East Bengal FC produced a composed, powerful, and tactically assured performance to defeat Punjab FC 3–1 in the first semi-final of the AIFF Super Cup 2025 at the Fatorda Stadium in Goa.
With goals from Mohammed Rashid, Kevin Sibille, and captain Saul Crespo, the Red and Gold Brigade booked their place in a third Super Cup final, displaying a blend of grit, structure, and clinical finishing that Punjab simply could not match over 90 minutes.
This semi-final had been billed as a contest between East Bengal’s attacking precision and Punjab FC’s physical intensity and tournament-leading defensive record. But Punjab were forced to begin the match without suspended full-back Muhammed Uvais, one of their most influential performers, and it showed in the way East Bengal found space across the flanks and between the lines.
The match kicked off at 4 PM IST to a vibrant atmosphere, with the East Bengal supporters making their presence felt early. The opening exchanges were tentative, both teams attempting to settle into rhythm. Punjab offered the first sigh of intent: a set-piece in the 5th minute found young Pramveer, who headed over, and seconds later, Ricky Shabong attempted a difficult volley from outside the box that flew high. But East Bengal, once settled, began asserting their technical superiority.
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The breakthrough arrived in the 12th minute, and it came in emphatic style. From their first corner of the game, Punjab only half-cleared their lines. The ball rolled invitingly to Mohammed Rashid at the edge of the box. The midfielder, given too much time, unleashed a powerful low drive through a crowded area. Muheet Shabir got a touch, but not enough, as the ball zipped into the bottom corner. It was Rashid’s first goal for East Bengal and a telling moment that changed the tone of the tie.
Despite going behind for the first time in the tournament, Punjab reacted well. They pushed higher up the pitch, trying to disrupt East Bengal’s passing sequences. Their equaliser stemmed from a defensive error on the half-hour mark. A looping aerial ball into the box led to a messy clearance attempt as Ricky Shabong’s header struck Bipin Singh’s arm. The referee pointed to the spot instantly.
Daniel Ramirez stepped up and calmly sent Prabhsukhan Singh Gill the wrong way to level the match at 1–1 in the 34th minute.
If Punjab thought the goal would destabilise East Bengal, they were mistaken. The Kolkata club regained composure swiftly, working the ball patiently through midfield and trying to isolate Hiroshi Ibusuki against Punjab’s reshuffled backline. Their persistence paid off just before halftime. Another set-piece, another expertly delivered ball from Miguel Ferreira, and this time it was defender Kevin Sibille who rose above everyone to thump a header into the net in the third minute of stoppage time. East Bengal restored their lead at the perfect moment.
The celebrations were so animated that head coach Oscar Bruzon was shown a second yellow card for dissent and subsequently sent off a subplot that meant he would not be on the touchline for the second half. Regardless, East Bengal went into the break 2–1 up and in control, while Punjab needed regrouping.
The second half began with East Bengal on the front foot. Ibusuki tested Shabir within the first minute before Mahesh Singh and Ferreira combined beautifully down the left to fashion another opening in the 56th minute. Bipin Singh’s curling shot was pushed away, and Ibusuki’s header rattled the post a warning to Punjab that the next goal was looming.
Punjab attempted to grow back into the match, with substitutes Suhail and Bede Osuji adding fresh energy. But East Bengal’s defensive block, anchored by Anwar Ali and Sibille, stayed compact and disciplined, forcing Punjab into wide areas and defusing crosses with ease. The Shers struggled to find pockets of space to build meaningful attacks.
In the 71st minute, East Bengal sealed their place in the final and did so in style. Ferreira, who was outstanding throughout, danced his way past two Punjab players before slipping a smart ball into the stride of captain Saul Crespo. The Spaniard struck a precise left-footed shot into the bottom corner, giving East Bengal a commanding 3–1 lead and extinguishing any realistic hope of a Punjab comeback.
The final 20 minutes saw Punjab push numbers forward, but Gill remained largely untroubled apart from a late Suhail effort that drifted wide and a 90th-minute attempt cleared off the line. East Bengal, meanwhile, managed the tempo intelligently, rotating possession, making timely substitutions, and ensuring Punjab found no rhythm or clarity in their attacks.
When the final whistle blew, the Red and Gold end of the stadium erupted. A 3–1 victory, built on early dominance, consistent structure, and momentous finishing, embodied East Bengal’s season under Bruzon. They now advance to their second final of the season, brimming with confidence despite their coach’s touchline suspension.
Punjab FC, who had arrived in Goa unbeaten and yet to concede, were finally undone by East Bengal’s sharpness in both boxes. As the Shers exit at the semi-final stage, East Bengal prepare for a blockbuster final, awaiting the winner of FC Goa vs Mumbai City FC.
For now, the Red and Gold Brigade stand one match away from lifting the AIFF Super Cup and on the evidence of this semi-final, they look ready for the challenge.
