East Bengal FC booked their place in the AIFF Super Cup 2025 final with an impressive 3-1 victory over Punjab FC at the Fatorda Stadium on 4 December. Oscar Bruzon’s men were assertive, disciplined, and far more clinical as they secured their second Super Cup final appearance in two years.
The Kolkata giants were off to a flying start when Mohammed Rashid blasted in a powerful strike in the 12th minute. Despite conceding a penalty equaliser midway through the first half, East Bengal regrouped quickly. Kevin Sibille restored the lead with a commanding header in first-half stoppage time, before Saul Crespo sealed the win with a stunning left-footed finish in the 71st minute.
With this win, East Bengal now await the winner of the Mumbai City FC vs FC Goa semi-final.
East Bengal FC: Player Ratings
Prabhsukhan Gill – 6/10
Barely at fault for the penalty and had very little direct shot-stopping to do. Handled crosses calmly and kept possession tidy.
Mohamad Rakip – 7.5/10
Strong defensive shift on the right. Kept Leon Augustine under control and blocked Punjab’s wide progression effectively.
Anwar Ali – 7/10
Compact, clever positioning, and excellent reading of the game. Rarely misplaced a pass.
Kevin Sibille – 8.5/10
A dominant performance. Completely neutralised Effiong and delivered a towering header to regain the lead. One of his best outings yet.
Lalchungnunga – 6/10
Not fully comfortable at left-back but held his ground and maintained shape under pressure.
Mohammed Rashid – 8.5/10
The heartbeat of East Bengal. Scored a thunderous opener, covered huge ground, and disrupted Punjab’s midfield consistently.
Saul Crespo – 9/10
Outstanding throughout. Crisp passing, smart movement, relentless pressing — and capped it all with a sensational goal to put the match to bed.
Miguel Ferreira – 8.5/10
The creative engine. Drove forward with intent, assisted Sibille’s header, and played the key pass for Crespo’s finish. Punjab never solved him.
Naorem Mahesh Singh – 6.5/10
Positive control and good link-up play. Helped transitions but lacked the final decisive impact.
Bipin Singh – 6/10
Shaky first half due to the handball incident but improved as the match went on. Delivered a few dangerous crosses.
Hiroshi Ibusuki – 6/10
Physically dominant but wasteful in the final third. Missed a big chance but still created space for others.
Substitutes
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Edmund Lalrindika – 6.5/10: Energetic and sharp in wide areas.
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PV Vishnu – 6/10: Made good runs but missed a late chance.
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Jay Gupta – N/R
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David Lalhlansanga – N/R
Punjab FC: Player Ratings
Muheet Shabir – 4.5/10
Caught off guard for the opener and could’ve reacted better for the second goal. A tough outing.
Suresh Meitei – 4.5/10
Struggled to maintain defensive shape and left too many gaps for East Bengal to exploit.
Pramveer – 5.5/10
Looked lively early on and played the ball that led to the penalty. His withdrawal at half-time was surprising.
Bijoy V – 5/10
Decent positioning but his failure to clear Sibille’s header proved costly.
Leon Augustine – 5/10
Slow to close down Rashid for the opener; improved later with a few defensive interventions.
Nikhil Prabhu – 4.5/10
Too casual in midfield. His lapse in concentration allowed East Bengal’s third goal.
Ricky Shabong – 5.5/10
Active in attack and helped win the penalty. Faded after the break.
Samir Zeljkovic – 5/10
Good ball carrying but lacked end product. Couldn’t impose himself in key phases.
Daniel Ramirez – 5/10
Converted the penalty well but was shut out in the second half.
Vinit Rai – 5/10
Tested the defence early but couldn’t sustain influence. Substituted at half-time.
Nsungusi Effiong – 4/10
Ineffective and frustrated. Lost possession frequently and gave away needless fouls.
Substitutes
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Suhail – 4.5/10: Forced a save but had limited involvement.
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Osuji – 5/10: Provided crosses and energy down the flank.
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Princeton Rebello – N/A
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Bikash Singh – N/A
