AIFF Media Team

KOLKATA: The Final Round of the inaugural U-13 Youth League began in Kolkata with a bang on Sunday (April 29, 2018). Ten teams were in action on the opening day with a total of 5 matches played respectively at Barasat Stadium and VYBK Practice Ground.

Minerva Punjab FC and Mohammedan Sporting Club set the pace early with dominant performances.

In Group B Mohammedan Sporting Club and Dempo SC reignited the classic Bengal-Goa rivalry when both teams faced off at Barasat Stadium.

Mohammedan SC started the match aggressively and took a 7th-minute lead through winger Nabakumar Satra. Having taken the lead, Mohammedan SC pushed forward in numbers but failed to increase the lead further in first-half. However, Mohammedan SC's persistent efforts finally paid off in the 52nd minute when substitute Mohammed Zeedan found the target to confirm full three points for the home side.

Meanwhile earlier today, Minerva Punjab faced Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools in Group A opener at Barasat Stadium, with Minerva Punjab coming out victorious 3-1. Minerva Punjab drew the first blood through their skipper Himanshu Jangra in the 24th minute, however, his BBFS counterpart Ranjan Soren levelled matters just three minutes later. Nonetheless, a second-half brace from Tongbram Maheron Singh (44th and 60th) handed Minerva Punjab full three points.

Elsewhere, Roots Football Academy and Chennaiyin FC shared the spoils in Group C opener. Mohamed Liyaakath earned Chennaiyin a point when he cancelled out B. Gambheer's first-half stoppage time strike at VYBK Practice Ground.

In other Group C fixture which took place in the evening at VYBK Practice Ground, Delhi-based Sudeva FC edged past SAI Kolkata 2-1. Sudeva took an early lead through Aryan Khokhar in the 6th minute before Subho Paul doubled the lead in the 38th minute. SAI did not go down without a fight and reduced the margin through Subhajit Barman in second-half stoppage time.

The last fixture of the day was a Group A tie between Reliance Foundation Young Champs and Aizawl FC which ended in a 1-1 draw at Barasat Stadium under flood-lights. Razibul Mistry gave RFYS the lead in the 27th minute but Aizawl responded in the very next minute and equalised through Lal Hriatrenga. Both teams had few more chances in the second-half but failed to score the winning goal.