the goan I network
MARGAO
Defending champions Minerva Punjab FC prevailed over Aizawl FC 4-2 via tie-breaker to enter the finals of Nike Premier Cup at Panchayat ground, Nagoa on Tuesday
The closely-contested semi-final had ended goalless in regulation time before two misses in the penalty shoot-out proved costly for Aizawl. Minerva Punjab FC will take on DSK Shivajians in the grand finale at Bambolim stadium on February 8. DSK Shivajians knocked Bengaluru FC out 5-4 on penalties in the other semi-final.
Ajitkumar Meetei, Abishek Verma, Bijo Singh and Thoiba Singh scored for Minerva while Lalchhanhima Sailo missed in the penalty shootout. As for Aizawl, only David Ramtharlawma and R Lalruatkima scored with Lal Famikima and C Laiphei missing to hit the target.
From the start of the match, both sets of youngsters made an energetic start to the game..The first piece of goalmouth action arrived early on when Aizawl’s Lal Engliana squared a pass to Ayush Chhetri who could not connect with the ball as it went off-target.
At the other end, Minerva Punjab kept on creating chances. A move down the right flank saw Samson dink a ball into the box. The ball fell invitingly close to Hemam Bijo Singh who could not keep his shot down as it flew well over the bar. The defending champions had a host of goal-scoring chances but they were wasteful in front of the rival goal.
Crossing over Aizawl’s Famkima attempted a difficult chance when he tried to turn and shoot but Minerva keeper Jaskarenvir Singh had an easy save to make. Arjun Sharma also tried a tame shot that was easy pickings for Aizawl custodian Zodin Puia.
Time ran out and penalty ensued eventually where Minerva Punjab FC went onto win by the finest of margins.
Meanwhile, DSK Shivajians FC knocked out BFC to reach the Nike Premier Cup final for the first time ever. The game was decided in sudden death as DSK Shivjians emerged victors 5-4 via shoot-out after the match ended in a barren draw.
The result saw BFC lose the opportunity to advance to a first-ever final despite a dominant display in the 90 minutes of the game. With a penalty shoot-out needed to declare a winner, Bengaluru FC took the first kick in the shoot-out. Arkaprabha Das coolly converted his kick to put BFC 1-0 in front. DSK level things through Seigoumang Doungel as it became 1-1. Aryan Sonowal took the second kick but his attempt was saved by Rewang Dorjee Lepcha. But the referee instructed for a second take as Lepcha was off his line before the shot. Aryan beat Lepcha the second time out.
