Minerva Academy FC Triumphs in Helsinki Cup
Minerva Academy FC, hailing from Chandigarh, has made remarkable strides in European youth football. Having come close but missed out on two trophies last year, they were determined to leave no stone unturned this time. Their hard work paid off as they clinched the 2026 Helsinki Cup, defeating the defending champions HJK with a narrow 1-0 victory in the final.
This win was particularly special, as it was the one trophy they had narrowly missed in the past. Last year, they made history by being the first Indian team to reach the Helsinki Cup final, scoring 42 goals without letting in a single one before losing 1-0 to PK-35. With last year’s defeat in mind, their return to Finland marked a memorable turn of events as they lifted the trophy that had eluded them before.
Dominance Throughout the Tournament
Minerva showcased their strength by not giving opponents a chance throughout the tournament. They scored over 50 goals in their quest for the title. Their journey kicked off with an impressive 6-1 win against FC Valtti, followed by a staggering 9-1 victory against Helsingin Palloseura, and a crushing 11-0 defeat of EBK where T. Kipgen recorded an incredible six goals.
As they progressed to the knockout stages, Minerva continued to dominate, winning 19-0 against Helsingin Ponnistus and advancing easily against Makati FC. Their standout performance in the quarter-finals saw them beat HJK 6-0, paving the way for a 9-0 win over Käpylän Pallo in the semi-finals. This led to their hard-fought 1-0 win in the finals, securing their title.
Several players were instrumental throughout the tournament. T. Kipgen’s six-goal performance against EBK was a highlight, while Yohenba contributed significantly with crucial goals, including a hat-trick against EBK and the first goal in the match against HJK. Rimoson also shone, scoring a hat-trick against FC Kasiysi and continuing to make an impact in the knockout rounds.
A Year of Remarkable Achievements
If there were any doubts about Minerva’s capabilities, the past year has put those to rest. Earlier this season, they stunned many by defeating Liverpool FC’s U-15 team 6-0 in the Round of 16 of the Mediterranean International Cup in Spain. The match saw Raj Singh scoring a hat-trick, with Mohammad Azam Khan and Lisham Amarson Singh also contributing to this historic victory.
In 2025, Minerva made headlines by becoming the first Indian team to win the Norway Cup, scoring an astounding 130 goals over just eight matches and sealing the title with a 14-1 victory. They also lifted the Dana Cup in Denmark, marking their place as the first Indian team in 43 years to achieve that feat.
Now, with the Helsinki Cup added to their achievements, the team will have to pause their celebrations for a moment. They are set to head straight to Sweden for the Gothia Cup, known as the World Youth Cup, as they aim for yet another title. Given their performance over the past year, many would not bet against them succeeding again.
