semi-finals, overpowering East Bengal with a 5-1 victory, where Keisham Bikash Singh scored twice, complemented by goals from Taibang Nganba Takhellambam, Prabhjot Singh, and Arambam Deepak Singh.

Punjab FC advanced to the knockout stage by finishing second in Group C of the final round. After an initial setback against Minerva Academy FC, where they lost 1-4, they rebounded with wins over Football 4 Change Academy, Manipur (4-1) and Jamshedpur FC (3-0), securing their place in the knockout rounds.

Coached by Sandeep Alhan, the team finished second in the North Zone Regional Group stage, qualifying for the Playoffs of the Final Round. They scored a remarkable eight goals against Namdhari Sports Academy and Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools, and defeated Sri Dashmesh Martial Sports Academy 4-0, with their only loss being a 1-6 defeat to Minerva Academy FC. In the Playoffs, Punjab FC triumphed over Kerala Blasters and Alchemy International FA, Bengaluru, both with 4-1 scores, to reach the final round.

The youth teams of Punjab FC have had an exceptional season, qualifying for the National Championship across all age categories and winning the AIFF U-17 Elite Youth League earlier this month. Their Sub-Junior team also reached the semi-finals of the AIFF Sub-Junior League 2024-25, where they narrowly lost to FC Madras in a penalty shootout after a goalless draw in regulation time.