Defending champions Minerva Academy Football Club delivered another dominant performance in the quarter-final of the AIFF Sub-Junior League 2025–26, defeating Alchemy FA 5-2 at the Madras FC Ground in Mahabalipuram to book their place in the semi-finals of the national round.
Minerva entered the knockout clash carrying strong momentum from an unbeaten group-stage campaign and once again showcased their trademark attacking football. Despite Alchemy setting up in a defensive 5-3-2 formation, Minerva stayed committed to their aggressive 4-3-3 approach.
The match began at a lively pace, but it was Alchemy who struck first in the third minute through a quick counterattack, taking an early 1-0 lead.
The setback, however, did little to disrupt Minerva’s rhythm. The defending champions responded with composure and gradually took complete control of possession through relentless pressing, sharp passing, and quick recoveries.
Their equaliser arrived in the 30th minute when Maniton unleashed a stunning strike from outside the box into the top corner to make it 1-1.
Moments later, Akash produced another moment of brilliance with a powerful long-range effort that beat the goalkeeper cleanly and handed Minerva a deserved 2-1 lead.
Minerva continued to pile on the pressure, and before halftime, Rimoson added a third goal with another thunderous strike to give his side complete control at 3-1.
The second half followed a similar pattern as Alchemy retreated deeper and relied mainly on counterattacks, while Minerva continued to dominate possession and dictate the tempo.
In the 56th minute, Rimoson scored his second goal of the evening in spectacular fashion, curling a superb free-kick into the top corner to extend the lead to 4-1.
Alchemy managed to pull one goal back on a counterattack, briefly reducing the deficit to 4-2, but Minerva quickly restored their dominance.
In the 71st minute, Ngayaiza sealed the victory with a composed finish in the attacking third, restoring Minerva’s three-goal cushion at 5-2.
The closing stages saw Alchemy attempt a more physical approach, but Minerva remained calm and controlled the game comfortably until the final whistle.
The emphatic victory sends Minerva Academy into the semi-finals of the national round as the defending champions continue their pursuit of another AIFF Sub-Junior League title.
