Minerva Academy Football Club produced a commanding performance in their second away fixture of the AIFF Elite Youth League (Under-18), overpowering Himachal FC with a thumping 5–0 victory that perfectly captured the academy’s warrior spirit and attacking identity.
The opening half saw Minerva in complete control of proceedings. The boys in blue dictated tempo, pressed high, and created several goal-scoring opportunities, but luck and last-ditch defending kept the scoreline level at the break. Despite the lack of goals, Minerva’s intent was clear — dominance was only a matter of time.
The deadlock was finally broken in emphatic fashion in the 56th minute, when Lunkim took matters into his own hands. Showcasing outstanding individual brilliance, he went on a dazzling dribbling run, slicing through the defence before calmly finishing to give Minerva a deserved lead. The goal lifted the tempo further, and from that moment on, there was no stopping Minerva Academy.
Just minutes later, Azlansha doubled the advantage with a moment of sheer power and precision. Cutting past the left-back, he unleashed a rock-solid shot, driving the ball goalwards with conviction to make it 2–0, firmly shifting the match beyond Himachal FC’s reach.
Minerva continued to apply relentless pressure, suffocating their opponents and controlling every zone of the pitch. The dominance was rewarded again in the 85th minute, when Niranjoy struck a pure, clean finish, capitalising on Minerva’s sustained attacking momentum to extend the lead to 3–0.
As Himachal FC struggled to cope with the intensity, Minerva showed no mercy. In the 90th minute, Lunkim completed his brace, finding the net once again to register his second goal of the night, a fitting reward for an outstanding all-round performance.
The final blow came deep into stoppage time. In the 90+2 minute, Niranjoy struck again, putting the final nail in the coffin with his second goal of the match and sealing a comprehensive 5–0 victory for Minerva Academy FC.
Defensively, Minerva were just as impressive as they were in attack — organised, aggressive, and disciplined — ensuring a well-earned clean sheet in a challenging away fixture. The performance highlighted the squad’s depth, unity, and tactical maturity.
This emphatic win sends a strong message across the AIFF Elite Youth League (U-18). Minerva Academy FC are not just competing — they are imposing their identity, match after match, ground after ground. With intensity, intelligence, and fearless football, the journey continues for the Factory of Indian Football, as the boys in blue march forward with confidence and conviction.