Panaji: Defending champions Punjab FC and Minerva Academy set up an all-Punjab final in the Dream Sports Championships-AIFF Junior League at the Panchayat ground, Raia, on Thursday.Punjab defeated Bengaluru 5-2, while Minerva put it across Classic FA, Manipur, 5-1.Punjab forward Kamlesh Chand hammered two quick goals in the 42nd and 45th minute to help his team lead 2-0 at half time. In the second half, Bengaluru showed better resolve but continued to miss scoring opportunities. Punjab, on the other hand, added to their score with goals from Jasmeet Singh and Ayush Koul.Two goals from Hrishikesh Manavathi provided hope to Bengaluru, but the Punjab defence remained resolute and substitute K Bikash Singh added another one for the defending champions to register an easy win.In the other semifinal, Classic drew first blood through C. Thoihenba Singh and managed to ward off relentless Minerva attacks for most of the first half. However, once L Haokip got Minerva on level terms, there was no looking back as L Mahesh Singh provided the lead.In the second half, M. Azam Khan, L Fanai and Haokip completed the rout.The final will be played on Thursday at Atal stadium, Bambolim.
