Classic FA edge Minerva into Hero U-17 Youth Cup quarterfinals
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, January 23 2023:
Classic Football Academy (Imphal) rode on Ningthoukhongjam Rishi's goal to grind out a 1-0 win over Minerva Academy FC and advance to the quarterfinals of the AIFF Hero U-17 Youth Cup at Deccan Arena, Hyderabad on Monday.
Barring the goal, it was a see-saw battle throughout the game.
After a futile first - half contest, Classic Football Academy finally broke the opposition's resistance in the 60th minute with Ningthoukhongjam Rishi on target.
The Imphal -based squad then clung on to seal their quarterfinal berth.
In their quarterfinal match on January 25, Classic Football Academy will face Punjab State FA, who defeated KR Football Leaders 3 -2 in their Round 16 match.
In other Round of 16 matches, Gandhinagar FC beat Techtro Swades United FC 1-0 and Himalayan FC Kinnaur downed Rajasthan United FC2-1 for their places in the last eight.
A total of 49 teams had competed in the group stage, where they were split into 10 groups.
Garhwal FC, Techtro Swades United FC, Sreenidi Deccan FC, Rajasthan United FC, Muthoot Football Academy, Minerva Punjab FC, Classic Football Academy, Punjab State FA U-17 Team, Sudeva Delhi FC, and Zinc Football Academy qualified as the 10 group winners.
Meanwhile, KR Football Leaders Club, Gandhinagar FC, Odisha FC, Corbett FC, Himalayan FC Kinnaur, and Chennaiyin FC have made it to the Round of 16 as the six best second-placed teams.