Chandigarh: In the opening match of the 2nd Lt. Col. Deol Memorial tournament, Minerva Academy FC took on Minerva Sharks FC who were last years champions and runners up respectively in the Sr. State Championships- 2015.
In 3rd minute, a beautiful chance was created by Victor Amobi who crossed the ball from the right flank and found Mandeep Singh (Ex ISL, Kerala Blasters) at the top of the box unmarked, Manandeep showed his class connected perfectly with volley to send a rasping shot into the top corner to the net totally beating the Sharks Goalkeeper.
The Sharks tried their best to fight back and even the score but even though they gave relentless pressure they missed some easy chances and their efforts were foiled by great defending by the two pillars of the Minervan Defence Jarmanjit Singh and Abu Korhena.
Jaison Vales of Minerva Academy FC picked up a yellow card in the 20th minute for a reckless tackle on youngster Jeckson Singh of Minerva Sharks.
In the 45th minute, Manandeep did all the hard when he nutmegged two defenders and gifted the ball to Joseph who simply converted the goal making the scoreline 2-0.
In the second half the Minerva Sharks made a number of substitutions but the Minerva Academy defence was resolute and did not give them even a chance at the Goal. With this win Minerva Academy FC picked up all 3 points.
The 2nd match of the day saw a huge upset as Chandigarh FC beat the India Air Force which is going to participate int he Durand Cup 3-0 in a one sided but fiery encounter.
Striker Aman Banwait of Chandigarh FC picked up on a wrong back pass by the stopper of Indian Air Force and easily side stepped the keeper to slot the ball into the empty goal.
CFC soon doubled their lead in the 9th minute when Aman Banwait fired a beautiful curling shot which ended up in the top corner of the net for a perfect finish.
Chandigarh FC made it 3-0 in the 38th minute with a beautiful goal by Gagandeep Singh making the score 3-0. In the 45th minute just before half time, Aman Banwait’s good run came to fiery end when he picked up a red card for violent behaviour on Davinder Singh of IAF who was also shown a yellow card for the same offence.
In the second half IAF really piled on the pressure and managed to make some promising runs and moves. A shot by Saurav of IAF found the hand of Nikhil Prashar’s of CFC in the box and a penalty was awarded to IAF. In the penally Manvir Singh came up with beautiful save diving to his right to save Saurav’s shot denying them even the hope of a comeback.
The final score was 3-0 and with this win CFC pocket a full 3 points.
Tomorrow fixtures are, Minerva Sharks vs IAF at 2PM and Minerva AFC vs CFC at 4 PM at Sector 17 Football Stadium. Entry free for all.
