Indian Super League (ISL) sides Punjab FC and Mumbai City FC kicked off their AIFF Super Cup 2025–26 campaigns with convincing wins.

The Shers eased past Gokulam Kerala FC with three first-half goals in their Group C opener at the GMC Stadium in Bambolim, while the Islanders cruised to a 4–1 victory over Sporting Club Delhi in their Group D opener at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda.

Punjab FC see off Gokulam Kerala FC in Group C opener

Punjab FC made a winning start to their AIFF Super Cup 2025-26 campaign as they thumped Gokulam Kerala FC.

From the outset, Punjab FC looked sharper, more composed, and determined to make a statement. The history between these two clubs, who were once fierce rivals in the I-League, added a touch of extra spice to the contest, but it was the ISL outfit who controlled the narrative from the very first whistle.

The opening goal came almost immediately. In just the second minute, Muhammad Suhail embarked on a clever run down the left flank before flashing a low ball across the face of the goal. Gokulam Kerala defender Gursimrat Singh stuck out a thigh, only to divert the ball into his own net past a helpless goalkeeper Shibinraj Kunniyil. It was a cruel blow for the Malabarians, who barely had time to settle into their shape.

Punjab FC were relentless after the early breakthrough. Nine minutes later, their dominance produced a second goal from a set-piece. Gokulam Kerala FC’s defensive frailties were exposed again when a corner from Princeton Rebello was met by Nikhil Prabhu, who outjumped his marker to place a firm header into the bottom corner.

At 2-0, the Shers were firmly in control, dictating the tempo and enjoying acres of space in midfield. Gokulam Kerala tried to muster a response through Samuel Lyngdoh on the right flank, and they almost halved the deficit in the 28th minute. Eduardo Martínez’s free-kick had the goalkeeper beaten but rattled the top of the crossbar.

However, it was Punjab FC who struck the killer blow just before the break. In the 43rd minute, after a neat layoff from Suhail at the top of the box, Rebello unleashed a right-footed shot past Shibinraj to make it 3-0 and leave Gokulam Kerala FC stunned.

The second half saw a more spirited Gokulam Kerala FC, with Juan Carlos Rico Azorín and Alfred Moya trying to spark a comeback. But their efforts were thwarted by Punjab FC goalkeeper Arshdeep Singh, who made two smart saves to preserve the clean sheet.

The visitors’ night went from bad to worse in the 85th minute when substitute Trijoy Dias was shown a straight red for a reckless high-boot challenge, reducing Gokulam Kerala to ten men and killing off any remaining hopes of a comeback.

Vikram Partap brace give Mumbai City FC comfortable win

Mumbai City FC secured a convincing win over Sporting Club Delhi in the Group D opener on Monday.

 The Islanders broke the deadlock early in the 7th minute through Jorge Pereyra Díaz.
Lallianzuala Chhangte and Tiricombined to set up the Argentine, who chested the ball into the back of the net to mark his second stint at the club with a goal.

Two minutes later, Jon Toral dribbled past a couple of players and set it up for Vikram Partap Singh, who curled his effort into the net to find his name on the scoresheet and double the Islanders’ lead.

Petr Kratky’s men continued their dominance over SC Delhi, and just past the half-hour mark, they added another through Jorge Ortiz as they went into the break with a comfortable 3-0 lead.

The Islanders continued their pressing football in the second half and had chances through Ortiz and Chhangte to extend the lead further, but the attacking duo couldn’t find the back of the net.

SC Delhi reduced the deficit through Andrei Alba, who converted from the spot to score the side’s first-ever goal in the 75th minute after Ayush Adhikari was brought down inside the box and the referee awarded a penalty.

The Islanders dealt comfortably with any further threat from the opposition and restored their three-goal cushion in stoppage time, with Vikram Partap scoring his second of the night by beating the goalkeeper in a one-on-one situation.

Mumbai City FC will next face Rajasthan United FC on November 3, while SC Delhi will take on Kerala Blasters FC in the early kick-off on the same day. Meanwhile, Punjab FC will meet Mohammedan SC in their second Group C fixture on November 3.

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Mumbai City FC2025-26Punjab FC AIFF Super Cup