East Bengal Power Past Punjab FC in AIFF Super Cup Semi-Final

East Bengal produced a commanding performance filled with grit and clinical finishing to secure their place in a third AIFF Super Cup final, defeating Punjab FC 3-1 on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at the PJN Stadium in Fatorda, Goa. The victory marks the Red and Golds’ second final appearance of the season, following their narrow defeat to Mohun Bagan SG in the IFA Shield final.

Oscar Bruzon’s men delivered when it mattered most, with goals from Mohamad Bashim Rashid, Kevin Sibille, and captain Saul Crespo overcoming Daniel Ramirez’s penalty equalizer for Punjab FC. The triumph showcased East Bengal’s tactical discipline, set-piece prowess, and ability to respond under pressure—qualities that will serve them well in the AIFF Super Cup final.

A Nervous Start Gives Way to Clinical Finishing

The match began with both teams approaching cautiously, each feeling their way through a nervy opening period that reflected the high stakes of a semi-final encounter. Punjab FC, playing without suspended defender Muhammed Uvais, looked slightly unsettled at the back—a vulnerability that East Bengal recognized and quickly exploited.

Punjab carved out the first significant chance inside the tenth minute when Pramveer connected with a cross, but his header flew wide of the target. The missed opportunity would prove costly as East Bengal seized control moments later.

In the 12th minute, East Bengal broke the deadlock through a cleverly worked short corner routine. Miguel Ferreira’s floated delivery was only half-cleared by the Punjab defense, and the ball dropped invitingly for Mohamad Bashim Rashid just outside the penalty area. Controlling the bouncing ball with an immaculate first touch, Rashid unleashed a low, powerful shot that squirmed underneath goalkeeper Muheet Shabir’s glove and into the net.

The goal marked Rashid’s first for the club and immediately lifted East Bengal into a position of control. The Red and Golds’ early strike set the tone for what would become a dominant display, particularly from set-pieces—an area where they would prove devastatingly effective throughout the contest.

Punjab’s Response and East Bengal’s Resilience

Rashid’s opener jolted Punjab FC into action, forcing them to push forward with greater urgency and intent. Their persistence paid dividends in the 34th minute when they earned an equalizer through fortuitous circumstances.

An innocuous aerial ball floated into the East Bengal penalty area led to a defensive mix-up. Ricky Shabong’s header struck Bipin Singh’s arm inside the box, leaving the referee with little option but to award a penalty. Daniel Ramirez, displaying composure befitting the high-pressure moment, stepped up and dispatched the spot-kick with calm precision, sending East Bengal goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Singh Gill the wrong way. Punjab were level, and the momentum had shifted.

For a brief period, Punjab FC appeared to have seized control of the contest. However, East Bengal refused to let the setback derail their gameplan. Instead of retreating into their shell, they doubled down on their set-piece threat—an approach that would yield spectacular dividends before the halftime whistle.

Deep into first-half stoppage time, Miguel Ferreira delivered another sumptuous corner kick from the left flank. Kevin Sibille, timing his run to perfection, soared above his marker and powered home a towering header that gave Shabir no chance. The goal restored East Bengal’s advantage at the most crucial moment, heading into the break with renewed confidence and momentum.

The celebrations proved so enthusiastic that East Bengal coach Oscar Bruzon received a second yellow card for his exuberant reaction—a minor setback that wouldn’t diminish his team’s second-half dominance.

Second-Half Authority and the Killer Blow

The second half saw East Bengal grow increasingly authoritative, controlling possession and creating numerous opportunities to extend their lead. They should have made it 3-1 in the 56th minute when Bipin Singh darted down the left wing and unleashed a fierce shot that Shabir could only palm away. Japanese striker Hiroshi Ibusuki arrived at the far post with a golden opportunity but couldn’t direct his header on target, missing a chance to put the game beyond Punjab’s reach.

Punjab FC, to their credit, continued searching for an equalizer. They tried finding inroads through the creativity of Suhail and the movement of Ramirez, but East Bengal’s disciplined defensive block proved difficult to penetrate. The Red and Golds defended with organization and commitment, limiting Punjab to half-chances and speculative efforts.

The decisive moment arrived in the 71st minute through a piece of individual brilliance from Miguel Ferreira. The Portuguese midfielder embarked on a mazy run, weaving his way past multiple Punjab defenders inside the penalty area before squaring the ball perfectly for captain Saul Crespo. The Spanish skipper needed no second invitation, guiding a precise left-footed strike into the bottom corner to make it 3-1.

Crespo’s goal effectively ended the contest as a competitive affair. At 3-1 with less than twenty minutes remaining, Punjab’s hopes of mounting a comeback evaporated, and East Bengal could manage the game to its conclusion with relative comfort.

Late Chances and the Final Whistle

East Bengal nearly added a fourth goal when Ferreira once again outfoxed Punjab’s weary defenders, only to send his subsequent effort inches wide of the post. The Portuguese midfielder had been instrumental throughout the match, orchestrating attacks and delivering dangerous set-pieces that consistently troubled Punjab’s defense.

Punjab FC’s last meaningful chance came late in the match when Ramirez released Nigerian forward Bede Amarachi Osuji, but his shot flew straight into the grateful arms of Prabhsukhan Singh Gill. The East Bengal goalkeeper had been relatively untroubled throughout the second half, testament to his team’s defensive solidity and control.

When the final whistle sounded, the Red and Golds embraced one another in celebration, knowing they had earned their place in yet another final through a performance of quality, resilience, and tactical intelligence.

Looking Ahead to the Final

East Bengal’s progression to the AIFF Super Cup final represents a significant achievement for Oscar Bruzon and his squad. It marks their third appearance in a Super Cup final and continues their impressive run in knockout competitions this season.

The victory was built on several key factors: exceptional set-piece execution, particularly through Miguel Ferreira’s deliveries; individual quality from match-winners like Rashid, Sibille, and Crespo; and collective defensive discipline that limited Punjab to minimal clear-cut chances.

For Punjab FC, the defeat ends what had been an encouraging AIFF Super Cup campaign. Missing key defender Muhammed Uvais clearly affected their defensive stability, and they struggled to contain East Bengal’s attacking threat, particularly from set-pieces.

As East Bengal prepares for the final, they will take confidence from this comprehensive semi-final victory. Their ability to respond to Punjab’s equalizer, their clinical finishing at crucial moments, and their second-half dominance all suggest a team hitting peak form at the perfect time.

The Red and Golds’ journey to the AIFF Super Cup final continues their tradition of success in Indian knockout competitions, and they will enter the final as confident favorites regardless of their opposition. With players like Ferreira pulling the strings in midfield, Crespo providing leadership and goals, and a solid defensive foundation behind them, East Bengal has all the ingredients necessary to lift the AIFF Super Cup trophy.

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