FC Goa were crowned champions of the AIFF Super Cup 2025-26 after defeating East Bengal FC 6–5 in a penalty shootout at the PJN Stadium in Fatorda on Sunday, December 7, 2025. It was the first time a Super Cup final was decided by penalties — underlining how evenly matched the teams were, even after extra time.

Neither side could score during normal or extra time, despite several promising chances. According to the match report, the shootout hinged on just two missed kicks among the first ten attempts. On East Bengal’s side, captain Mohamad Basim Rashid missed his — and FC Goa’s captain Borja Herrera did the same.

As the contest moved into sudden death, FC Goa held their nerve.

A final full of near misses and bold efforts

From the opening whistle, both teams threatened to score but failed to break the deadlock. Early on, the home side, FC Goa, looked motivated by enthusiastic support from the stands and created early set-piece chances. East Bengal’s defence, though under pressure, held firm.

Soon East Bengal found their rhythm. In the 12th minute, a through ball left Miguel Ferreira one-on-one with FC Goa’s goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Singh Gill — but he fired wide.

Later, Bipin Singh’s energetic runs and accurate crosses caused trouble for FC Goa’s defenders. In the 20th minute, one such cross almost resulted in a goal, but a miscued touch from Mahesh Singh Naorem kept the score level.

In response, Goa made tactical changes at halftime. They replaced Boris Singh and Ronney Kharbdon with Udanta Singh Kumam and Nim Dorjee Tamang. This reshuffle strengthened their midfield and helped them counter East Bengal’s pressure.

Mahesh had another golden chance just before halftime. A crisp pass from Bipin allowed him a volley, but the shot was saved. Then in injury time, a through-ball from Hiroshi Ibusuki put Mahesh in sight of the goal — yet East Bengal’s Aakash Sangwan made a timely recovery to prevent a goal.

Second half drama and last-ditch saves

Goa started the second half on the front foot. Ayush Chhetri’s long-range attempt just after the break sailed over, and shortly after, Dejan Dražić was played through — only to be ruled offside.

But East Bengal soon piled on pressure again. Around the hour mark, Bipin’s crosses found both Miguel and Ibusuki inside the box — yet neither could convert.

In the 74th minute, East Bengal thought they had finally scored. PV Vishnu set up Ferreira for a sharp strike that looped dangerously toward the goal. Goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari fumbled, but somehow managed to claw the ball away just before it crossed the line. East Bengal’s players and fans cried out for a goal, but the referee waved away their protests.

i9That near miss seemed to revive Goa. In the 77th minute, Brison Fernandes smashed a powerful long-range shot that hit the post. Soon after, Borja’s cross picked out Dražić, unmarked — but his header went wide.

Then, in the 81st minute, an unlikely chance fell to defender Pol Moreno. Trying to clear from his own half, his kicked clearance dipped toward goal — but goalkeeper Gill backpedalled and tipped it onto the crossbar.

Extra time fails to break the tie

As the match entered extra time, both sides tired but kept pushing. In the 107th minute, Javier Siverio got a rebound and shot — only for Gill to block it from point-blank range.

Later, in the 114th minute, Timor headed a chance for Goa — but Gill again held strong, denying the shot and keeping East Bengal’s hopes alive.

Despite his heroics, Gill couldn’t make a decisive save during the penalty shootout. Ultimately, the match was decided by those two missed spot-kicks. With one fewer miss, FC Goa sealed the win.