AIFF Super Cup 2025, Final; Preview: FC Goa vs East Bengal FC
Fatorda, Goa; Sunday, December 7, 2025: The Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda is primed for a special night as FC Goa, the defending Super Cup champions, gear up to face East Bengal FC in the final of the AIFF Super Cup 2025. For the Gaurs, it is a chance to claim their third Super Cup title, secure back-to-back crowns, and finally celebrate a major trophy in front of their home supporters, a moment the club has not enjoyed across their last four title wins.
With uncertainty still surrounding what lies ahead for Indian football, Sunday’s final arrives as a rare and meaningful opportunity: a night to play for silverware, to reward loyal supporters, and to reaffirm Goa’s standing as one of the country’s elite footballing forces.
After navigating a demanding AFC Champions League Two schedule, FC Goa carried their rhythm seamlessly into the Super Cup group stage:
Group B Results:
FC Goa 2–0 Jamshedpur FC
FC Goa 3-0 Inter Kashi
FC Goa 1-2 NorthEast United FC
Two wins from the first two matches secured an early ticket to the semi-finals, allowing Manolo Marquez to rotate his squad in the final group game.
In the semi-final, Goa delivered a mature and controlled display to defeat Mumbai City FC 2–1. Local star Brison Fernandes opened the scoring with a composed finish, and David Timor added the second before the Islanders pulled one back from the penalty spot. Goa managed the pressure brilliantly, sealing their place in yet another major final.
Head Coach Bino George has guided East Bengal with discipline and clarity, helping the club reach their second Super Cup final in three years after winning the title in 2024.
Results:
2-2 vs Dempo SC
0–0 vs Mohun Bagan SG
4–0 vs Chennaiyin FC
3–1 vs Punjab FC (Semi-final)
While FC Goa will be without captain Sandesh Jhingan and forward Iker Guarrotxena, Head Coach Manolo Marquez has been emphatic: the squad remains strong, confident, and ready.
Head Coach Manolo spoke highly about his young players despite the loss of two of his veteran players: “We will miss Sandesh and Iker, no doubt big players but the loss of single player does not determine the result of the game. Football is a team game and I am very confident in this squad, especially in our young players who are growing a lot. Ronnie, for example, has everything to become an important player for India, brave, aggressive, and for me he was our best player against Al Nassr in Saudi. You know what I said about Brison two years ago, the best player I have coached in my 5 years in India but was missing a little to take him to the next level, either I was a bad coach or he needed to improve. Now he is incredibly professional on and off the pitch and working even when he has pain. Meanwhile, Hrithik is another example of our future; he is already an India international and improving every game. So yes the team is in form, confident, and ready for the final.”
The chance to lift a major trophy in front of the Fatorda faithful adds an emotional edge to Sunday’s final, a moment the supporters and the club have long waited for. FC Goa’s last four trophy wins came either away from home or in conditions that prevented a true celebration with fans.
Brison Fernandes: “Looking forward to enjoy this moment because it’s the second time in two years and we will give our best tomorrow. We definitely have a home advantage and we look forward to seeing as many people supporting us across the finish line.”
With the stadium set to roar, with momentum behind them, and with a squad blending experience and fearless youth, FC Goa stand on the brink of another historic night, one that could end not just with a trophy, but with the whole of Goa celebrating as one.
Loading ...