Punjab FC 1 (Keisham Bikash Singh 40’)
beat
Minerva Academy FC 0

AIFF Media Team

Jamshedpur: Punjab FC were crowned champions of the AIFF Junior League 2024–25 after edging out Minerva Academy FC 1-0 in a tense final at the JRD Tata Sports Complex in Jamshedpur on Wednesday, May 28, 2025.

Keisham Bikash Singh’s opportunistic goal in the 40th minute proved decisive on a day when Punjab’s defensive organisation and goalkeeping heroics outshone Minerva’s attacking flair.

The win not only handed Punjab the prestigious national title, but also allowed them to avenge their only loss of the tournament, an earlier group stage defeat to the same Minerva Academy side. 

Minerva had entered the final on a five-match winning streak and were widely regarded as favourites, having been the highest-scoring side in the competition. But when it mattered most, Punjab delivered a tactical and defensive masterclass.

The final kicked off under heavy rain, making conditions slippery and forcing both teams into a cautious start. As the weather cleared and the sun began to shine, both sides grew into the match. Minerva tried to impose themselves on the match through aggressive play but Punjab were up to the challenge with compact, disciplined defending.

It was, however, a defensive lapse that changed the game in the 40th minute. A low cross was fired into the Minerva penalty area from the right wing. Defender Wankheirakpam Punshiba Meetei misjudged the ball, and his attempted clearance struck the onrushing Keisham Bikash Singh. The deflection ricocheted past goalkeeper Gurtejveer Singh Virdi and rolled over the line. It was a goal against the run of play, and a moment that would haunt Minerva for the rest of the match.

Minerva, stung by the setback, responded with purpose. Mehtab Singh was at the centre of their revival efforts. His first major chance came after a dazzling run down the left, cutting inside to unleash a powerful shot. While the Punjab goalkeeper Augustasya Gupta was beaten, a brilliant goal-line clearance preserved the narrow lead.

Mehtab Singh wasn’t done yet. A few minutes later, he was played through into the box and took aim again. This time, Gupta pulled off a superb diving save to keep Punjab’s lead intact. 

Punjab’s backline, marshalled by Prabhjot Singh, Khupkhanlian, and Maibam Mangalsana Meitei, stood tall too under relentless pressure. Every Minerva attempt to break through was met with fierce resistance. 

Even as the clock ticked down and Minerva threw bodies forward, Punjab managed to hold firm much to the delight of their dugout.