Punjab FC Fall 3-4 On Penalties As Mohun Bagan Reach IFA Shield Final

Punjab FC's IFA Shield campaign ended in heartbreak as defending champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant beat them 4-3 on penalties after a goalless 120 minutes in the semifinal here on Sunday.

Punjab stayed competitive throughout and created several chances, but neither side could find the breakthrough in regulation or extra time. Mohun Bagan eventually held their nerve in the shootout to reach the final.

The hosts started strongly, with Arshdeep Singh making an early save from Lallianzuala Chhangte's deflected effort before denying Lee Erwin from a free-kick.

Punjab gradually settled and began threatening at the other end. Alfred Moya narrowly missed in the 27th minute after being set up by Bishu Sharma, while Sharma's low effort later took a deflection and was collected by Vishal Kaith.

Chhangte tested Arshdeep again before half-time with a powerful volley, but the Punjab goalkeeper was well positioned to make the save.

The Shers began the second half positively. Muhammed Suhail beat two defenders before narrowly missing with his shot, while Moya came close in the 61st minute when his glancing header struck the roof of the net.

Mohun Bagan thought they had finally broken the deadlock five minutes from full time when Subhasish Bose headed Miguel Ferreira's free-kick into the net. However, the goal was ruled out for offside.

Punjab survived another major scare in extra time when Muheet Shabir produced an excellent leg save to deny Suhail Ahmad Bhat.

The match eventually went to penalties. Shabir saved Dezan Drazic's effort to keep Punjab alive, but Miguel Ferreira converted the decisive spot-kick to send the defending champions through.

Mohun Bagan will face East Bengal FC or NorthEast United FC in the final.