The AIFF Super Cup 2025–26, India’s premier national knockout tournament, has entered a decisive phase as Matchday 2 unfolds in Goa.
With four powerhouse clubs Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG), East Bengal FC (EBFC), Chennaiyin FC (CFC), and Dempo SC locked in Group A, the next round of fixtures promises high-stakes drama and tactical intrigue. Every match is effectively a knockout encounter, as only the group winner advances to the semi-finals.
Held across two Goan venues Fatorda’s PJN Stadium and Bambolim’s GMC Athletic Stadium the 2025–26 Super Cup doubles as a qualifying route for the 2026–27 AFC Champions League Two (ACL 2). The continental spot adds an extra layer of urgency, especially as reigning ISL champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant, currently banned from AFC competitions, could pass the qualification to ISL runners-up if they win the tournament. This situation fuels added motivation for East Bengal and Chennaiyin, both seeking direct continental access.
Group A, dubbed the “Group of Death,” has already shown its volatility. After Matchday 1, Mohun Bagan lead the table with 3 points after a comfortable 2–0 win over Chennaiyin. East Bengal and Dempo share a point each following a thrilling 2–2 draw, while Chennaiyin sit bottom without a point.
| Pos. | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
| 1 | Mohun Bagan Super Giant | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | +2 | 3 |
| 2 | East Bengal FC | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| 3 | Dempo SC | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| 4 | Chennaiyin FC | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | -2 | 0 |
The equations are simple yet brutal. If Mohun Bagan win their next match and East Bengal drop points, the Mariners will be within touching distance of the semi-finals. Conversely, for East Bengal, anything less than victory against Chennaiyin would effectively end their campaign before the Kolkata Derby on Matchday 3.
Fixture 1: Chennaiyin FC vs East Bengal FC (GMC Stadium, 4:00 PM)
This clash represents an early “do-or-die” battle for both sides a must-win for East Bengal and a must-not-lose for Chennaiyin. Under Clifford Miranda, Chennaiyin have adopted a bold, all-Indian squad approach. With only 12 days of training after a six-month off-season, their preparation has been severely limited. The team showed tactical structure against Mohun Bagan but lacked cutting edge in attack, losing 0–2. The fatigue factor looms large, especially in a congested schedule that forces teams to play three matches within six days.
Miranda’s system is expected to remain pragmatic either a 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1, emphasizing compact defense and counter-attacks. His aim will be to frustrate East Bengal’s foreign-heavy lineup by closing down central spaces and forcing play wide. Chennaiyin’s challenge lies in sustaining defensive discipline over 90 minutes physical drop-offs beyond the hour mark could open gaps for East Bengal’s attackers.
For Óscar Bruzón, East Bengal’s campaign is already under pressure after the 2–2 draw against Dempo. Despite boasting superior resources and a full foreign contingent, the Red and Gold Brigade squandered leads twice — an outcome that exposed defensive vulnerabilities and mental lapses.
Bruzon is expected to double down on an attacking setup centered around Dimitrios Diamantakos, supported by Miguel Figueira and Mohammed Rashid in midfield. Their 4-3-3 structure thrives on controlling possession and overloading flanks. Figueira’s creativity and Rashid’s defensive balance will be key to breaking down Chennaiyin’s compact lines.
The match’s tactical narrative will hinge on midfield control. If East Bengal dominate early and score within the first hour, they can dictate tempo and preserve energy. However, a goalless stalemate into the late stages could invite frustration and risk counter-punches from Chennaiyin’s pacey Indian wingers.
Historically, Chennaiyin have edged East Bengal slightly, with three wins and five draws in their last ten encounters. They also beat East Bengal 3–0 in their last ISL meeting in February 2025. That history, however, might count for little given the disparity in squad quality this time. The spotlight will fall on Figueira vs. Jitendra Singh in midfield — a duel between technique and tenacity. East Bengal’s superior preparation and squad depth make them favorites, but Chennaiyin’s collective spirit and tactical resilience could spring a surprise if they manage to hold off early pressure.
Prediction: East Bengal FC 2–1 Chennaiyin FC
Fixture 2: Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs Dempo SC (PJN Stadium, 7:30 PM)
The second fixture of the day has a distinctly different tone MBSG aim to consolidate their lead, while Dempo SC, the I-League underdogs, seek to continue their inspiring run.
Head Coach José Francisco Molina has his side operating with clinical precision. His preferred 4-2-3-1 system prioritizes ball retention and vertical efficiency. The 2–0 victory over Chennaiyin was a statement of intent, with Jamie Maclaren scoring twice and the defense looking assured. Against Dempo, the Mariners’ goal is clear win big to secure a superior Goal Difference, which could prove decisive if East Bengal mount a late challenge. Molina will likely field a full-strength lineup again, with Anirudh Thapa, Lalengmawia Ralte (Apuia), and Kiyan Nassiri expected to dictate tempo.
Given their technical superiority and experience, MBSG will focus on sustained pressure, using positional play to stretch Dempo’s deep defense and create spaces for Maclaren to exploit.
Dempo’s spirited 2–2 draw against East Bengal showcased that organization and heart can still challenge financial might. Under Samir Naik, the five-time national champions rely heavily on structure, discipline, and set-pieces. Both their goals in the opener came from dead-ball situations, proving their tactical efficiency despite the absence of foreign reinforcements. Naik will likely deploy a 5-4-1 formation, keeping his lines tight and looking to frustrate MBSG while hitting on the counter. The key for Dempo will be minimizing individual errors and exploiting any lapses on set-pieces their strongest weapon.
However, facing Mohun Bagan’s technical midfield and attacking depth is a monumental challenge. The gap in squad depth, experience, and conditioning could show, especially in the final quarter of the game.
Expect MBSG to dominate possession and territory from the outset. For Dempo, the first 30 minutes are crucial an early concession could dismantle their shape and morale. The I-League side’s defensive transitions will be tested against the constant rotations of Thapa and Apuia.
The match also carries emotional significance for Goan fans. For Dempo, it’s an opportunity to remind Indian football of their storied legacy; for Mohun Bagan, it’s another step toward re-establishing national dominance.
Prediction: Mohun Bagan SG 3–0 Dempo SC
Matchday 2 could define Group A’s trajectory. Mohun Bagan SG are poised to tighten their grip with another commanding win, while East Bengal FC must produce a statement performance to stay alive. Meanwhile, Chennaiyin and Dempo carry the underdog banner, hoping to disrupt the ISL hierarchy and prove that Indian talent and tactical cohesion can still bridge the gap. By the end of the night, the group’s narrative will likely crystallize either the ISL giants tightening their hold or the challengers forcing a dramatic final matchday.
Expected Highlights:
- East Bengal’s redemption test against Chennaiyin’s resilience.
- Mohun Bagan’s chase for a dominant Goal Difference.
- Dempo’s fight for Goan pride.
Verdict: Everything points toward an East Bengal–Mohun Bagan showdown on Matchday 3 but only if both giants hold their nerve on Matchday 2.
