East Bengal FC Beat Punjab FC 3–1 to Enter Third AIFF Super Cup 2025

Image Credit: All India Football Federation

East Bengal FC showcased remarkable resilience and clinical finishing to storm into their third AIFF Super Cup final, defeating Punjab FC 3–1 on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, Goa. This victory marked their second final appearance of the season, following their narrow IFA Shield defeat to Mohun Bagan Super Giant earlier this year.

It also represents a significant milestone, the first time East Bengal have reached an All India final under head coach Oscar Bruzon. The club’s previous Super Cup final appearances came in 2018, when they lost to Bengaluru FC, and in 2023, when they lifted the trophy in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, defeating Odisha FC in the final.

The game began cautiously, with both sides probing for openings. Punjab created the first big opportunity in the 10' when Pramveer headed a cross wide. Missing suspended defender Muhammed Uvais, Punjab appeared vulnerable at the back, a weakness East Bengal quickly exploited.

In the 12', the Red and Golds broke the deadlock from a smartly executed short corner. Miguel Ferreira’s delivery was only partially cleared, and the ball fell invitingly to Mohamad Bashim Rashid on the edge of the box. With a deft first touch, Rashid drilled a low shot that slipped under Muheet Shabir’s gloves, his maiden goal for East Bengal, giving his side an early 1–0 lead.

Punjab responded positively, pressing forward with greater intensity. Their equaliser arrived in the 34', thanks to an East Bengal defensive lapse. A harmless looking aerial ball into the area led to confusion, and Ricky Shabong’s header deflected off Bipin Singh’s arm. The referee pointed to the spot, and Daniel Ramirez calmly converted the penalty, sending Prabhsukhan Singh Gill the wrong way to level the score at 1–1.

However, East Bengal quickly regained control. In first half stoppage time, Ferreira produced another exquisite corner, and Kevin Sibille rose highest to nod in a commanding header, restoring their advantage at 2–1. The celebrations spilled over, earning coach Oscar Bruzon a second yellow card for excessive enthusiasm.

After the restart, East Bengal continued to dictate play, dominating possession and territory. In the 56', Bipin Singh cut in from the left and unleashed a thunderous shot that Shabir did well to save, while Hiroshi Ibusuki narrowly failed to head in the rebound. Punjab attempted to respond through Suhail Bhat and Ramirez, but East Bengal’s backline stayed compact and composed.

The decisive moment came in the 71'. Ferreira once again worked his magic, weaving past several Punjab defenders inside the box before laying the ball off to captain Saul Crespo, who calmly slotted a left footed effort into the bottom corner to make it 3–1.

East Bengal almost grabbed a fourth soon after when Ferreira’s curling effort whistled just past the post. Punjab’s final chance came late in the game, but Bede Amarachi Osuji’s strike was comfortably gathered by Gill.

At full time, the Red and Gold Brigade celebrated passionately, fully aware that they had earned a place in another national final and written a fresh chapter in their storied history.