Fatorda, Nov 5 (NationPress) - Punjab FC has clinched a spot in the semi-finals of the AIFF Super Cup 2025-26, overcoming Bengaluru FC 5-4 in a thrilling penalty shootout after a goalless draw in regulation time at the PJN Stadium on Wednesday.

Both teams concluded the group stage with seven points, recording two wins and a draw each. The tie in points, along with identical goal difference and goals scored, necessitated a penalty shootout to determine the Group C winner.

In the shootout, Bengaluru's Ryan Williams was the only player whose kick was saved, resulting in their elimination. The Blues saw Suresh Singh Wangjam, Rahul Bheke, Sunil Chhetri, and Braian Sanchez find the net, while Punjab converted all five of their penalties through Nsungsi Effiong, Princeton Rebello, Samir Zeljkovic, Leon Augustine, and Vinit Rai.

Both teams entered the match with purpose but struggled to make significant breakthroughs in the early stages. Punjab had a few early opportunities, with Effiong unable to control a promising pass behind the Bengaluru defense.

As the match progressed, Punjab began to assert their dominance, holding long stretches of possession in the Bengaluru half after the 15-minute mark. Ninthoinganba Meetei, affectionately known as Ninthoi, shone down the left flank. His run in the 28th minute led to Punjab's first shot on target, as he cut inside to pass to Daniel Ramírez, whose shot from outside the box lacked the necessary power, allowing Bengaluru goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu to make an easy save.

Bengaluru, after enduring pressure, began fashioning their chances. In the 35th minute, a cross from Sanchez dipped towards goal, forcing Punjab goalkeeper Muheet Shabir into a smart save that tipped the ball over the bar. Following a corner, Blues defender Chinglensana Singh Konsham managed to escape his marker but sent his header over the goal.

Ninthoi dazzled again in first half injury time, creating a low cross that Effiong let pass, giving Leon Augustine a chance to shoot, which also went over the bar.

Punjab maintained their intensity after halftime, yet most of their opportunities came from set pieces. A corner from Ramírez in the 58th minute found an unmarked Effiong, but his header just missed the target.

Bengaluru head coach Gerard Zaragoza made tactical changes, bringing on Sunil Chhetri and Ashique Kuruniyan, which shifted the game's momentum. The Blues found themselves with long stretches of possession, aiming to secure advancement to the next round.

In the 68th minute, Ashique sent a precise cross to Chhetri, who, with all the time and space, volleyed the ball wide of the goal.

In the final five minutes, Bengaluru earned several corners. It was only during injury time that they came close to scoring again, with Vinith Venkatesh's corner reaching Rahul Bheke, whose header went wide as the referee's whistle soon followed, leading to penalties.

Punjab FC's goalkeeper Shabir emerged as the shootout hero, showing remarkable composure, particularly during Williams' penalty. The Australian forward delayed his shot, but Shabir read him well, diving to his left to make the crucial save. With all other penalties converted, Punjab triumphed 5-4, securing their semi-final berth.