Guwahati, May 13: Jamshedpur FC U-17 will look to cap off their remarkable campaign with silverware as they face Punjab FC in the final of the AIFF U-17 Elite Youth League 2024-25 on May 14 at Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati. Kick-off is scheduled for 3:30 PM.

Jamshedpur FC head into the final riding on a wave of confidence after thrashing AIFF-FIFA Talent Academy 5-0 in a dominant semifinal performance. The young Men of Steel were resilient throughout the tournament from the starting from the qualifying round and then winning a tough play-off stage. And now, they have reached the final for the fist time in the club’s and Tata Football Academy’s history.

Their journey began with a second-place finish in the group stage, followed by a clinical 4-0 win over Mumbai City FC in the playoff opener. After securing top spot in the playoff group, JFC continued their charge in the final round, defeating Corbett FC and drawing with Classic FA.

Despite a narrow 0-1 loss to Muthoot FA in the group decider, JFC advanced to the quarterfinals on head-to-head advantage and defeated NorthEast United FC 2-1 in the quarterfinal and thrashing AIFF-FIFA Talent Academy.

Their opponents, Punjab FC, edged out Madras FC in the semifinal, winning 3-2 in a closely-contested encounter. Jamshedpur’s strength has been their collective effort, solid defence, and clinical finishing led by in-form striker Lawmsangzuala, along with consistent performances from midfielders like Alvin, and a defensive unit comprising of Ronaldo and Satyajit. Goalkeeper Ritabrata Sarkar has also been pivotal, producing crucial saves in high-pressure moments.

This team is the result of Jamshedpur FC’s long-term vision for youth development. The squad was recruited through a centralized trial process conducted in Jamshedpur after the COVID-19 pandemic and have been training at Tata Football Academy for the past three years together.