Fatorda, Dec 7 (NationPress) FC Goa has achieved the remarkable feat of becoming champions of the AIFF Super Cup for the third time, triumphing over East Bengal FC in a thrilling penalty shootout that ended 6-5 at the PJN Stadium on Sunday.

Both teams showcased their attacking prowess, creating multiple scoring chances but failing to find the back of the net, leading to a penalty shootout – a first in the history of the AIFF Super Cup finals. During regular penalties, FC Goa captain Borja Herrera and Mohamad Basim Rashid missed their attempts. East Bengal saw Kevin Sibille, Saul Crespo, Miguel Ferreira, and Anwar Ali convert their penalties. FC Goa responded with successful penalties from Javier Siverio, Dejan Drazic, Muhammed Nemil, and David Timor, sending the match into sudden death. Notably, Udanta Kumam and Sahil Tavora scored for the hosts, while Hamid Ahadad netted for East Bengal, but PV Vishnu missed his attempt.

The final of the AIFF Super Cup 2025-26 was a battle of wills right from the outset. The hosts, spurred on by an enthusiastic crowd, started strong with a few set-piece opportunities that East Bengal's defense skillfully handled.

However, East Bengal soon regained their composure and created chances. Their first significant attempt came in the 12th minute when Ferreira found himself one-on-one with goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Singh Gill, but shot wide. Bipin Singh was a constant threat from the left, almost scoring with a low cross that Mahesh Naorem failed to convert.

Adapting to the game, Goa made early substitutions, bringing in Udanta and Nim Dorjee Tamang to bolster their midfield, which helped mitigate East Bengal’s offensive threats.

Mahesh had another near miss before the first half ended, combining with Bipin for a volley that was saved. In injury time, Hiroshi Ibusuki set up Mahesh again, but he was thwarted by Aakash Sangwan.

After halftime, the momentum briefly shifted. Goa came out strong, with Ayush Chhetri trying a long-range shot that went over. In the 49th minute, Timor played Drazic through, only for him to be flagged offside.

As the match progressed, East Bengal initiated waves of attacks. Bipin continued to deliver precise crosses, setting up both Miguel and Ibusuki, but their efforts were unsuccessful.

In a dramatic moment in the 74th minute, PV Vishnu struck a powerful shot that Hrithik Tiwari fumbled, but managed to push away just in time, leaving East Bengal's players and fans in disbelief as the referee ruled no goal.

This near miss rejuvenated Goa, with Brison Fernandes hitting the post in the 77th minute. A minute later, Borja set up Drazic, who missed a golden chance.

In the 81st minute, Pol Moreno almost scored in an unintended effort, but Gill saved it with a spectacular dive, tipping it onto the crossbar at the last second.

As extra time progressed, chances became scarce, but Siverio and Timor still managed to test Gill, who was on top form, ultimately leading to a dramatic penalty shootout where East Bengal missed too many penalties.