After defeating Brazilian team RS Sports Yellow 2-1 in a thrilling final, India’s Minerva Academy Under-12 boys successfully defended the Gothia Cup, adding another significant international championship to their expanding collection. Less than a week has passed since the Chandigarh-based institution finally won the Helsinki Cup, capping yet another incredible European tour.
Kipgen Thangsanglen gave Minerva the lead, but after the Brazilian team tied the score, Mekhamkhraw Nongrem gave them the lead again with a brilliant free kick. The youthful players then persevered to win the Gothia Cup a second time in a row.
With a spate of outstanding performances and trophy-winning campaigns over the last two summers, the academy has made headlines around Europe. This latest success continues an incredible run.
The only true worry came against FC Lokomotyv Kyiv in the semi-finals, but Minerva found another gear when it needed most before defeating Brazilian opponents in the championship match.
As Minerva came to Sweden as the reigning champions, the Gothia Cup title is more meaningful. They embraced that expectation rather than letting it weigh them down. Just a few days after winning the Helsinki Cup despite losing the previous year’s final, the academy managed to hold onto one of the biggest youth football trophies in the world.
Their 6-0 victory over Liverpool’s Under-15 team at the Mediterranean International Cup earlier this year highlighted the level this group has constantly attained, and the back-to-back titles add to an incredible run in Europe that also includes victories at the Norway Cup and Dana Cup.
What appeared to be isolated upsets are now turning into a pattern. Over the past two years, Minerva has traveled throughout Europe, returning with performances and a growing number of prizes that have raised the standard for Indian youth football.
