Chandigarh: Minerva Football Academy, Chandigarh defeated Chandigarh Football Association by 3-0 in the final match played at Sector-17 Football Stadium to lift the 14th Administrator’s Challenge Cup All India Football Tournament for boys U-17, here on Friday.

Both the teams adopted cautious approach right from the word go. Minerva lads were determined to maintain their winning spree but Chandigarh lads slowed down the pace of the game and succeeded to stop Minerva to score any goal upto half time interval. Chandigarh lads adopted defensive strategy and kept six players in defence line and the star striker of Minerva Nongdamba was stopped by shadow tactics by Gurkirat of Chandigarh. However, both the teams came up with couple of brilliant moves in between but failed to capitalise.

After playing the 0-0 first half, Minerva lads adopted tactics of using their wings in order to drag the defenders of Chandigarh away from their concentrated area.

In the 48th minute of play Minerva lads initiated a move from the left flank and their speedy forward Amarjeet took the ball from mid way and dribble past inside the penalty area of Chandigarh Football Association. He sent a grounder cross towards Nongdamba but the ball was intercepted by defender Balbir of CFA. The ball deflected and entered the goal of CFA goal.

Scoring the first goal, the Minerva lads increased the pace of the game. Thoiba scored the second goal for Minerva in the 71st minute of play with his solo efforts. He controlled the ball from the right flank and after dribbling two Chandigarh defenders scored the goal.

Minerva lads succeeded with their changed tactics and were able to clinch the title. Their third goal was scored by star striker in the 89th minute of play and consolidated the tally.

Minerva Academy besides glittering Administrator’s Challenge Cup also got prize money of Rs 3 lakh. The Runners Up Trophy and cheque of Rs 1.5 lakh was awarded to Chandigarh Football Association. Third position holder were given cheque of Rs. 75,000.

Meanwhile the Youngster Football Club, Chandigarh failed to report for the 3rd place match and on the recommendations from the Match Commissioner Sh. Rajiv Rattan the match was awarded to Dalbir Football Academy.

Earlier the players of both the teams were introduced by today’s Chief Guest His Excellency Governor of Punjab and Administrator, Union Territory, Chandigarh VP Singh Badnore. Dr. S.B. Deepak Kumar, IAS, Secretary Sports, Jatinder Yadav, IAS , Capt. Karnail Singh, PCS, Director Sports and S.K. Joshi, District Sports Officer were also present on the occasion.