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Minerva Punjab FC have confirmed the signing of Kiran Chemjong, a 27-year-old goalkeeper from Nepal. Chemjong is currently the first-choice goalkeeper for the Nepalese national football team and will now be wearing the colours of the I-League leaders.
In the the 2012 edition of the Nehru Cup, Chemjong won the man of the match award in a goalless draw with India and his height gives him a significant advantage between the posts.
The Punjab-based team has secured the goalkeeper's services for rest of the season and are looking to extending their lead at the top of I-League table. By strengthening themselves with an internationally experienced signing, they send a clear signal to the rest of the league.
Minerva Punjab FC started this season as a strong contender for the title and are currently in first position. After defeating Mohun Bagan and Shillong Lajong in their last two games, Minerva is oozing confidence and determined to win against NEROCA FC on 27 January.
The team secured 22 points from 9 games and are now facing a tough task, as they have to play their next three matches away from home. So far, they have won seven games, drawn one, whilst only losing to the defending champions Aizawl FC. Minerva has scored 13 goals and only conceded six during their strong start to the season.
The team is spending their second season in the I-League with a large group of home-grown players. However, Bhutanese forward Chencho Gyeltshen and Ghanaian midfielder William Opoku have already won over the hearts of Minerva fans with some eye-catching performances.
Rakshit Dagar, another goalkeeper of the team, made some crucial saves in the last few games as Minerva FC are looking to further solidify the last line of defense in the squad.
What's next?
Minerva Punjab will meet NEROCA FC in Khuman Lampak Stadium on 27 January 2018, at 2 pm. Minerva FC snatched away the three points in a narrow win against NEROCA FC when they faced off the last time and both teams know eachother's strengths and weaknesses. It promises to be a mouth-watering clash for the fans.
