AIFF Super Cup 2025: East Bengal thrash Shers by 3-1 to book a ticket to final

East Bengal secured a spot in the AIFF Super Cup final with a thrilling 3-1 win over Punjab FC in the semi-finals. Saul Crespo, Kevin Sibille, and Mohammed Rashid were the goal scorers for them.

Kevin Sibille celebrating his goal against Punjab FC. Image | EBFC on X

East Bengal booked their place in the AIFF Super Cup final with a spirited 3-1 victory over Punjab FC in a pulsating semi-final clash. After an end-to-end first half, East Bengal scored the winner in the second half to seal the win. Saul Crespo, Kevin Sibille, and Mohammed Rashid were the goal scorers for the Red and Gold.

East Bengal struck early, but the Shers equalised in the first-half

The encounter kicked off with Punjab FC seeking an early breakthrough. However, it was East Bengal who drew first blood in the 12th minute.

Mohammed Rashid capitalised on a corner kick situation that was initially cleared but fell invitingly for him just outside the box. Rashid took a deft touch and unleashed a precise finish amidst a crowd of defenders, giving East Bengal a crucial early lead. This goal set the tone for an engaging contest, with Punjab FC immediately looking to retaliate.

Punjab’s response came in the 34th minute when Dani Ramirez stepped up to convert a penalty awarded after Bipin Varghese was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the box.

Ramirez’s composed spot-kick evened the score, injecting fresh energy into the Punjab side and signalling a tightly poised first half.

As the half progressed, Penned-in chances highlighted the intensity, with East Bengal’s Hiroshi narrowly missing a headed opportunity after a curling delivery. Tactical discipline was evident on both ends, but the deadlock was broken again right at the cusp of halftime.

In stoppage time (45+3’), Kevin Sibille rose highest to direct a powerful header into the net, regaining the lead for East Bengal just before the break. The goal was celebrated vigorously but was soon followed by a dramatic moment when East Bengal’s coach Oscar was shown a second yellow card for dissent, adding to the mounting tension.

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Missed chances and a goal for East Bengal in the second half

The second half saw substitution-induced freshness and teams looking to control the midfield battle. Punjab’s Nsungusi Effiong and East Bengal’s Saul Crespo brought energy up front.

However, East Bengal’s defence held firm while launching counterattacks. In the 71st minute, skipper Saul Crespo produced a moment of magic to seal the victory. Assisted by Miguel Figueira, Saul unleashed a powerful, bullet-like shot that gave the Punjab goalkeeper no chance, extending East Bengal’s lead to 3-1.

The closing stages included a flurry of substitutions, as both coaches looked to reshuffle and inject late momentum. Punjab's efforts to claw back were thwarted by East Bengal's solid organisation, with notable contributions from defender Lalchungnunga, who wrapped up the defensive duties with composure.

East Bengal will face the winner between Mumbai City FC and FC Goa in the final on Sunday.

How to watch the East Bengal vs Punjab FC highlights?

Football fans from India can watch the highlights of East Bengal vs Punjab FC AIFF Super Cup semi-final on JioHotstar, via OTTplay Premium.

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