FC GOA lifted the AIFF Super Cup for a record third time after edging East Bengal 6-5 in a tense penalty shootout at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, Goa.
In regulation penalties, FC Goa captain Borja Herrera and East Bengal’s Basim Rashid missed their spot-kicks. East Bengal converted through Kevin Sibille, captain Saul Crespo, Miguel Ferreira, and Anwar Ali, while Javier Siverio, Dejan Drazic, Muhammed Nemil, and David Timor scored for FC Goa to take the contest into sudden death. Kumam Udanta Singh and Sahil Tavora found the net for the hosts, while Hamid Ahadad scored for East Bengal before PV Vishnu missed, sealing the title for Goa.
By retaining the Super Cup, FC Goa also secured back-to-back qualification for the AFC Champions League Two.
Head coach Manolo Marquez said the team must consistently play high-level matches to continue improving, stressing that regular exposure to stronger opponents raises performance standards.
Commenting briefly on uncertainty surrounding the Indian Super League, he noted that Indian football cannot afford prolonged disruption, emphasising that the sport needs stability and timely resolution for the sake of players, fans, and all stakeholders.
