Punjab FC held their nerves to defeat Bengaluru FC 5-4 in a penalty shootout and secure a semifinal berth in the AIFF Super Cup 2025-26. The match, played at the PJN Stadium in Fatorda on Wednesday, November 5, ended 0-0 after regular time.

Tight Group Ends in a Shootout

Both Punjab and Bengaluru ended Group C with seven points each — two wins and one draw. They also shared the same goal difference (six) and goals scored (six). The group leader was therefore decided through a penalty shootout.

Bengaluru’s Ryan Williams was the only player to miss his spot-kick, which proved costly. Punjab’s Nsungsi Effiong, Princeton Rebello, Samir Zeljković, Leon Augustine, and Vinit Rai all converted their penalties. For Bengaluru, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Rahul Bheke, Sunil Chhetri, and Braian Sánchez found the net.

Punjab Dominate Early Possession

Both teams started aggressively but struggled to create clear chances. Punjab had early openings, but Effiong failed to control the ball in key moments.

After 15 minutes, Punjab began to dominate possession. Ninthoinganba Meetei, also known as Ninthoi, was lively on the left wing. His 28th-minute run led to Punjab’s first real shot on target. He cut in and passed to Daniel Ramírez, whose low strike was easily saved by Bengaluru goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.

Bengaluru Fight Back Before the Break

After resisting Punjab’s pressure, Bengaluru created opportunities of their own. In the 35th minute, Sánchez’s curling cross forced a strong save from Punjab keeper Muheet Shabir. From the resulting corner, defender Chinglensana Singh Konsham headed over the bar.

Right before halftime, Ninthoi made another dangerous run down the left and sent in a low cross. Effiong left the ball, allowing Leon Augustine to take a shot, but he fired it over the bar.

Missed Chances Continue in the Second Half

Punjab maintained their intensity after the break but found clear chances only through set-pieces. Ramírez’s 58th-minute corner found Effiong unmarked, but his header missed by inches.

Bengaluru coach Gerard Zaragoza then made key substitutions, bringing in Sunil Chhetri and Ashique Kuruniyan. The move shifted momentum toward Bengaluru, who began controlling possession.

In the 68th minute, Ashique’s perfect cross found Chhetri unmarked inside the box. However, the veteran striker volleyed wide, missing a golden opportunity.

Match Goes to Penalties

Bengaluru pressed hard in the final minutes, winning multiple corners. Their best chance came in injury time when Rahul Bheke headed wide from Vinith Venkatesh’s corner. The referee’s whistle soon confirmed penalties.

Punjab’s goalkeeper Muheet Shabir emerged as the hero. During Ryan Williams’ penalty, Shabir waited until the last second, correctly diving to his left to make the crucial save. With all other players scoring, Punjab sealed a 5-4 win in the shootout and advanced to the semifinals.

Punjab FC showed composure under pressure, maintaining their unbeaten run and claiming a well-deserved semifinal spot. Bengaluru FC, despite their strong display, fell short in the final moment.