Minerva Academy FC crowned champions of Dana Cup

Minerva Academy FC scored 100 goals in this tournament.

Minerva Academy FC‘s incredible European journey reached another glorious milestone as the young warriors from India lifted the prestigious Dana Cup in Hjorring, Denmark, right after their historic Gothia Cup win in Sweden.

The Dana Cup is regarded as one of the world’s top youth tournaments since 1982. It brings together over a thousand teams from 45 countries, giving young talents a global stage to shine. And Minerva Academy didn’t just participate, they dominated.

Despite minimal rest, travel fatigue, and having to adjust to a new environment, the Minerva Academy FC players performed exceptionally well on European soil. This victory further strengthens India’s presence in international youth football and exhibits India’s potential to produce and nurture globally competitive talents.

Also Road: Looking at Minerva Academy FC’s road to becoming Gothia Cup 2025 champions

Minerva Academy FC’s road to Dana Cup Championship

Minerva Academy FC kick-started their Dana Cup journey in a dominating fashion. They went on to thrash the Oslo-based Norwegian side by a massive margin of 13-0 in the opening encounter.

There was no stopping the young Minervans in their second group match either, as they went on to crush Prostat Sports Academy from Uganda 18-0. Up next was Gulf United from the United Arab Emirates. Even they couldn’t withstand the Indian storm, as Minerva cruised to a 12-0 victory.

The final group game was against Kongsberg IF from Norway, and Minerva went on to register their biggest win of the group stages after defeating the Norwegian outfit 21-0 in a completely one-sided match.

The knockout rounds saw Minerva Academy FC carry forward the same energy and momentum. In the quarter-finals, they locked horns against Artzyz from Ukraine and came out with a commanding 17-1 win.

A tougher test awaited in the semi-finals against Rawahel, the unbeaten side from Palestine. They were also the defending champions of the U14 category. Minerva kept their composure and delivered a solid 4-0 victory to book their spot in the finals.

In the ultimate showdown, they plied their trade against KFF from Malta. In what was a perfect end to a dream tournament, Minerva demolished the Maltese club 15-0, lifting the Dana Cup trophy emphatically.

Yohenba, Rhythm and others impress

Several young players impressed throughout the campaign. Konthoujan Yohenba, Denamoni, Rhythm and Azam were standout performers, delivering brilliant attacking displays and leading by example in each match.

Minerva’s European tour has already seen them win the Gothia Cup in Sweden, where they scored 55 goals in 8 matches and now, the Dana Cup in Denmark, where they bettered that by netting a staggering 100 goals.

Their consistency and hunger to perform against international youth teams from different corners of the world show just how far Indian football has come at the grassroots level.

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