They squeeze past Minerva Academy 6-4 via tie-breaker in final
Panaji: Punjab FC completed a hat-trick of titles in the Dream Sports–AIFF Junior League, edging past Minerva Academy 5-3 in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in regulation time at the Atal Stadium in Bambolim on Thursday.
Minerva began strongly and controlled the opening 35 minutes, but Punjab stood firm defensively before taking the lead against the run of play. Captain Jasmeet Singh struck in the 38th minute with a composed low finish following a swift counter-attack down the right flank.
Minerva responded after the break and restored parity in the 49th minute through Azam Khan, who bundled the ball home amid a goalmouth scramble.
With neither side able to find a winner in normal time, the match went to penalties. Minerva converted through Konthoujam Denamoni, Greatson Hidam and MD Azam Khan, but Punjab were flawless in the shootout with Jasmeet Singh, Akash, Ayush Koul, Kabyansh Rai and Pawandeep Singh all scoring.
Punjab goalkeeper Augustasya Gupta also made a crucial save from Minerva substitute Ramung Zimik, sealing a 5-3 shootout victory and a third consecutive junior league title for Punjab FC.
