Football: East Bengal to face FC Goa in 2025-26 AIFF Super Cup final
East Bengal punish Punjab to earn Super Cup title shot
East Bengal maintained their unbeaten record at this season’s AIFF Super Cup by producing a solid performance and confirming our football predictions, beating Punjab FC 3-1 on Thursday evening to book their place in the final this weekend.
The Red and Gold Brigade took the advantage in the 12th minute of the match when a Miguel Ferreira cross was partially cleared and fell to Mohamad Bashim Rashid, who fired a stunning shot past Muheet Shabir from outside the box.
Punjab responded swiftly when a defensive error resulted in a handball decision against Bipin Singh. Daniel Ramirez sent Prabhsukhan Singh Gill the wrong way and tucked the spot kick in the back of the net to restore parity on the scoreboard.
However, the Shers were unable to hold on to their lead for too long, with Ferreira at the heart of the action, swinging in an inch-perfect corner that Kevin Sibille rose highest to meet and convert. Bruzon was shown red for his celebrations in the aftermath of the goal.
Punjab pushed for an equaliser late on, but East Bengal stood firm and dealt the knockout blow in the 71st minute, once again through incredible build-up play from Ferreira, who set up his skipper, Saul Crespo, for an easy finish.
FC Goa see off Mumbai City to keep title defence alive
The second semi-final on Thursday in Fatorda was not without controversy, as FC Goa’s skipper, Iker Guarrotxena, was shown a red card before even leaving the tunnel prior to the start of the fixture.
It was later revealed that the referee, Pratik Mondal, had called up Guarrotxena for wearing blue inner shorts, which did not match the team's colours. It is understood that Mondal brandished the red card after the Spaniard’s response was interpreted as dissent. Head coach Manolo Marquez revealed after the match:
“I saw the referee ask him to change and thought it would be sorted out right there. I then walked to the pitch and two minutes later someone came and told me that Iker had been sent off. It was not a normal situation, but we were still allowed to play with eleven players.”
Despite the setback, Goa managed to successfully navigate their way into the final, thanks to a Brison Fernandes half-volley to open the scoring in the 21st minute and a powerful strike by David Timor two minutes later.
Hrithik Tiwari had a standout performance in goal for the Gaurs, as did the centre-back pairing of Pol Moreno and Ronney Wilson. However, the reigning champions will now have to defend their title without their captain on Sunday.
