East Bengal march into their third Super Cup final with a commanding 3–1 win
FATORDA, GOA:
East Bengal FC delivered a composed and commanding performance to defeat Punjab FC 3–1 and book their place in the 2025 AIFF Super Cup final at the PJN Stadium on Thursday. It is their third Super Cup final appearance and their second major final of the season, following the IFA Shield summit clash.The match showcased East Bengal’s set-piece mastery, tactical discipline, and leadership under Oscar Bruzon, who—despite being sent off for over-celebration—watched his side secure a well-earned victory.
Cagey Start, Early Breakthrough
The match began with both teams cautious and tense, probing rather than committing. Punjab created the first real opportunity in the 10th minute when Pramveer connected with a cross but headed wide.Punjab were visibly unsettled without suspended defender Muhammed Uvais, and East Bengal pounced quickly.In the 12th minute, a cleverly taken short-corner routine paid off.
Miguel Ferreira’s floated delivery was only half-cleared, falling to Mohamad Bashim Rashid at the edge of the box. With a sublime first touch and a low, driven shot, Rashid beat Muheet Shabir for his first goal for East Bengal, handing the Red & Golds a crucial early lead.
Punjab Hit Back Through a Penalty
The goal woke Punjab up, and they pushed forward with more determination. Their equaliser arrived in the 34th minute, albeit fortuitously for them.
A harmless aerial ball into the box turned chaotic when Ricky Shabong’s header struck Bipin Singh’s arm, leaving the referee no option but to award a penalty.Daniel Ramirez stepped up and confidently converted, sending Prabhsukhan Singh Gill the wrong way to bring Punjab level.Momentum briefly shifted in Punjab’s favour—but only until stoppage time.
Sibille Restores the Lead in Added Time
Deep into first-half injury time, East Bengal once again turned to their biggest weapon of the day—set pieces.From another precise Ferreira corner, Kevin Sibille outjumped his marker and powered home a towering header to make it 2–1.The goal sparked wild celebrations, so wild that East Bengal head coach Oscar Bruzon received a second yellow card, resulting in his dismissal just before the break.
East Bengal Take Full Control in the Second Half
After the restart, East Bengal asserted firm control.
In the 56th minute, Bipin Singh burst down the left, forcing Shabir into a sharp save. The rebound fell to Hiroshi Ibusuki, who narrowly headed wide.
Crespo Delivers the Knockout Blow
The decisive moment came in the 71st minute.
Ferreira, brilliant all evening, danced past a cluster of Punjab defenders inside the box and squared the ball perfectly for captain Saul Crespo.
Crespo guided a composed left-footed finish into the far corner, sealing a 3–1 lead and sending East Bengal fans into a frenzy.Ferreira nearly added a fourth minutes later, weaving past defenders again but dragging his shot inches wide.Punjab’s final opening came late when Ramirez released Bede Osuji, but the Nigerian’s effort was straight at Gill.
Final Whistle: East Bengal Into Another Final
As the referee blew full-time, East Bengal players embraced one another, knowing they had earned a place in yet another major final—one built on intensity, discipline, and clinical execution.
They now await their opponent FC GOA, as they chase the Super Cup crown for the third time in their history.
