East Bengal Storm Into Super Cup Final With Victory Over Punjab FC

Last Updated:December 04, 2025, 20:22 IST

East Bengal reach their third AIFF Super Cup final after a 3-1 victory over Punjab FC, with goals from Mohamad Bashim Rashid, Kevin Sibille and Saul Crespo.

East Bengal beat Punjab FC 3-1 in the AIFF Super Cup semifinal (Picture credit: X @IndianFootball)

East Bengal delivered a gritty and efficient performance to bag their place in their third AIFF Super Cup final, beating Punjab FC 3–1 on Thursday.

This marks their second final of the season, following a narrow IFA Shield defeat to Mohun Bagan SG.

East Bengal took the lead in the 12th minute through Mohamad Bashim Rashid, but Daniel Ramirez equalised from the penalty spot in the 34th minute.

However, Kevin Sibille scored just before half-time (45+3), and captain Saul Crespo sealed the match in the 71st minute for Oscar Bruzon’s men.

The match started with both teams cautious and tense. Punjab created the first big chance when Pramveer connected with a cross inside the tenth minute, but his header went wide.

Without their suspended defender Muhammed Uvais, Punjab appeared slightly unsettled at the back, which East Bengal quickly exploited.

In the 12th minute, East Bengal capitalised on a cleverly worked short corner. Miguel Ferreira’s floated delivery was half-cleared, falling perfectly for Mohamad Bashim Rashid just outside the box.

Rashid controlled the ball with an impeccable first touch before firing a low, powerful shot that went under goalkeeper Muheet Shabir’s glove. It was the former’s first goal for the club, putting the Red and Golds in control.

The goal invigorated Punjab, who pushed forward with more intent. Their equaliser came from an East Bengal lapse. A harmless aerial ball into the box led to a defensive error as Ricky Shabong’s header struck Bipin Singh’s arm, leading the referee to award a penalty.

Ramirez converted, sending East Bengal goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Singh Gill the wrong way. Punjab were level and the momentum shifted.

But East Bengal stood firm and continued to threaten from set pieces. Deep into first-half stoppage time, Ferreira delivered another excellent corner from the left, and Kevin Sibille rose above his marker to power home a header.

The celebrations were exuberant enough for East Bengal coach Bruzon to receive a second yellow card.

In the second half, East Bengal became increasingly dominant. They nearly extended their lead in the 56th minute when Bipin Singh’s fierce shot was saved by Shabir. Hiroshi Ibusuki reached the far post but couldn’t direct his header on target.

Punjab, meanwhile, attempted to find breakthroughs through Suhail and Ramirez but struggled against East Bengal’s disciplined defence.

The decisive moment came in the 71st minute with a brilliant play from Ferreira. He weaved past multiple Punjab defenders inside the area and squared the ball for captain Saul Crespo, who guided a precise left-footed strike into the bottom corner.

(With PTI Inputs)

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