Punjab FC earned a dramatic spot in the AIFF Super Cup 2025‑26 semi‑finals after beating Bengaluru FC 5‑4 in a nerve‑wracking penalty shoot‑out. The match finished 0‑0 in regulation at Pune’s PJN Stadium on Wednesday, and both clubs finished Group C with the same seven points, goal difference, and goals scored, forcing a penalty decider.
In extra time, neither side found a breakthrough. Bengaluru’s Ryan Williams was the only player to miss a spot‑kick, saving Shabir Muheet’s penalty and handing Punjab the win. Punjab’s five successful kicks—by Nsungsi Effiong, Princeton Rebello, Samir Zeljkovic, Leon Augustine, and Vinit Rai—aired the scoreline, while Bengaluru’s gunshots from Suresh Singh Wangjam, Rahul Bheke, Sunil Chhetri, and Braian Sanchez all landed in the back of the net.
Both teams entered the match determined, but lacked lethal final‑third movement in the first half. Punjab had early chances, with Effiong’s header blocked in the Bengaluru box. Ninthoi Meetei worked the right flank, delivering a pass to Daniel Ramirez whose long‑range stroke was easily staved off by Bengaluru goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. Bengaluru answered with a strong right‑side cross in the 35th minute, directing Sanchez’s wing‑footed shot past Muheet, but his header was mis‑guided. Punjab’s set‑pieces were also overturned; an Effiong header in the 58th minute just missed the post.
Co‑coach Gerard Zaragoza shuffled the Bengaluru lineup midway through, inserting Sunil Chhetri and Ashique Kuruniyan. The change promised improved possession, and Chhetri’s appearance gave Bengaluru a fresh threat. In injury time, Bengaluru created a handful of corners, but none converted, leaving the score line unchanged.
With the referee’s whistle, the match slid into the dreaded penalty phase. Punjab’s goalkeeper, Shabith Muheet, performed heroically, especially on Williams’ attempt, which he saved by stepping to the left. With all other penalties converted, Punjab claimed the pen‑shootout 5‑4, sending the team into the semi‑finals and cracking the DBY team.
The Punjab squad showcased resilience, brightening the AIFF Super Cup story with a hard‑earned pass to vengeance. The Goa‑based Giants, meanwhile, will now look to regroup as Bengaluru nears the last four of the tournament.
Source: ianslive
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