Punjab FC held their nerve in a dramatic penalty shootout to knock out Bengaluru FC 5–4 and seal their maiden Super Cup semifinal berth, after a tense goalless draw in the final Group C match on Wednesday.
Both sides finished level on seven points, with identical goal difference (six) and goals scored (six), forcing a rare penalty shootout to decide the group topper. The Shers kept their composure as all five penalty takers — Nsungsi Effiong, Princeton Rebello, Samir Zeljković, Leon Augustine, and Vinit Rai — converted with ease.
Bengaluru’s Ryan Williams was the only player to miss, his effort proving costly as Suresh Singh Wangjam, Rahul Bheke, Sunil Chhetri, and Braian Sánchez all found the net for the Blues.
The result marks a historic moment for Punjab FC, who advance to the semifinals of the Super Cup for the first time in their history.
Punjab Dominate Early; Bengaluru Fight Back
Punjab started brighter, controlling possession and creating the early chances. Nsungsi Effiong got behind the Bengaluru defence but failed to apply the finishing touch, while winger Ninthoinganba Meetei caused constant problems down the left flank.
In the 28th minute, Meetei’s run and cut-back found Daniel Ramírez, whose shot was easily gathered by Bengaluru goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. Bengaluru slowly grew into the game, with Braian Sánchez’s curling cross forcing Muheet Shabir into a smart save just before halftime.
Chances were few and far between after the restart. Punjab threatened through set pieces, but Effiong’s glancing header from Ramírez’s corner went just wide. Bengaluru introduced veterans Sunil Chhetri and Ashique Kuruniyan, who immediately lifted the tempo.
In the 68th minute, Ashique’s perfect cross found Chhetri unmarked in the box, but the Indian skipper volleyed wide.
Gokulam End on a High
In the other Group C fixture, Gokulam Kerala FC cruised past Mohammedan Sporting 3–0 in Bambolim. Albert Torras opened the scoring in the 28th minute, Samuel Lyndoh doubled the lead after halftime, and substitute Juan Carlos Rico sealed the win late on. Both sides, however, bowed out of the competition.
(with PTI inputs)
