Punjab FC continued their imperious form in the AIFF Super Cup 2025, securing a convincing 3–0 victory over Mohammedan Sporting in their Group C clash at the GMC Athletic Stadium.
The result, powered by goals from Ninthoi Meetei, Samir Zeljkovic, and Kipgen, propelled the Shers to the top of the group with six points from two matches and one foot already in the semifinals. For Mohammedan Sporting, the evening was one of frustration and missed opportunities. The Kolkata giants failed to match Punjab’s pace and precision, spending most of the match chasing shadows as the I-League champions from 2023 displayed the maturity of an established top-tier side.
The match kicked off under warm evening conditions in Bambolim, with both teams adopting cautious approaches early on. Mohammedan Sporting looked intent on slowing the tempo, sitting deep with a compact defensive line to frustrate Punjab FC’s technical midfielders. For the first 25 minutes, their plan worked the game stayed goalless, and Punjab found limited space in the final third. But as soon as Daniel Ramirez began finding pockets between the lines, the pressure started to mount. In the 27th minute, the Spanish midfielder orchestrated the breakthrough with a perfectly weighted pass to Ninthoi Meetei, who slipped through the defence and calmly tapped home with his left foot.
It was a clinical finish and a reward for Punjab’s patience.
The goal forced Mohammedan to step out of their defensive shell, and that, in turn, opened more spaces for Punjab’s forwards. The Shers began to dictate tempo, pressing high and recycling possession with confidence. Their dominance was visible in midfield duels, with Sajid Dhot and Zeljkovic bossing the central channels.
Zeljkovic Doubles the Lead Before Half-Time
Punjab FC’s control was soon reflected on the scoreboard again. Just before halftime, in the 43rd minute, the combination of Meetei and Zeljkovic struck again but in reverse roles this time. Ninthoi turned provider, sliding a neat ball into the path of the Bosnian midfielder, who struck it first time with his left foot into the bottom corner. That second goal all but deflated Mohammedan Sporting, who entered the break trailing 0–2. Their backline, which had looked disciplined in the opening stages, struggled with Punjab’s quick interchanges and off-the-ball movement. The Shers, meanwhile, looked composed, disciplined, and content to keep control without forcing play unnecessarily.
When the teams returned for the second half, Mohammedan Sporting needed a spark to reignite their challenge. Coach Andrey Chernyshov urged his men to press higher up the pitch, but Punjab’s defensive organization proved too strong. Every time Mohammedan tried to build attacks, they were met with immediate resistance in midfield.
Punjab, sensing their opponents’ growing desperation, made a couple of tactical substitutions. Leon Augustine replaced Meetei to maintain attacking width, while Nsungusi came on for Daniel Ramirez to add physicality upfront. Those changes ensured Punjab didn’t lose intensity even with a two-goal cushion. For Mohammedan, the few forays forward came largely from long balls and hopeful crosses, none of which troubled Muheet in Punjab’s goal. Their forwards struggled to hold up play or create meaningful chances, while Punjab’s backline led by Nikhil Prabhu, who captained the side stayed alert and unyielding.
In the 72nd minute, the match was effectively put to bed. A well-worked move from the right flank saw the ball drop to Kipgen at the edge of the box, and the midfielder unleashed a crisp finish past the outstretched Mohammedan goalkeeper. The strike made it 3–0 and underlined Punjab’s total dominance. From there, it was game management. Punjab controlled possession, dictated the pace, and ensured there were no lapses at the back. Mohammedan, to their credit, tried to push for a consolation goal, but fatigue and lack of precision in the final third left them without a response.
By the 90th minute, the contest had long been settled. Four minutes of stoppage time passed with Punjab calmly moving the ball around, before the referee’s whistle confirmed another statement win for the reigning Indian Super League side.
A Complete Performance by the Shers
This was Punjab FC at their efficient best balanced, aggressive, and unselfish. Their tactical discipline underlined why they have been among the most consistent Indian clubs in recent years. From Muheet’s steady goalkeeping to Ramirez’s creative control and Ninthoi’s energy on the wings, the team looked complete in every department. The chemistry between the midfield trio of Zeljkovic, Sajid, and Kipgen allowed Punjab to dominate both possession and territory. What stood out, though, was their ability to switch gears playing patient buildup when needed and countering with direct pace when Mohammedan committed men forward.
Coach Staikos Vergetis praised his side’s approach post-match, highlighting how they adapted to Mohammedan’s defensive setup before breaking them down with movement and precision. “We stayed patient, didn’t force things. The players knew when to accelerate and when to hold the ball. That’s the mark of a mature team,” he noted.
For Mohammedan Sporting, this defeat leaves them rooted to the bottom of Group C with zero points from two matches. Their defensive shape in the first half showed glimpses of discipline, but the lack of attacking coordination and creativity in transition proved costly. With one match left to play, qualification hopes are all but over, though pride will be on the line in their final fixture. Their coach will be concerned with how quickly the team’s structure unraveled once the first goal went in a recurring problem for the Kolkata side throughout this season. Against Punjab’s slick midfield, they looked short of both pace and imagination.
With this win, Punjab FC sit atop Group C with six points and a healthy goal difference, ahead of Bengaluru FC and Gokulam Kerala, who face off in Margao later tonight. A draw in their final group match should be enough to send the Shers into the semifinals, marking another milestone in their steady rise in Indian football.
Mohammedan Sporting, meanwhile, will look to salvage pride and regroup before the I-League resumes.
Final Score: Punjab FC 3–0 Mohammedan SC
(Ninthoi Meetei 27’, Samir Zeljkovic 43’, Kipgen 72’)
Punjab FC march on sharper, hungrier, and once again reminding everyone why they are one of India’s most progressive football projects.
