Fatorda Stadium witnessed a dramatic and unforgettable final as FC Goa defeated East Bengal in a tense penalty shootout to defend their Super Cup crown and secure a spot in the AFC Champions League Qualifier.
The electric crowd at Fatorda, not fully packed but loud enough to shake the stands, welcomed both teams with deafening cheers for what was billed as a blockbuster final. The early moments lived up to the anticipation as Miguel Ferreira nearly stunned East Bengal in the 12th minute. After timing his run perfectly to beat the off-side trap and latching onto a clever through pass from Naorem Singh, Ferreira curled an effort narrowly wide from a tight right-side angle.
East Bengal Dominate First Half but Lack Precision
East Bengal looked the sharper side going forward in the opening half, constantly applying pressure but failing to find the finishing touch. Their biggest moment arrived on the brink of half-time, when Bipin Singh floated a precise ball from the left to an unmarked Naorem Mahesh, only for his attempt to be superbly saved by Hrithik Tiwari.
The Red-&-Gold brigade also succeeded in closing down passing lanes and neutralising Borja Herrera’s influence, a key creative threat for Goa. Meanwhile, the defending champions suffered a setback when centre-back Ronney Willson was forced off due to discomfort. Manager Manolo Márquez responded with a tactical reshuffle, bringing on Nim Dorjee and later switching Boris Singh for Udanta Singh.
Goa Improve but East Bengal Hold Firm
FC Goa returned after the break looking more composed, but East Bengal maintained their defensive discipline. Suspended head coach Óscar Bruzón, watching from the VIP box, was seen relaying instructions through the team analyst.
In the 60th minute, East Bengal created another clear opportunity, Bipin Singh once again delivering a lofted ball inside the box, this time to Hiroshi Ibusuki, whose header went straight to the goalkeeper.
As the match grew cagey, both sides searched for a breakthrough while staying compact at the back.
Drama Unfolds Late in Regulation Time
The final 15 minutes delivered chaos and emotion.
East Bengal’s PV Vishnu beat his marker and rounded the keeper, but FC Goa cleared the ball off the line. Moments later, Javier Siverio headed just wide from a Borja cross, and then Brison Fernandes rattled the woodwork with a stunning long-range effort.
In another moment of panic, Paul Moreno nearly scored an own goal, only for Prabhsukhan Gill to sprint back and claw the ball away in time.
After an exhausting and relentless 90 minutes, the match remained goalless — extra time awaited.
Extra Time: Missed Chances and Tired Legs
Extra time lacked tempo as fatigue set in. Goa brought on Abdul Rabeeh and Sahil Tavora, while East Bengal introduced Hamid Reza Ahadad.
Despite the slowdown, Goa produced two golden chances out of nowhere following defensive lapses. Siverio failed to convert either opportunity — the second saw Gill make a brilliant reflex save from point-blank range after parrying Drazic’s long-range attempt.
Still, the deadlock remained. Penalties would decide the Super Cup.
Penalty Shootout: Sudden Death Seals the Title
Borja Herrera hit the post with the first kick of the shootout.
Sibille, Crespo and Miguel Ferreira scored for East Bengal.
Goa stayed alive through Siverio and Drazic.
Mohammed Rashid fired over the bar, giving Goa a lifeline — which Nemil converted.
Regulation shootout ended 4-4.
Into sudden death
Hamid Ahadad scored. Udanta Singh converted to keep Goa alive. PV Vishnu missed his attempt, much to the disappointment of East Bengal fans.
Sahil Tavora kept his composure and buried the winning penalty. The Gaurs erupted in celebration as they retained the Super Cup and secured another shot at continental football.
The match was emotionally draining, tactically tight, and thrilling until the last kick, the perfect finale to the Super Cup.
Both sets of fans played their role, singing relentlessly, experiencing heartbreak, hope, fear and joy in equal measure.
For FC Goa, it was redemption, resilience, and reward. For East Bengal, it was heartbreak.
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