AIFF Super Cup: East Bengal, Punjab, Goa, Mumbai City meet in semis, aim for summit clash
In Fatorda, Goa, a tense atmosphere is gathering as the All‑India Football Federation’s Super Cup 2025‑26 sees four clubs—East Bengal, Punjab, FC Goa and Mumbai City—locked in for a double‑header semifinal showdown. The first clash pits the defending champions, East Bengal, against the newcomers, Punjab, at 4 p.m. IST in the PJN Stadium, while the overnight match at 8 p.m. will feature the title holders FC Goa against Mumbai City.
East Bengal and Punjab both secured their spots by topping the two most competitive groups. East Bengal managed a hard‑fought 0‑0 draw with city rivals Mohun Bagan Super Giant, while Punjab edged Bengaluru on penalties after a flawless, goalless group campaign. Coach Oscar Bruzón stressed that their success is rooted in months of relentless preparation: “We began training in July, competed in preparatory tournaments and incorporated several new players. That period helped us build automatic teamwork, chemistry, and a deep sense of our identity. We are mature in our game plan and bring that confidence onto the pitch tomorrow.” Full‑back Jay Gupta echoed the anticipation, noting the tournament’s continental berth is a reward fans have long deserved. When probed about Punjab’s impenetrable defence, Bruzón praised the side’s aggressiveness and compactness, adding that he is ready for any tactical shifts they might introduce.
With East Bengal’s massive fan base hoping for a second Super Cup triumph and a return to Asian competitions, Bruzón remained focused on the immediate match, saying the team must play with hunger, aggression and unwavering commitment. Meanwhile, Punjab’s coach, Panagiotis Dilmeris expressed confidence after a careful recovery period following qualification, with a solid three‑and‑a‑half‑week training block and friendly fixtures fine‑tuning the squad. Midfielder Leon Augustine highlighted the team’s condition and that no pressure exists against East Bengal. Dilmeris acknowledged East Bengal’s balanced squad but noted the importance of a clean sheet in knockout football, preparing for every scenario.
The second semifinal features Mumbai City, fresh from an extensive training block but without recent competitive matches, against FC Goa, who have been grinding through AFC Champions League Two commitments. With the final spot and a path back to continental football on the line, both sides are eager to deliver their best performance. Mumbai City’s head coach Petr Kratky praised his squad’s progress, recognising Goa’s rhythm from the ACL Two, yet emphasizing that the team has prepared diligently. The club has three consecutive Super Cup semifinals, and midfielder Brandon Fernandes, looking for a first finals appearance, is motivated to secure a victory and a return to AFC competition. Kratky reiterated their intention to play an aggressive, attacking style and to build a culture where every player knows their importance, stressing that heart, character and commitment drive success.
Facing former club FC Goa, Fernandes remained focused on the present, urging his team to execute plans accurately and to challenge the opposition. Adventure on the field sits at the forefront of FC Goa’s coach Manolo Márquez, who described the contrast in schedules and the mental demands of the ACL Two. He followed the team’s itinerary, noting that playing strong matches, rather than training alone, fosters growth and that every match, no matter the circumstances, offers an opportunity. Defender Ronney Wilson Kharbudon, after debuting against Al Nassr, praised the learning experience of these high‑level encounters and expressed determination to reach the final.
The rivalry between FC Goa and Mumbai City is known for its exciting play, with sixteen goals in their last five meetings and a long unbeaten streak for Mumbai City until Goa’s recent 3‑1 victory. Both managers acknowledged the competitive nature of each fixture and the desire to progress, with promising talent and international experience bolstering each side. Though past results set context, the upcoming games promise fresh drama for a tournament that remains a key stepping‑stone to Asian football.
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