Minerva Academy FC Media

SRINAGAR: Minerva Academy FC will be playing their eighth match of the final round of the Second Division League today as they take on LoneStar Kashmir FC at the Synthetic Turf Stadium in Kashmir.

Minerva managed to secure a draw against Mohammedan Sporting in their last game while LoneStar Kashmir FC were beaten by Mohammedan Sporting.

Looking back at the first leg match between the two, the Minervans emerged the winner, courtesy of a goal from Bala and an own goal by LoneStar’s Vinay Kumar. Atinder Mani had earlier initiated the scoring for the Kashmiri side.

Second in the table with 12 points, four points behind Dempo SC, this match is of big significance for Minerva. Anything less than a win will serve as a big blow to Minerva’s chances of qualifying for the I-League.

“This is perhaps going to be our most important match till date. The result will dictate much of our future. Hence its a do-or-die match for us,” said coach Surinder Singh.

However, beating Minerva would not be easy for LoneStar Kashmir FC as they are yet to win a match against Minerva Academy FC this season. Both sides met three times in the 2nd Division I-League with Minerva winning twice while the only match between them in Srinagar ended in a goalless draw.

“We have been here before during the Zonal Round. The match was fantastic and it ended in a goalless draw. The point is, its always difficult to play here with the local team enjoying a massive crowd support,” coach Surinder Singh added.

LoneStar Kashmir have had a terrible final round as they have only managed to accumulate a solitary point from 6 games. They also have only managed to net just three goals. So it is all about playing for pride for the team from Kashmir.

The match kicks off at 4:00 PM