Punjab FC to face Mohun Bagan Super Giant in IFA Shield semifinals

Punjab FC will face Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the semifinals of the 126th IFA Shield at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata this Sunday. Both teams entered the knockout stage with strong performances in the group stages.

Punjab FC topped Group II following a 7-0 victory over Calcutta Customs and a 1-0 win against East Bengal FC, secured by a goal from Diego Raposo. Mohun Bagan Super Giant advanced from Group I after a 6-0 win against Sreenidi Deccan and a 1-1 draw with NorthEast United.

The match highlights a duel between the tournament's joint-top scorers, Raphaël Messi Bouli of Punjab FC and Lallianzuala Chhangte of Mohun Bagan, who have both scored three goals. Punjab FC faces a challenge with the absence of defensive anchor Nikhil Prabhu, though they have relied on goalkeeper Arshdeep Singh and defensive resilience to maintain their unbeaten streak.