The AIFF Super Cup 2025 concluded in dramatic fashion as FC Goa successfully defended their title with a nail-biting 6-5 penalty shootout victory over East Bengal FC. The tense finale at Fatorda Stadium ended with Sahil Tavora converting the decisive spot-kick after East Bengal winger PV Vishnu missed his attempt, sending the home crowd into jubilation and sealing consecutive crowns for the Gaurs.
The tournament saw several standout individual performances across clubs, culminating in an impressive Team of the Tournament featuring eleven of the most impactful players.
Between the posts, FC Goa’s Hrithik Tiwari earns his place after keeping three clean sheets in four matches and showing sharp reflexes under pressure. His distribution allowed Goa to maintain their possession-based style, and his contributions during the penalty shootout proved vital in the final.
At right-back, Mohammad Rakip of East Bengal FC provided defensive solidity, helping his side record three clean sheets. Rakip’s composure in buildup and resilience in high-pressure matches made him a reliable figure, even though his team ultimately fell short in the championship match.
The centre-back pairing features East Bengal’s Anwar Ali, whose leadership and aerial dominance were central to his team’s run. With three clean sheets in five games, Ali consistently eased pressure off his attackers. Alongside him, Punjab FC’s Bijoy Varghese excelled with intelligent positioning and physical presence, recording three clean sheets in four outings and becoming indispensable for coach Panagiotis Dilmperis.
On the left side of defense, FC Goa’s Aakash Sangwan continued to repay coach Manolo Marquez’s trust, matching his goalkeeper’s clean-sheet tally while offering reliable overlapping support. His consistency has silenced many doubters in recent months.
Midfield control was shaped by NorthEast United FC’s Chema Núñez, whose two goals and one assist in three matches underlined his creativity and shooting threat. Alongside him, East Bengal’s Naorem Mahesh Singh delivered one goal and three assists in five games, driving transitions with his dribbling and vision despite his surprising early substitution in the final.
Higher up the pitch, Goa’s Dejan Drazic thrived as the attacking midfielder, contributing two goals and an assist across four games. His movement between lines added dynamism to Goa’s attack throughout the tournament.
In the front line, Bengaluru FC’s Ryan Williams impressed on the right wing with two goals and an assist in three fixtures, while Kerala Blasters’ Koldo Obieta led the scoring charts with three goals in as many matches, showcasing lethal finishing and strong hold-up play. Completing the trio, NorthEast United’s Alaeddine Ajaraie matched his three goal contributions in three games, providing dynamic progression and continuing last season’s fine form.
