Punjab FC has etched its name in the history books, securing aSuper Cup semi-final berth after defeating Bengaluru FC 5-4 in a penalty shootout. The nail-biting encounter, held at the PJN Stadium in Fatorda, Goa on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, saw both teams locked at 0-0 after regulation time, leading to the dramatic shootout.
Both Punjab FC and Bengaluru FC entered the match with an equal seven points, having recorded two wins and a draw each in the group stage. With an equal goal difference of six and the same number of goals scored, the winner of Group C had to be determined via penalties.
The match itself was a high-intensity affair, with both teams displaying attacking intent from the outset. However, clear-cut chances were scarce in the opening exchanges. Punjab FC began to assert themselves, dictating the tempo and enjoying spells of possession in Bengaluru's half. Ninthoinganba Meetei was particularly lively on the left flank, creating Punjab's first real chance in the 28th minute when his cutback found Daniel Ramírez, whose shot was comfortably saved by Bengaluru goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.
Bengaluru weathered the early pressure and began to create opportunities of their own. Braian Sánchez's cross nearly caught out the Punjab FC goalkeeper, dipping dangerously towards goal. As the first half progressed, both teams continued to probe, but neither could find the breakthrough. Leon Augustine came close for Punjab FC just before halftime, but Gurpreet Singh Sandhu was equal to the task.
The second half mirrored the first, with both sides struggling to unlock each other's defenses. Clear-cut chances remained at a premium, and the tension in the stadium was palpable as the clock ticked down. Despite their best efforts, neither Punjab FC nor Bengaluru FC could find a goal, and the match headed to a penalty shootout.
In the shootout, Punjab FC held their nerve, converting all five of their spot-kicks. Nsungsi Effiong, Princeton Rebello, Samir Zeljković, Leon Augustine, and Vinit Rai all found the back of the net, piling the pressure on Bengaluru. For the Blues, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Rahul Bheke, and Sunil Chhetri all scored, but Ryan Williams saw his penalty saved by Punjab FC goalkeeper Shabir, proving to be the decisive moment. Braian Sanchez also scored for Bengaluru FC.
Shabir guessed correctly, diving to his left to deny Williams and send Punjab FC into the Super Cup semi-finals. The save sparked wild celebrations among the Punjab FC players and fans, as they secured their place in the final four in dramatic fashion.
Punjab FC will now face East Bengal FC in the semi-finals. The victory marks a historic moment for Punjab FC, who have reached the Super Cup semi-finals for the first time in the club's history. Meanwhile, Bengaluru FC's Super Cup campaign comes to an end after a hard-fought but ultimately unsuccessful quarter-final.
