3 August 2025.
BS News Agency, RUDRAPUR: The opening day of the fourth edition of the AIFF Futsal Club Championship 2024–25 saw two contrasting Group A encounters and delivered plenty of drama and goals at the Shri Manoj Sarkar Stadium – Shivalik Hall in Rudrapur on Sunday, August 3, 2025.
While Gujarat’s Juggernaut FC announced their return to the tournament in style with a commanding 8-2 triumph over 2022–23 champions Minerva Academy FC, debutants Triumph FC and Real Lona FC settled for a hard-fought 1-1 draw.
For Juggernaut FC, Shibu Sunny scored a hat-trick while Shivam Yadav netted a brace as they notched up two points and reached the top of the group. Minerva will need to regroup quickly as they find themselves at the bottom of the group with Triumph and Real Lona each earning a point.
Sunny steals the show for Juggernaut FC
Minerva Academy FC (James Lalnunchhana 10’, PC Lalruatzela 32’)
lost to
Juggernaut FC 8 (Shibu Sunny 1’, 15’, 34’, Jenishsinh Rana 18’, Shivam Yadav 23’, 37’, Aman Shah 26’, Rudra Chhetri 40’)
If the first game was tentative, the second was a goal-laden spectacle. Juggernaut FC, returning after a one-season hiatus and determined to make amends for their group-stage exit in 2022–23, stunned Minerva Academy with an electrifying start. Within the very first minute, Shibu Sunny opened the scoring.