Defending champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant held their nerve in a penalty shootout to beat Punjab FC 4-3 and book their place in the final of the 2026 IFA Shield, after 120 goalless minutes at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Sunday.
The first semi-final of the tournament produced few clear chances across regulation time and extra time, with both defences standing firm. Mohun Bagan had a late effort from Subhasish Bose ruled out for offside, while Punjab came closest in the 61st minute when a glancing header struck the roof of the net.
Kaith the hero again
With the scores level after extra time, the tie was decided from the penalty spot. Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Vishal Kaith — the club's hero in last year's final — proved decisive once more, saving two penalties to swing the shootout the Mariners' way.
Punjab stayed in the contest as Raphael Messi Bouli and Arshvir Singh converted their kicks, and Muheet Shabir kept the Shers alive by saving Dezan Drazic's effort. But after Rishikanta Meitei made it 3-3, summer signing Miguel Ferreira stepped up to bury the winning penalty and seal a 4-3 shootout victory for the hosts.
A final awaits
Mohun Bagan will now face the winner of the second semi-final between East Bengal FC and NorthEast United FC, played on Monday, in the summit clash on October 8. A Kolkata derby final remains a possibility if East Bengal overcome the Highlanders.
Sources:
Sportstar: IFA Shield: Kaith shines in shootout as Mohun Bagan Super Giant edges Punjab FC to reach final
NDTV Sports: Mohun Bagan Beat Punjab FC On Penalties, Set Up Potential Derby In IFA Shield Final
ThePrint (PTI): Punjab FC lose in shootout against Mohun Bagan in IFA Shield
The first semi-final of the tournament produced few clear chances across regulation time and extra time, with both defences standing firm. Mohun Bagan had a late effort from Subhasish Bose ruled out for offside, while Punjab came closest in the 61st minute when a glancing header struck the roof of the net.
Kaith the hero again
With the scores level after extra time, the tie was decided from the penalty spot. Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Vishal Kaith — the club's hero in last year's final — proved decisive once more, saving two penalties to swing the shootout the Mariners' way.
Punjab stayed in the contest as Raphael Messi Bouli and Arshvir Singh converted their kicks, and Muheet Shabir kept the Shers alive by saving Dezan Drazic's effort. But after Rishikanta Meitei made it 3-3, summer signing Miguel Ferreira stepped up to bury the winning penalty and seal a 4-3 shootout victory for the hosts.
A final awaits
Mohun Bagan will now face the winner of the second semi-final between East Bengal FC and NorthEast United FC, played on Monday, in the summit clash on October 8. A Kolkata derby final remains a possibility if East Bengal overcome the Highlanders.
Sources:
Sportstar: IFA Shield: Kaith shines in shootout as Mohun Bagan Super Giant edges Punjab FC to reach final
NDTV Sports: Mohun Bagan Beat Punjab FC On Penalties, Set Up Potential Derby In IFA Shield Final
ThePrint (PTI): Punjab FC lose in shootout against Mohun Bagan in IFA Shield
