Mohammedan SC 0
lost to
Punjab FC 3 (Ninthoinganba Meetei 26', Samir Zeljković 42', Manglenthang Kipgen 72')

AIFF Media Team

BAMBOLIM, GOA: Punjab FC continued their ruthless form in the AIFF Super Cup 2025-26, storming to a commanding 3-0 victory over Mohammedan Sporting at the GMC Stadium in Bambolim, Goa, on Sunday, November 2, 2025.

Ninthoinganba Meetei broke the deadlock to give Punjab the lead, before Samir Zeljković doubled the advantage just before half-time. Manglenthang Kipgen then put the result beyond doubt with a composed third in the 72nd minute.

It was a win that underlined Punjab FC’s dominance in Group C, taking them to six points from two matches and firmly within reach of the semi-finals, while Mohammedan Sporting’s campaign came to a premature end after two successive defeats.

From the outset, Punjab FC looked sharper and more cohesive. With Daniel Ramírez, Ninthoinganba Meetei, Manglenthang Kipgen, and Muhammad Suhail linking seamlessly, the Mohammedan defence was under siege.

The first major warning came midway through the half when Bijoy Varghese saw his thumping header from a free-kick sail narrowly wide, before Subhajit Bhattacharjee was forced into an acrobatic save to deny Ninthoi moments later.

The breakthrough arrived in the 26th minute, the product of swift, intelligent interplay, before Ramírez slipped a perfectly-weighted left-footed pass between defenders to find Ninthoi, who had made a clever diagonal run. The winger showed remarkable composure, slotting past advancing goalkeeper Bhattacharjee to give Punjab FC a 1-0 lead.

The Shers kept pressing high, maintaining relentless pressure. Their reward came just before half-time, in the 42nd minute. Full-back Khaiminthang Lhungdim delivered a teasing cross to the far post, which Ninthoi headed back across goal. Samir Zeljković, unmarked in the middle, swung a half-hit shot that still packed enough power to sneak into the bottom corner, doubling Punjab’s advantage.

After the restart, the pattern remained the same with Punjab FC dictating possession and Mohammedan Sporting chasing shadows.

The third goal came through another slick attacking move in the 72nd minute. Substitute Leon Augustine made an impact, racing down the flank before squaring the ball to Manglenthang Kipgen, who finished clinically with a calm side-foot into the corner. It was the perfect end to a display that combined flair with precision.

Trailing by three goals, it became a mountain too high to climb for Mohammedan SC. Punjab FC’s defensive discipline and shape also held firm as it ensured goalkeeper Muheet Shabir had little to do as they notched up a deserved win.