Punjab FC edge Bengaluru FC in penalties to enter Super Cup semifinals

Punjab FC defeated Bengaluru FC 5-4 in a penalty shootout to reach their first-ever AIFF Super Cup semifinal after a goalless draw in Bambolim. Goalkeeper Muheet Shabir’s crucial save ensured the Shers topped their group on Wednesday night.

HYDERABAD: Punjab FC held their nerve to prevail over Bengaluru FC 5-4 in the penalty shootout to book their spot in the semifinals after both teams finished goalless after regulation time in the final group stage match of the AIFF Super Cup which was played here at the Jawaharlal Nehru Fatorda Stadium in Bambolim (Goa) late in Wednesday night.

With both teams tied on the same points and goals scored, the match went into penalties to decide the group winners.

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Muheet Shabir saved the third kick from Ryan Williams as Nsungusi Effiong, Princeton Rebello, Samir Zeljkovic, Leon Augustine and Vinit Rai found the target for Punjab FC to ensure the Shers book their first ever semifinal appearance in the Super Cup.

Punjab FC head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis made two changes in the playing eleven with the injured Muhammad Suhail replaced Leon Augustine and Nigerian striker Nsungusi Effiong starting in place of Manglenthang Kipgen while Bengaluru FC Head Coach Gerard Zaragoza going with the same lineup from their previous match.

Punjab FC were the better side in the first half, dominating possession and moving forward with purpose. Effiong got the first real chance in the half, after Dani Ramirez disposed the Bengaluru defender and rolled the ball into the striker’s half but he could not control the ball to have a shot on target.

Punjab FC looked dangerous while going forward with the attackers linking up well with each. Leon Augustine saw his shot deflected over the bar as Bengaluru were content to some last ditch defending. On the other end, Bengaluru FC who played on counter attacks could not find much joy with the Punjab defence remaining compact and goalkeeper Muheet Shabir was upto the mark while called upon.

Bengaluru created more chances in the second half, coming close to scoring twice. Substitute Sunil Chettri failed to put the finishing touches to a wonderful ball from Ashique Kuruniyan and in the final minutes Rahul Bheke headed wide from a corner kick.

The semifinal fixtures will be announced later.