Punjab FC Reach Maiden Super Cup Semi-Final
Punjab FC scripted history as they defeated Bengaluru FC 5–4 in a dramatic penalty shootout to qualify for their first-ever Super Cup semi-final. The intense Group C match, played on Wednesday, ended 0–0 in regulation time. However, the penalty shootout decided the group winner after both teams finished with seven points, identical goal differences, and goals scored.
All five Punjab FC players — Nsungsi Effiong, Princeton Rebello, Samir Zeljković, Leon Augustine, and Vinit Rai — converted their spot kicks. On the other hand, Ryan Williams missed the decisive penalty for Bengaluru, giving Punjab a memorable victory.
For Bengaluru, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Rahul Bheke, Sunil Chhetri, and Braian Sánchez scored their penalties, but it was not enough to keep them in the tournament.
Tense Match With Few Clear Chances
The match began at a high tempo with Punjab FC pressing early. Effiong found himself behind the Bengaluru backline twice in the opening minutes, but he lacked control in the final third.
After the 15-minute mark, Punjab dominated possession. Ninthoinganba Meetei caused several problems on the left flank. His clever footwork in the 28th minute led to the first shot on target when Daniel Ramírez’s attempt was saved by Bengaluru goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.
Bengaluru responded with a near-goal in the 35th minute. Braian Sánchez sent in a curling cross that forced Punjab goalkeeper Muheet Shabir into a fingertip save. From the resulting corner, defender Chinglensana Singh rose highest but headed the ball over the bar.
Just before half-time, Ninthoi delivered another low cross to Leon Augustine. However, Augustine sent his strike well above the goal, keeping the score goalless.
Second Half Drama and Missed Opportunities
Punjab FC continued with the same intensity after the break. In the 58th minute, Ramírez delivered a corner to an unmarked Effiong at the far post. Yet, his header glanced wide in what could have been the breakthrough moment.
To shift momentum, Bengaluru head coach Gerard Zaragoza brought on Sunil Chhetri and Ashique Kuruniyan. The substitutions helped the Blues regain possession and push Punjab deeper into their half.
In the 68th minute, Ashique sent an inch-perfect cross to Chhetri. With only the goalkeeper to beat, the veteran striker volleyed wide, missing a golden chance to seal the game.
Bengaluru won several corners in the final minutes of regulation time. However, Rahul Bheke’s header in injury time went wide, sending the match to penalties.
Punjab Hold Nerve in Penalty Shootout
In the shootout, Punjab FC displayed remarkable composure. All five of their penalty takers scored with confidence. Bengaluru’s Ryan Williams was the only player to miss, sending his attempt wide and handing the win to Punjab.
With this triumph, Punjab FC topped Group C and sealed their maiden Super Cup semi-final spot.
Meanwhile, in the other Group C match, Gokulam Kerala FC defeated Mohammedan Sporting 3–0 in Bambolim. However, both teams were already out of contention for the knockout stage.