DSC-AIFF Junior League: Punjab upset Minerva on penalties to make it three in a row

Panaji: Punjab FC continued their dominance in the Dream Sports Championship-AIFF Junior League for the third straight edition as they edged past Minerva Academy FC 5-3 on penalties (1-1 at full time) at the Atal Stadium, Bambolim, on Thursday.Punjab captain Jasmeet Singh worked tirelessly upfront to give his side the lead in the 38th minute with a composed finish. However, MD Azam Khan made it 1-1 minutes after the restart. The teams from Punjab were then left to settle scores in the tiebreaker, where Punjab goalkeeper Augustasya Gupta emerged hero with a save.Jasmeet converted the final spot kick to confirm Punjab’s hat-trick of triumphs. The winners celebrated in front of the opposition dug out which upset Minerva manager Ranjit Bajaj. An altercation followed with Punjab coach Sandeep Alhan, but while players too were engaged in pushing and shoving, the situation was brought under control by the organisers after much drama.Minerva were all over the rival territory in the opening exchanges but were found wanting in the final third.Just before the half an hour mark, a mis-pass at the back by Punjab allowed Minerva a clear look at goal but Laishram Singh could not keep his shot on target with the rival goalkeeper nowhere in sight and a Punjab defender at his mercy.At the other end, Punjab were waiting to catch their rivals on the counter. They took the lead against the run of play. Jasmeet calmly broke the offside trap, rounded Minerva keeper Gurtejveer Singh and rolled the ball into the empty net.Minerva responded four minutes into the second half as Azam poked in the equaliser. The left winger weaved his way into the box, evaded several tackles and found the net from an acute angle.Thereafter, both team had their share of chances but couldn’t find the match-winner and the outcome was settled in penalties.