Punjab FC held their nerve in a tense penalty shootout to book a place in the AIFF Super Cup 2025-26 semi-finals, defeating Bengaluru FC 5-4 after a goalless stalemate in regulation time at the PJN Stadium on Wednesday night.
Both teams finished level on seven points in Group C — two wins and a draw each — with identical goal difference and goals scored. The deadlock meant a penalty shootout was required to decide the group winners, where Bengaluru’s Ryan Williams was the only player to miss his spot-kick.
For the Blues, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Rahul Bheke, Sunil Chhetri, and Braian Sánchez converted their chances. Punjab, however, were flawless from the spot as Nsungsi Effiong, Princeton Rebello, Samir Zeljković, Leon Augustine, and Vinit Rai all found the net to send the Shers through.
A battle of equals under Fatorda lights
The match began with both sides showing intent but little penetration in the final third. Punjab’s Effiong threatened early but lacked control when slipped behind Bengaluru’s backline. Gradually, Punjab took command, dictating play with longer spells of possession.
Young winger Ninthoinganba Meetei — or Ninthoi — was a livewire down the left, creating Punjab’s first real opening in the 28th minute. His cut-back found Daniel Ramírez, whose attempt was comfortably gathered by Bengaluru goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.
Bengaluru weathered the storm and came close through Sánchez’s curling cross that forced Muheet Shabir into a fingertip save. Defender Chinglensana Singh’s header from the resulting corner flew just over, while Leon Augustine’s late first-half effort for Punjab also sailed above the bar.
Missed chances and a nerve-wracking finish
Punjab continued to press after the break, with Ramírez’s corner finding Effiong unmarked at the far post in the 58th minute, only for the Nigerian’s header to glance wide.
Coach Gerard Zaragoza’s decision to introduce Sunil Chhetri and Ashique Kuruniyan changed Bengaluru’s rhythm. The duo combined in the 68th minute when Ashique’s precise cross found Chhetri unmarked, but the Indian captain volleyed wide with only the keeper to beat.
Bengaluru piled on the pressure late on, winning multiple corners. Rahul Bheke came closest in injury time, heading wide from a Vinith Venkatesh delivery before the referee signaled for penalties.
Shabir’s moment of glory
Goalkeeper Muheet Shabir emerged as Punjab’s hero, keeping his composure when it mattered most. During Ryan Williams’ crucial kick, Shabir waited till the final second before diving left to make the decisive save.
With Punjab converting all five of their penalties, the Shers sealed a dramatic 5-4 shootout win to claim the top spot in Group C and a well-deserved place in the AIFF Super Cup semi-finals.
