U-12 football: Minerva Academy win Mina Cup in Dubai

Chandigarh, April 12

Striker Thiyam scored a hat-trick as Minerva (U-12) Football Academy defeated La Liga HPC 4-0 to win the 2022 Mina Cup in Dubai. Both sides had faced each other in the group stage, in which Minerva registered a convincing win.

Minerva opened the scoring in the 13th minute. A throw from the left touchline was trapped by Thiyam, who shot the ball over the goal line. In the very next minute, Thiyam doubled the lead. As the La Liga HPC lads tried to come back to the game, another goal by Thiyam, who completed his hat-trick, was enough to discourage the opponents. A perfect right over the top of the goal mouth and a fine finish by Thiyam was enough to bring Minerva closer to the trophy. In the dying minutes, Jayed came with his contribution to seal the team’s win by four goals.

Earlier, after topping the league pool with nine points, Minerva defeated Dubai City Football Club in the semifinals. The side scored the first goal through a penalty kick. Thiyam converted the spot kick to put Minerva ahead. Five minute later, he netted the second goal, followed by another goal in the 24th minute.

Thiyam, who scored 12 goals in five matches, adjudged Man of the Tournament.