Punjab FC and Bengaluru FC are set for a high-stakes showdown in Group C of the AIFF Super Cup 2025 on Wednesday at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda.
With both teams level on six points and identical goal differences after two matches, the final group-stage fixture will determine who progresses to the semifinals. In the event of a draw in regulation time, the group winner will be decided via penalties.
Punjab FC have grown stronger with every match, registering consecutive 3–0 wins to start their campaign. Against Gokulam Kerala FC, goals from Nikhil Prabhu, Princeton Rebello, and an own goal set the tone. They followed that with another convincing 3–0 victory over Mohammedan SC, with Ninthoinganba Meetei, Samir Zeljkovic, and Manglenthang Kipgen getting on the scoresheet.
Head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis praised the team’s consistency ahead of the decisive clash.
“We’ve shown great character and consistency in the group stage so far. Bengaluru FC are a strong side with experience and quality, but our focus is on playing our game and maintaining the intensity that has brought us here. Every player understands what’s at stake, and we’re ready to give everything for a place in the semifinals,” Dilmperis said.
Punjab have leaned heavily on their emerging Indian core. Muhammad Suhail, Ninthoi, and Kipgen have been sharp in attack, while Prabhu and Rebello have provided control in midfield. Dilmperis has also trusted a fully Indian backline of Suresh Meetei, Bijoy Varghese, Khaimingthang Lhungdim, and Muhammed Uvais across both group games.
New foreign arrivals Dani Ramirez, Samir Zeljkovic, and Nsungusi Effiong have settled in well, adding experience and balance to the side. Defender Pablo Renan Dos Santos is yet to make his debut, providing further depth. With strong bench options like Pramveer Singh, Leon Augustine, Ricky Shabong, Vinit Rai, and Singamayum Shami, Punjab have rotational flexibility should the contest demand changes.
Bengaluru FC Banking on Experience
Bengaluru FC have been equally dominant, opening with a 2–0 win over Mohammedan SC followed by a commanding 4–0 victory over Gokulam Kerala FC. Sunil Chhetri, Ryan Williams, and Vinith Venkatesh all found the net in the last match, while youngster Taorem Kelvin Singh scored in the opener, showcasing the club’s balance between youth and seasoned direction. The Blues will look to their experienced players to manage key phases against Punjab’s energetic structure. Chhetri’s leadership, Williams’ directness, and the midfield’s ability to control tempo will be central to Bengaluru’s approach.
Both teams enter the fixture in strong form, but their strengths contrast. Punjab play with pace, pressing, and cohesion built around a young domestic group, while Bengaluru rely on experience, patterns of play, and game management. The matchup is expected to be tightly contested, with midfield control likely to decide rhythm and territory. The possibility of the result being settled by penalties only heightens the competitive edge.
What’s at Stake
- Winner advances to Super Cup semifinals
- Draw → Match goes straight to penalties
- No margin for error
With form, confidence, and a semifinal place on the line and nothing separating the teams so far Fatorda is set for one of the most compelling fixtures of this Super Cup campaign.
