The Minerva Academy Football Club won the Helsinki Cup-2026 by logging a solitary goal win over tournament favourites and Finnish giants HJK (Helsingin Jalkapalloklubi). Avenging their narrow group-stage loss, the Indian side showcased defensive resilience and tactical execution to lift the coveted trophy.
Right from the starting whistle, both academies deployed highly organised defensive units and refused to leave any scope for mistake. Minerva centre-backs tried controlling the midfield possession, but HJK’s strikers took their chances on counter-attacks. Despite a series of intense exchanges and dangerous penetrations, the first half concluded in a 0-0 deadlock.
The next 20-minute of play remained as excited as the first half. However, the definitive moment arrived in the 37th minute when Minerva’s striker Rimoson capitalised on a swift offensive sequence. Demonstrating composure under immense pressure, he navigated the HJK backline and played a shot past the goalkeeper to make it 1-0.
After conceding the goal, HJK tried everything to register a comeback, but Minerva defenders managed to stop them till the final whistle and helped the side lift he trophy.