Punjab FC booked their place in the semifinals of the IFA Shield 2026-27 after edging East Bengal FC 1-0 in their final Group II encounter at the East Bengal Ground on Wednesday.
A first-half strike from new Brazilian signing Diego Raposo proved decisive as the Shers secured their second consecutive victory in the tournament and finished top of the group. Punjab FC will now face NorthEast United FC in the semifinal on October 2.
East Bengal began brightly and came close to an early breakthrough when Chris Ikonomidis attempted to catch Punjab goalkeeper Arshdeep Singh off his line with a long-range lob in the fourth minute, but the effort went wide.
Punjab gradually grew into the contest and created their first major opening in the 20th minute.
Raphael Messi Bouli's effort from inside the box was saved by Phurba Lachenpa, while Bishu Sharma's follow-up struck the side netting.
The hosts responded when Ikonomidis' cross found Rohit Danu, whose header sailed over the bar after a collision with Khaiminthang Lhungdim.
Punjab eventually broke the deadlock in the 41st minute. Messi Bouli produced a precise cross following a defensive lapse and Raposo controlled the ball superbly before unleashing a powerful right-footed strike that gave Lachenpa no chance.
East Bengal pushed for an equaliser after the break, but Punjab remained dangerous on the counter. Messi Bouli and Alfred Planas Moya both had opportunities to extend the lead, with one Punjab effort also hitting the woodwork.
East Bengal introduced Vishnu PV, Jeakson Singh and Bipin Singh in search of a breakthrough, but Punjab's defence repeatedly stood firm.
Arshdeep then made a crucial save in the 90th minute to deny Bipin's curling free-kick. Punjab were reduced to 10 men when Nikhil Prabhu received a second yellow card in the 92nd minute, but Arshdeep produced another excellent stop in the 94th minute to preserve the clean sheet.
Raposo was named Player of the Match as Punjab FC advanced to the semifinals with a hard-fought 1-0 win.
