FC Goa vs Mumbai City FC (20:00 IST)

The second semi-final brings together two teams with contrasting momentum but identical ambitions. Mumbai City FC arrive after a long training block without competitive fixtures, while FC Goa come into the game battle-hardened from their AFC Champions League Two campaign. Beyond a spot in the final, both teams are fighting for a route back to continental football.

East Bengal, Punjab FC Set for Blockbuster Super Cup Semi Final

Mumbai City FC: “Heart, Character, Commitment”

Head coach Petr Kratky expressed confidence in his squad’s preparation:

“I’m very happy with the work we’ve done over the last few weeks. Goa are a very good team and in full rhythm because of the ACL Two, but we’ve prepared as best as possible.”

This is Mumbai City’s third consecutive Super Cup semi-final, and midfielder Brandon Fernandes is targeting his first-ever final with the club.

“It’s a massive semi-final for us. We want to reach the final and return to AFC competition — that’s our motivation.”

Will Joy Gupta Play Super Cup 2025 Semifinal?

Kratky emphasized Mumbai City’s attacking identity:

“We want to play aggressive, attacking football — the style Mumbai is known for. We are building an environment where every player is ready and important. What matters is heart, character, and commitment.”

Facing his former team, Fernandes added:

“The past is the past. Tomorrow is about the present. Goa is my former club, but my focus is on helping Mumbai win.”

FC Goa: Battle-Hardened but Weary

FC Goa head coach Manolo Márquez acknowledged that his squad is navigating a unique situation:

East Bengal coach Oscar Bruzon Weighs Defensive Options Ahead of Semifinal

“We are training more and playing more because of the AFC Champions League Two, but the long gaps between matches make it mentally demanding. Still, strong matches are better preparation than training alone.”

Defender Ronney Wilson Kharbudon, who made his debut against Al Nassr earlier this season, echoed his coach’s sentiments:

“Playing such matches helps every player improve. Training has been good since we returned from Iraq. We’re focused and want to reach the final.”

A Fixture Known for Goals

Whenever FC Goa and Mumbai City FC meet, entertainment is guaranteed — 16 goals in their last five meetings. Mumbai City enjoyed a 10-game unbeaten run against Goa before the Gaurs ended it with a 3–1 win in Mumbai last February.

Márquez expects another high-quality encounter:

“Every competition is different. Mumbai City are one of the biggest teams in the ISL, with strong foreigners and national team players. Both teams like attacking, possession football. It should be a good match, but in football, you never know.”

The action begins at 16:00 IST with a clash between 2024 champions East Bengal FC and first-time semi-finalists Punjab FC. Later, at 20:00 IST, defending champions FC Goa face Mumbai City FC. Both matches will be broadcast on Star Sports Khel and streamed on JioHotstar.

Will Joy Gupta Play Super Cup 2025 Semifinal?

Semi-final 1: East Bengal FC vs Punjab FC (16:00 IST)

Both teams arrive with momentum after navigating two of the competition’s toughest groups.
East Bengal sealed their spot with a gritty 0–0 draw against rivals Mohun Bagan SG, while Punjab FC advanced after a dramatic penalty shoot-out win over Bengaluru FC, having produced an identical defensive record with no goals conceded in the group stage.

Bruzon: “We trust our identity and game model.”

East Bengal head coach Óscar Bruzón highlighted the long-term preparation behind his team’s campaign:

“Our preparation has been ongoing for months. We started training in July, played pre-season tournaments, and integrated new players. This helped us build automatisms and collective understanding. We feel mature in what we do, and tomorrow we must bring that onto the pitch.”

Full-back Jay Gupta also emphasised the team’s motivation:

“This tournament offers a spot in Asia, something our fans truly deserve. We’re fully prepared and excited to get on the pitch.”

East Bengal coach Oscar Bruzon Weighs Defensive Options Ahead of Semifinal

Respect for Punjab’s defence

Punjab FC’s defensive solidity has been one of the stories of the tournament. When asked about possible weaknesses, Bruzón maintained a respectful but cautious tone:

“We have huge respect for Punjab. They haven’t conceded once. They’re aggressive, compact, and strong in transitions. We expect changes from them — new players, substitutions, maybe even a different system.”

On handling pressure and expectations from East Bengal’s massive fan base, Bruzón added:

“At East Bengal, if you don’t understand what it means to be part of this club, the job becomes difficult. We play with hunger and commitment. Thinking about the final or Asia now would distract us.”

Punjab FC: Calm, confident, and ready

Punjab FC head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis expressed confidence in his squad’s preparation:

“After qualifying, the players got a deserved break. Then we had three and a half weeks of full training and friendlies to fine-tune the team.”

Midfielder Leon Augustine echoed the positive mood:

“We’ve worked hard and had a good run in the group stage. The long training period helped. There’s no pressure on us — East Bengal are a good team, but we’re ready.”

Dilmperis on East Bengal and knockout football

Despite East Bengal defeating Punjab twice last ISL season — including a 4–2 comeback victory in Kolkata — Dilmperis remained measured:

“East Bengal are strong in every department. We respect them.”

On Punjab’s defensive focus, he added:

“A clean sheet is crucial in knockout football — it helps in extra time or penalties. We’d love to have possession, but we’re ready for any scenario.”

Head coach David Català made one change to the starting lineup, bringing in Tiago Alves for Nihal Sudeesh. For the first time in the tournament, Kerala fielded all six of their foreign players. The match began at a lively pace, with both sides creating early chances. Jorge Ortiz fired over for Mumbai in the opening minutes, while Adrián Luna’s clever through ball nearly set up Tiago Alves for the Blasters.

The Islanders grab the last #AIFFSuperCup semi-final spot! @MumbaiCityFC strike late to pip @KeralaBlasters on head-to-head and emerge as Group D toppers #MCFCKBFC #IndianFootball pic.twitter.com/EK6Hngyb4l

— Indian Football (@IndianFootball) November 6, 2025

Kerala looked threatening down the flanks through Noah Sadaoui and Thingujam Korou Singh, with Koldo Obieta also testing Mumbai goalkeeper Phurba Lachenpa from a tight angle. However, momentum began to shift toward Mumbai as the first half progressed. Just before halftime, Kerala suffered a major blow when Sandeep Singh was sent off after receiving a second yellow card.

Down to ten men, the Blasters reorganized defensively after the break, with Aibanbha Dohling replacing Noah Sadaoui to strengthen the backline. Goalkeeper Nora Fernandes produced a brilliant save to deny Lallianzuala Chhangte in the 54th minute. Kerala remained dangerous from set pieces, as Juan Rodríguez’s header from Aiban’s long throw forced another fine stop from Lachenpa.

Català introduced Freddy Lallawmawma, Huidrom Naorem Naorem, and later Nihal Sudeesh to maintain intensity as Kerala focused on protecting the draw that would have seen them through. But heartbreak struck in the 88th minute when a deflected clearance from Muhammed Saheef found its way into his own net, giving Mumbai City the decisive lead.

Despite a late surge, Kerala Blasters couldn’t find an equalizer. The result left them with six points from their group matches, narrowly missing out on a semifinal spot. Mumbai City FC, meanwhile, advanced to the last four of the AIFF Super Cup 2025–26.