Indian Super League (ISL) side East Bengal FC put on a determined show against arch-rivals Mohun Bagan Super Giant to advance to the semi-finals of the AIFF Super Cup 2025–26.

The Red and Gold Brigade finished level on five points with MBSG, but a better goal difference (+4 compared to +2) was enough as the two sides played out a goalless draw at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa.

Oscar Bruzon’s side needed just a draw, while the Mariners required nothing less than three points to secure a place in the final four. But it was the Red and Gold Brigade who started the game with more hunger and purpose. Early in the second minute, Miguel Figueira attempted a powerful shot which was blocked by Alberto Rodríguez. They continued to ramp up the pressure in the opposition half, with Naorem Mahesh Singhand Miguel combining well to trouble the defenders.

In the 22nd minute, Mohamad Rakip delivered a teasing cross towards Hamid Ahadad, but he couldn’t keep his effort on target. Just two minutes later, Miguel turned provider for Bipin Singh, who beat his marker and guided his glancing header onto the frame of the post.

The Mariners gradually grew into the game after the half-hour mark as they started seeing more of the ball in the opposition half. Apuia, who was on the scoresheet in the recent derby during the IFA Shield final, had the first real opportunity for MBSG, but his effort was well gathered by Prabhsukhan Singh Gill in the 40th minute. The Green and Maroons showed some urgency towards the end of the half, but East Bengal FC’s resolute defence ensured the teams went into the break goalless.

Mohun Bagan Super Giant began the second half with real intent. In the opening minute, Liston Colaco beat his marker and found space inside the box, but his effort went just over the bar. The midfield duo of Apuia and Anirudh Thapa looked sharper and more advanced in the second half. The Mariners continued to press and soon, coach Jose Molina introduced Jason Cummings into the mix, replacing Sahal Abdul Samad.

However, the best opportunity fell to Ahadad around the hour mark when he was left unmarked in the box, but his effort was straight at Vishal Kaith, who saved comfortably for a corner. Jay Gupta met the resulting corner with a header, but Kaith dealt with it easily.

With time running out, Molina introduced Robson Robinho and Dimitri Petratos. The Mariners soon had a golden chance when Kevin Sibille lost the ball cheaply, leaving the opposition with numerical advantage, but Anwar Ali made a brilliant last-ditch block to deny Robinho. The Red and Gold Brigade saw out the final ten minutes with purpose and composure, successfully keeping MBSG’s attacks at bay to book their place in the semi-finals.

Chennaiyin FC played out draw with Dempo SC

ISL outfit Chennaiyin FC played out a 1-1 with Dempo SC in the other fixture in Group A on Friday. The Marina Machans collected their first point while Dempo SC finished with three points.

Forward Shubham Rawat gave Dempo SC the lead in the 25th minute, while Chennaiyin FC captain and goalkeeper Samik Mitra stunned everyone with a rare equaliser just four minutes later.

The first half unfolded with the two teams driven by contrasting motivations. The Golden Eagles sought to chase a miracle five-goal victory to keep their semi-final hopes alive, while Marina Machans, after losing their first two games, looked to end the campaign on a positive note and restore their pride.

Chennaiyin FC started on the front foot, pressing high from their early exchanges. Their early warning came when midfielder Kingslee Fernandes attempted a long-range strike that whistled past the post but set the tone for their early dominance.

Dempo SC gradually found their footing through a series of set pieces. Two back-to-back free kicks around the 18th and 19th minutes started to put Marina Machans under pressure and boost the confidence for the Goan side.

Soon after, their forward Shubham Rawat curled a brilliant right-footed free kick that found the top corner. But their lead was short-lived as Chennaiyin FC goalkeeper Samik Mitra launched a long kick out from his own penalty area that bounced over Dempo SC keeper Ashish Sibi, to level the scores at 1-1.

Restlessness began to boil on the pitch for both sides, as Chennaiyin FC forward Irfan Yadwad and Dempo defender Pruthvesh Pednekar were booked before the break.

After the restart, Dempo SC, desperate for goals, began to press higher, but Chennaiyin’s composed and intent passing between Raj Basfore, Dinpuia, Kingslee and Hnamte effectively managed the pressure.

By the 53rd minute, Dempo SC’s urgency was evident as their attackers pushed forward, but Chennaiyin FC’s defence remained unshaken, passing the ball smartly and drawing out fouls from a restless Goan side.

In the 75th minute, the Marina Machans came close to taking the lead through an Irfan Yadwad header after Raj Basfore sent in a curling cross from the right, only for the striker’s header to go over the bar.

In stoppage time, Klusner Pereira sent in a cross from the right, which Yadwad tried to direct towards the goal with a sliding touch, but the ball rolled wide of the post. The referee’s whistle soon followed, with the game ending in a 1-1 draw.

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Mohun Bagan Super GiantEast Bengal FC2025-26Chennaiyin FC AIFF Super Cup