Daijiworld Media Network - Fatorda

Fatorda (Goa), Dec 4: East Bengal marched into the AIFF Super Cup final with a commanding 3–1 victory over Punjab FC in the first semifinal at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Thursday. Mohamad Basim Rashid, Kevin Sibille and captain Saul Crespo found the net for the Red & Gold Brigade, while Daniel Ramirez scored Punjab’s lone goal from the penalty spot.

The win sends East Bengal into their third Super Cup final and their second major final of the season after their narrow IFA Shield defeat to Mohun Bagan SG.

East Bengal opened the scoring in the 12th minute when Mohamad Basim Rashid smashed home a low drive from the edge of the box after a poorly cleared corner. Punjab fought back strongly and were awarded a penalty when Bipin Singh handled the ball inside the area. Daniel Ramirez stepped up and calmly sent Prabhsukhan Gill the wrong way to equalise.

Just as Punjab looked to settle, East Bengal struck again. In first-half stoppage time, defender Kevin Sibille rose highest to head in Miguel Ferreira’s corner, restoring the lead. The half ended on a tense note, with East Bengal coach Oscar Bruzon shown a red card for dissent.

Punjab made attacking changes after the break and pushed for a comeback, but East Bengal stayed organised and dangerous on the counter. Bipin Singh and Ibusuki both came close, while Punjab’s Muhammad Suhail narrowly missed the far corner with a curling strike.

The decisive moment came in the 71st minute. A brilliant run from Miguel Ferreira created space for captain Saul Crespo, who drilled a powerful left-footer into the bottom corner to make it 3–1. Punjab pressed late through Osuji and Ramirez, but Gill denied both attempts.

East Bengal comfortably held on to their two-goal cushion, securing a well-earned spot in the final and moving one step closer to lifting the Super Cup.