Goa, November 5: Punjab FC kept their cool when it mattered most, edging Bengaluru FC 5-4 in a tense penalty shootout to seal their place in the semifinals of the AIFF Super Cup 2025. The decisive Group C clash at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda ended goalless after regulation time, forcing the tie to be settled from the spot.
With both sides level on points and goal difference heading into the final group match, only one could advance — and it was the Shers who held their nerve. Goalkeeper Muheet Shabir emerged the hero, saving Bengaluru’s third attempt from Ryan Williams, while Nsungusi Effiong, Princeton Rebello, Samir Zeljkovic, Leon Augustine, and Vinit Rai all converted confidently to take Punjab FC into their first-ever Super Cup semifinal.
Head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis made two changes to his starting XI — bringing in Leon Augustine for the injured Muhammad Suhail, and handing a start to Nigerian striker Nsungusi Effiong in place of Manglethang Kipgen. Bengaluru FC, under Gerard Zaragoza, stuck with an unchanged lineup from their previous outing.
Punjab FC looked sharper from the outset, dictating possession and threatening repeatedly in the first half. Effiong came close to opening the scoring when Dani Ramírez robbed a Bengaluru defender and squared the ball, but the striker couldn’t get the right touch. Leon Augustine also went close, his shot deflecting over the bar, as the Shers kept pressing while Bengaluru sat deep and relied on counters.
After the break, Bengaluru grew into the contest, creating a few nervy moments for Punjab’s defense. Veteran Sunil Chhetri narrowly missed connecting with Ashique Kuruniyan’s teasing delivery, while Rahul Bheke’s late header from a corner flew just wide.
With neither side able to find the breakthrough, the game went to penalties — and Punjab FC’s composure proved decisive.
“I’m super excited. I think that day by day, week by week, month by month, year by year the club is developing and achieving higher goals. And we do it by using young Indian players at the same time. I think we are a team that deserves to show the way Indian football should move forward,” coach Panagiotis Dilmperis said after the game.
The semifinal fixtures will be announced later, but this victory marks a significant milestone for Punjab FC — a statement of intent from a young team that continues to rise.
