FC Goa Defend Super Cup Title, Beat East Bengal in Sudden-Death Thriller

FC Goa clinched the AIFF Super Cup on Sunday after a dramatic 6–5 sudden-death penalty shootout win against East Bengal FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Fatorda. With this triumph, the Gaurs not only became the first team to successfully defend the Super Cup title, but also lifted the trophy for a record third time. The victory also sealed their place in next season’s AFC Champions League 2.

A tense final goes the distance

The summit clash remained goalless after 90 minutes and even after 30 minutes of extra time, forcing the match into a penalty shootout. Both sides converted four penalties each, pushing the result into sudden death, where Goa finally edged ahead.

Sahil Tavora nets the winner

In sudden death, Udanta Singh scored for the Gaurs, while Sahil Tavora calmly slotted home the decisive kick. East Bengal’s Hamid Ahadad scored his attempt, but teammate PV Vishnu fired wide, handing Goa the title.

East Bengal dominate patches, Goa survive scare

The match witnessed momentum shifts throughout:

• The hosts FC Goa started brightly, boosted by strong home support.

• East Bengal grew into the match and created early chances.

• Miguel Ferreira missed a big opportunity in the 12th minute with only the keeper to beat.

• Bipin Singh and Mahesh Naorem combined well but failed to convert.

After halftime, Goa stirred back:

• Ayush Chhetri and Dejan Drazic threatened early in the second half.

• In the 74th minute, East Bengal nearly took the lead when PV Vishnu’s shot was fumbled by keeper Hrithik Tiwari, the ball looping dangerously close to the goal line. Tiwari reacted brilliantly to palm it away, denying a certain goal.

Moments later:

• Brison Fernandes struck the upright from long range in the 77th minute.

• Drazic headed wide from a Borja cross moments after.

Goalkeepers shine, but penalties decide the fate

Extra time saw fewer chances, with Gill making two crucial saves:

• Denied Siverio at point-blank range in the 107th minute.

• Held onto a Timor header in the 114th.

Despite getting his hands on a couple of penalties in the shootout, Prabhsukhan Singh Gill couldn’t prevent Goa’s conversions. Ultimately, East Bengal’s additional miss proved decisive.