Group A: East Bengal FC’s Rise and Dempo SC’s Return

In Group A, East Bengal FC topped the group, marking a significant step forward for the club under coach Oscar Bruzon. They’ve had the upper hand over rivals Mohun Bagan Super Giant in recent meetings, winning key matches except a narrow penalty shootout loss. With a strengthened midfield and solid signings, they even entered their decider against MBSG as favorites.

Mohun Bagan Super Giant, despite not losing any matches outright, were eliminated due to their 2 draws. Dempo’s all-Indian squad made a notable return to the national stage, with their draw against MBSG a highlight in their campaign and finished unbeaten as well. Chennaiyin FC, with a young all-Indian squad, gave their best but finished last with a single point.

Group B: FC Goa’s Composure and NorthEast United FC’s Near Miss

In Group B, FC Goa finished on top despite a single loss, while NorthEast United FC ended second after drawing 2 games and 1 win. Although NorthEast United FC remained unbeaten, those early draws cost them, and by the time they faced FC Goa, the Group winner was already decided.

Defending Champions FC Goa looked tactically assured and will go into the semi-finals as favorites. NorthEast United FC showed attacking flair but struggled defensively, which ultimately cost them.

Jamshedpur FC finished third with four points and eventually failed to qualify into the semis.

Group C: Punjab FC’s Discipline and Bengaluru FC’s Unlucky Exit

Group C featured Punjab FC, who topped the group thanks to disciplined performances drilled by their coach Panagiotis Dilmperis. They secured their first-ever semifinal spot in the AIFF Super Cup by beating an experienced Bengaluru FC in a penalty shootout. Bengaluru FC, despite not losing a single match or conceding a goal in regular time, finished second and narrowly missed out on progressing into the Semi-Finals.

Young talents like Kelvin Singh emerged for BFC, but a missed penalty eventually knocked them out. Gokulam Kerala FC only managed one win against Mohammedan SC with both teams missing out.

Group D: Mumbai City FC’s Narrow Escape and Rajasthan’s Surprise

Finally, in Group D, Mumbai City FC and Kerala Blasters FC both finished on six points, but Mumbai City FC edged through on head-to-head result. Although Mumbai topped the group, they were somewhat underwhelming in attack and needed a bit of luck through a KBFC own goal.

The real highlight story was Rajasthan United FC, who surprised everyone by beating Mumbai City FC and showing impressive attacking fluency under Indian head coach, Vikrant Sharma. Sporting Club Delhi mostly played for pride, drawing their last game after trailing 2-0 to Rajasthan United FC. In the end, Mumbai did just enough to move forward, but they’ll need to improve for their Semi-Final clash against defending Champions FC Goa.

Related tags:

East Bengal FCFC GoaMumbai City FC2025-26Punjab FC AIFF Super Cup