Minerva Academy Hold Their Nerve to Defeat Bengaluru FC and Reach the National Final Once Again

Defending champions Minerva Academy Football Club are through to the final of the AIFF Sub-Junior League 2025–26 after a dramatic semi-final victory over Bengaluru FC at the Madras FC Ground in Mahabalipuram on Monday evening.

In a contest filled with tension, tactical discipline, and late drama, Minerva Academy emerged victorious 5-3 on penalties after the match ended 1-1 in regulation time, keeping alive their dream of defending the national crown.

The semi-final kicked off at 4:30 PM on 11 May 2026, with Minerva Academy once again staying loyal to their attacking 4-3-3 structure, while Bengaluru FC lined up in a compact 4-5-1 formation designed to frustrate and counter.

From the opening whistle, the tactical contrast between the two sides became evident.

Minerva controlled possession, pressed aggressively, and pushed bodies high up the pitch, looking to break Bengaluru down through relentless attacking football. Bengaluru FC, meanwhile, stayed disciplined inside a compact low block, remaining organised defensively and waiting for opportunities to strike on the counterattack.

The result was a fiercely contested battle.

Minerva moved the ball with urgency and intensity, creating pressure through quick passing combinations and overlapping runs, while Bengaluru’s defensive line stood firm under constant pressure. Every attack from Minerva was met with resistance, and every counterattack from Bengaluru carried danger.

Despite several promising moments for both sides, the opening half ended goalless.

The second half followed a similar pattern, but with even greater intensity.

Minerva Academy began dominating larger phases of the game. Their midfield controlled the rhythm, their pressing forced repeated turnovers, and chance after chance began to arrive. Yet Bengaluru FC continued to defend with discipline and determination, throwing bodies in front of shots and denying space inside the box.

As the game moved toward its closing stages, tension around the ground continued to rise.

Then came the breakthrough.

In the 87th minute, Minerva Academy introduced T. Kipgen from the bench — and once again, the winger delivered in a decisive moment. After sustained pressure inside the penalty area, Minerva reacted quickest to a loose second ball, with Kipgen finishing clinically to finally break Bengaluru’s resistance and send the Madras FC Ground into celebration.

For a moment, it looked as though Minerva had secured the victory.

But football had one final twist left.

Deep into stoppage time, at 90+5 minutes, Bengaluru FC launched a quick counterattack. Catching Minerva high up the field, Bengaluru capitalised on the transition and found a dramatic equaliser, silencing the celebrations and pushing the semi-final into penalties.

What had been a tactical battle instantly became a test of nerve.

Under immense pressure, Minerva Academy showed the composure of champions.

Their penalty takers stepped forward with confidence, converting calmly and decisively, while their goalkeeper and defensive discipline ensured Bengaluru could not keep pace. Minerva eventually sealed the shootout 5-3, sparking emotional celebrations from players, staff, and supporters.

At the final whistle, relief quickly turned into pride.

This was not just a victory built on attacking football — it was one built on resilience, patience, and mentality. Against a disciplined Bengaluru side determined to frustrate them, Minerva Academy continued to believe, continued to attack, and ultimately found a way through.

The defending champions are now one step away from glory once again.

And after surviving one of the toughest tests of their campaign, Minerva Academy march into the national final with momentum, belief, and the heart of champions.