FC Goa etched their name deeper into Indian football history by clinching the AIFF Super Cup for a record third time, defeating East Bengal FC 6-5 in a nerve-shredding sudden-death penalty shootout at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margao on Sunday. The triumph, achieved under the guidance of head coach Manolo Márquez, not only marked the first successful defence of the Super Cup but also secured the Gaurs’ qualification for next season’s AFC Champions League 2.

The final itself was a tense, cagey affair that ended goalless after 120 minutes of absorbing football, with both sides creating but failing to convert clear opportunities. East Bengal came agonisingly close in the 74th minute when PV Vishnu’s powerful strike looped off goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari and appeared to cross the line, only for the officials to rule it out amid furious protests from the Kolkata giants. Moments later, Brison Fernandes rattled the woodwork for Goa, underlining how finely poised the contest remained until the very end.

Extra time brought no resolution despite sustained pressure from the hosts. East Bengal goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Singh Gill produced heroic saves, including a point-blank stop from Armando Siverio and a crucial denial of a David Timor header, to force penalties. Regulation shootout ended 4-4, pushing the contest into sudden death where nerves of steel were required.

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In the decisive phase, substitute Hamid Ahadad kept East Bengal alive, but PV Vishnu skied his effort over the bar. FC Goa remained composed, with Udanta Singh and Sahil Tavora both converting under immense pressure, the latter’s successful kick triggering wild celebrations among players and the passionate home crowd as the Gaurs claimed back-to-back Super Cup crowns.

With this victory, FC Goa solidified their status as the most successful club in Super Cup history and earned a coveted continental berth. For East Bengal, despite a valiant display, the heartbreak of another final defeat adds to their long wait for major silverware, while the Gaurs now turn their attention to representing India on the Asian stage next season.

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