FC Goa Clinches AIFF Super Cup Title in Thrilling Penalty Shootout

In a gripping finale to the AIFF Super Cup, FC Goa secured their third title by defeating East Bengal FC in a penalty shootout after a goalless match. The game, held at the PJN Stadium, saw both teams struggle to score, leading to the first-ever penalty shootout in the tournament's history. Key players from both sides missed crucial penalties, but FC Goa ultimately triumphed. The match featured intense moments, including a controversial near-goal for East Bengal and outstanding performances from both goalkeepers. Discover the full story of this thrilling encounter.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 8, 2025, 02:33 IST

FC Goa Secures Third AIFF Super Cup Title

On December 7, 2025, FC Goa emerged victorious in the AIFF Super Cup, claiming the title for the third time after a nail-biting penalty shootout against East Bengal FC at the PJN Stadium in Fatorda, as reported by the AIFF.

Despite numerous attempts from both teams to score during regular and extra time, the match concluded without a goal, leading to the first-ever penalty shootout in an AIFF Super Cup final. FC Goa's captain Borja Herrera and East Bengal's Mohamad Basim Rashid both missed their initial penalties. However, East Bengal's Kevin Sibille, Saul Crespo, Miguel Ferreira, and Anwar Ali successfully converted their kicks. For FC Goa, Javier Siverio, Dejan Drazic, Muhammed Nemil, and David Timor scored, pushing the contest into sudden death. While Udanta Kumam and Sahil Tavora scored for Goa, Hamid Ahadad netted for East Bengal, but PV Vishnu's miss proved costly.

First Half: A Battle of Wits

The final match of the AIFF Super Cup 2025-26 started with both teams showcasing their skills. FC Goa, energized by their home crowd, created early chances through set-pieces, but East Bengal's defense held firm.

East Bengal soon found their rhythm, generating opportunities, including a significant chance in the 12th minute when Ferreira was one-on-one with goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Singh Gill but failed to score.

Bipin Singh was particularly effective on the wing, delivering a threatening cross in the 20th minute that nearly caught the FC Goa defense off guard, but Mahesh Naorem's misplay kept the scoreline unchanged.

In response to East Bengal's tactics, FC Goa made strategic substitutions, bringing in Udanta and Nim Dorjee Tamang to strengthen their midfield and counter East Bengal's advances.

Mahesh had a couple of near misses towards the end of the first half, including a volley saved in the 43rd minute and a late chance thwarted by Aakash Sangwan.

Second Half: Intense Action and Controversy

The second half began with FC Goa pushing forward, as Ayush Chhetri attempted a long-range shot that sailed over the bar. Timor's pass to Drazic in the 49th minute was ruled offside, halting Goa's momentum.

East Bengal responded with relentless attacks, and Bipin's precise crosses found both Miguel and Ibusuki, but neither could convert their chances.

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This near miss revitalized FC Goa, leading to a powerful long-range strike from Brison Fernandes that hit the crossbar in the 77th minute. Borja's subsequent cross found Drazic, but he missed the header.

In the 81st minute, FC Goa's Pol Moreno nearly scored an own goal when his clearance unexpectedly dipped towards the net, forcing Gill to make a last-minute save.

Extra Time: Goalkeeper's Brilliance

As the match entered extra time, FC Goa maintained their momentum, although clear chances were limited. Siverio's close-range shot in the 107th minute was expertly saved by Gill, who also denied a header from Timor in the 114th minute.

Gill's performance was commendable, as he managed to save several penalties during the shootout, but ultimately, the outcome hinged on the missed attempts, with East Bengal having one more successful kick than Goa.