Jammu & Kashmir Invitational Cup-2018 : I-League champions Minerva Punjab FC beat J&K Bank FC 3-1

Two goals in the stoppage time earned I-League champions Minerva Punjab FC a 3-1 win over local giants J&K Bank FC in 2nd quarterfinal of the Kashmir Invitational Cup-2018 at Synthetic Turf TRC Ground here on Friday.

An early hiccup to the I-league champion team, J&K Bank took the lead in the second minute after a long ball from the back was not intercepted by the defense, and striker Prem Kumar kept his cool to put the ball past the keeper.

   

It was an unexpected start to the game for the visiting side but the I-League champions soon got the rhythm back, with some neat passing game and possession, which led to some great half-chances missed by the Minerva strikers. However, towards the end of the 1st half, Minerva Punjab FC equalised after neat interplay near the penalty area.

J&K Bank put in a decent performance in the first half, and entered the dressing room with an equal chance of victory.

In the second half, Minerva Punjab FC showed the crowd why they are the current I-League champions, with superb moves, sustained possession and change of tactics from possession to counter attack.

As the match was heading towards extra time, Minerva Punjab FC took the lead in stoppage time after a nice free kick into the penalty area was flicked on for William to tuck past the keeper.

Soon after, there was another brilliant piece of skill from the captain Ngoku, going past two and then giving a deft pass to No. 10 playmaker Yu Kubaki, to score their 3rd goal.

Minerva’s captain and midfielder Philip Ngoko was immense from midfield, playing an anchor role and distributing the ball to all quarters. His performance deservedly earned him the Man of the Match award.

The final score was 3-1 in favour of Minerva Punjab FC, but J&K Bank FC could hold their heads high for an outstanding performance against one of the country’s best teams.

On Saturday, remaining two quarterfinals will be played between SFA FC and Sudeva FC from Delhi at 12 noon, followed by Bengaluru FC V/s Lonestar Kashmir FC at 2:45 pm. 

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