AIFF Super Cup 2025-26: Punjab FC and Bengaluru FC will battle it out for semi-final spot

The best matches of the AIFF Super Cup group stage have been saved for the very last, with Bengaluru FC taking on Punjab FC on the penultimate day for a spot in the semi-finals at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Wednesday.

Punjab has been very consistent in its form, scoring three goals in each of the two matches from its well-oiled arsenal, featuring Indian youngsters Ninthoinganba Meetei, Muhammad Suhail and Manglenthang Kipgen.

Newcomers Dani Ramirez and Samir Zeljkovic will fit into the team seamlessly, replacing Ezequel Pulga Vidal and Filip Mrzljak in midfield respectively, and will be crucial in building attacks from the back.

BFC, on the other hand, were well held by a depleted Mohammedan Sporting team for most parts of the match, but eventually secured full points thanks to a counter-attack – scored by Taorem Kelvin Singh – and a spotkick converted by captain Sunil Chhetri.

But Gerard Zaragoza’s side looked good against Gokulam Kerala, scoring in the second minute and putting three more past the Malabarians to go into the final day of play on level terms with the Shers.

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With an equal goal difference and the same number of goals scored, the winner in regular time will secure a place in the semi-finals, while a draw via penalties will determine the group topper.

Argentinian playmaker Braian Sanchez is expected to dictate the midfield for the Blues, with Ryan Williams as one of the forwards in a diamond formation.

Chhetri could replace Kelvin as the poacher alongside Williams, while Sirojiddin Kuziev will be tasked with holding the midfield and provoking attacks against the flow of play.

The Blues will be careful not to give too much space to Indian youth internationals Kipgen and Suhail, both of whom use pace and positioning to create chances on a regular basis.

In the other match, earlier in the day, Gokulam Kerala and Mohamedan Sporting will lock horns in a dead rubber at the GMC Stadium in Bambolim. Both former I-League champions have had no-shows in the tournament so far, with no goals or wins to their name, but will aim to end the Super Cup on a high.

The match pits coach José Hevia’s former side (Mohammedan Sporting) and the present (Gokulam) against each other, with the Spaniard in charge of the Black Panthers for the 2020-2021 season.

Hevia, who had led Shillong Lajong to the Shillong Premier League and Meghalaya State League in 2019, helped him score the most goals (46) in the I-League last season. However, after taking charge of the Malabarians in June, he has yet to earn a point – a point he would like to change on Wednesday.

Mohammedan Sporting, on the other hand, will have the opportunity to find hope on the pitch, amid times of severe financial crisis off it, with a reserve side featuring Thokchom Adison Singh as its most promising forward.

Published on November 4, 2025