Minerva Academy Wins AIFF Sub-Junior Title in 4-1 Thriller

Chennai's football scene witnessed history as Minerva Academy FC stormed to the AIFF Sub-Junior League 2025-26 championship, dismantling Classic Football Academy 4-1 in the finale at FC Madras' Scamp Park. Khutheifam Mukhtar Rahman opened the scoring with a jaw-dropping corner-kick curler in the 8th, evoking memories of iconic 'Olympico' strikes. Ngaisingyo's predatory finish from a midfield steal made it 2-0 at 27 minutes, and Rimosan Singh Huidrom's audacious 33rd-minute bender off the bar extended the lead. Holding firm through halftime with superior possession and shot volume, Minerva absorbed second-half pressure. Classic's Ngangom Suman Singh nodded in a consolation header at 70 minutes, but Tanmay's reflexes denied a second. The clincher arrived via penalty in stoppage time, Khumanthem Lanchenba Meitei slotting home after a clumsy foul. This victory marks sweet redemption from 2024-25's final defeat, underscoring Minerva's relentless youth development pipeline and tactical mastery under pressure.