Fatorda (Goa), Dec 3 (NationPress) The quest for a spot in the All-India Football Federation (AIFF) Super Cup 2025-26 final intensifies on Thursday, as East Bengal FC, Punjab FC, FC Goa, and Mumbai City FC prepare for a thrilling double-header semifinal day.

Last season's champions, East Bengal FC, will face off against first-time semifinalists Punjab FC in the opening match at the PJN Stadium in Fatorda, Goa, at 16:00 IST, followed by the reigning champions FC Goa taking on Mumbai City FC at 20:00 IST at the same location.

East Bengal FC vs Punjab FC

Both teams advanced to the semifinals after topping two of the most competitive groups in the tournament. In their final group-stage matches, East Bengal secured a goalless draw against city rivals Mohun Bagan Super Giant, while Punjab FC triumphed in a tense penalty shoot-out against Bengaluru Football Club, finishing with a flawless defensive record and no goals conceded.

East Bengal's head coach Oscar Bruzon emphasized the detailed preparations that have gone into their campaign.

"Our preparations have been ongoing for months, not just this last phase. We began our training camp in July, played pre-season tournaments, and integrated several new players. This period helped us build automatisms, understanding, and collective knowledge. We trust our identity and game model. We feel mature in what we do, and tomorrow we need to bring that onto the pitch to achieve the best result,” stated Oscar Bruzon.

Full-back Jay Gupta expressed anticipation for this significant week for his club, saying, "This tournament secures a spot in Asia, something our fans truly deserve. We’re fully prepared and eager to get on the pitch.”

While Punjab FC's defensive strength has been highlighted, Bruzon maintained respect for their capabilities. "We have huge respect for Punjab. They haven’t conceded a single goal in the group stage. They are aggressive, compact, resilient, and strong in vertical transitions. We anticipate changes from them, including some new additions, so we’re prepared for variations in line-up, substitutions, and possibly their system.”

The Spaniard also addressed the weight of expectations from East Bengal’s passionate fan base, who are eager to see their club reclaim the Super Cup title after two seasons and return to Asia.

However, the focus remains solely on the semifinal at hand. “At East Bengal, if you don't understand what it means to be part of this club, the job becomes difficult. We play with hunger, aggression, and commitment. Thinking about the final or Asian qualification now would be a loss of focus. Our full attention is on tomorrow’s match and delivering a strong performance.”

Meanwhile, in the Punjab FC camp, head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis spoke confidently about his team’s readiness. “After qualifying, the players received a deserved break. We began preparations with three and a half weeks of full training, including friendlies to fine-tune the team,” said the Greek.

Midfielder Leon Augustine added, “We’ve worked hard, had a good run in the group stage, and the team is in great shape. The long training period has helped. We have no pressure against East Bengal. They’re a good team, we’ve prepared well, and we’re ready.”

Dilmperis remained cautious when discussing East Bengal, a team that defeated Punjab twice in last season's ISL, notably coming back from two goals down to win 4-2 in Kolkata.

East Bengal possesses strength across all positions – stoppers, full-backs, wingers, midfielders, strikers. We respect them. “A clean sheet is crucial in a knockout game. It helps you in extra time or penalties. But football has many phases, and we’re prepared for all. We would love to have possession, but we’re ready for any scenario.”

FC Goa vs Mumbai City FC

This match features two teams with differing rhythms yet similar ambitions. Mumbai City comes in after an extended training period with no recent competitive matches, while FC Goa arrives following intense commitments in the AFC Champions League Two.

With not just a chance to reach the final but also a pathway back to continental football, both teams will aim to deliver their best on Thursday night.

Mumbai City FC head coach Petr Kratky stated, “I’m very happy with the work we’ve accomplished over the past few weeks. The boys are progressing well. Goa are a very good team and are playing in the ACL Two, so they’re in full rhythm, but we’ve prepared as best as possible.”

Mumbai City has reached its third consecutive semifinal in the Super Cup. Midfielder Brandon Fernandes, looking for another deep cup run and a first final appearance for the Islanders, echoed the squad's sentiment. “It’s a massive semifinal for us, and we’ve prepared well. We want to win, reach the final, and return to the AFC competition. That’s our motivation.”

Kratky added, “We want to win and learn from the past. Not every season is perfect, but our priority is making fans proud through hard work and character.”

Kratky also reaffirmed Mumbai City's footballing identity. He said, "We want to play aggressive, attacking football – the style Mumbai is known for. We are building an environment where every player is important. We prepare so everyone is ready to perform. What matters is heart, character, and commitment.”

Fernandes, facing his former team FC Goa, with whom he won the Super Cup in 2019, noted, "That was in the past. Tomorrow is about the present. Goa is my former team, but that doesn’t change anything about this game. My mindset is to stay focused and help the team win.”

“Goa are a strong side who’ve been training for months. We must execute our plans well, focus on our strengths, and make life difficult for them,” he added.

On the flip side, FC Goa head coach Manolo Márquez acknowledged that his team faces a distinct challenge.

"We are in a different situation because we are competing in the AFC Champions League Two. We are training more, playing more, but with significant gaps between matches. It’s mentally demanding, but we are prepared. Playing strong matches is better preparation than training alone. Both teams have advantages. It’s one match, and anything can happen.

"Playing strong matches helps clubs and players grow. We deserved points in at least two ACL matches but couldn’t get them. Still, the experience is vital," Márquez said.

Young defender Ronney Wilson Kharbudon made his FC Goa debut against Al Nassr at home last month and played the full 90 minutes in the return fixture in Riyadh. He remarked, “Playing such matches helps every player improve. It’s been a big learning experience. Training has been good since we returned from Iraq (after playing Al Zawraa). We’re focused and want to reach the final.”

Whenever FC Goa and Mumbai City clash, goals are guaranteed; they have tallied sixteen goals in their last five matches. Mumbai City was unbeaten in ten consecutive games against the Gaurs before Márquez's side ended that streak with a 3-1 victory in Mumbai in their last encounter in February.

“Every competition is different. Mumbai City are one of the biggest teams in ISL with strong foreigners and national team players. Yes, we lost some games, but in the last ISL meeting, we won 3-1. Tomorrow will be a different match as both teams want to reach the final,” noted the Spaniard.

"Goa and Mumbai always play entertaining football. Both teams like to play attacking possession football. It should be a great match, but in football, you never know," Márquez concluded.