Ghanaian striker William Opoku scored the only goal which ensured Minerva Punjab beat Goa’s Churchill Brothers 1-0 to win the Indian I-League.
The only goal of the match was registered in the 16th minute to hand his side a nervy win.
Three other teams-Kolkata giants East Bengal and Mohun Bagan, Manipur-based debutants Neroca had a chance of winning but stood a chance only if Minerva had failed to win their final match of the season.
The victory took Minerva’s tally to 35 points in the 18-game season, three more than second-placed Neroca and four more than pre-tournament favourites East Bengal and Mohun Bagan.