By Admin 
FC Goa had an unprecedented start to its AIFF Super Cup semifinal when its skipper Iker Guarrotxena was shown a red card in the tunnel for dissent. But that was the only downside on the night as it overcame Mumbai City FC 2-1 to make the final for a second straight year.
Two quick-fire goals from Brison Fernandes and David Timor roused the home crowd as Goa turned around the early setback.
But it was helped out by some misfortune for Mumbai City as Tiri slipped in the build-up to Brison’s opener before goalkeeper Phurba Lachenpa spilled Timor’s rasping drive into his own net.
Later in the second half, Lallianzuala Chhangte blazed his penalty over the bar. Mumbai City pulled one back through Brandon Fernandes but it was denied the equaliser by Hrithik Tiwari, who pulled off excellent saves from Jorge Ortiz and Jorge Pereyra Diaz.
In the second semifinal, East Bengal came out on top in a bruising encounter with Punjab FC, winning 3-1. East Bengal’s midfield trio of Saul Crespo, Miguel Ferreira and Mohammed Rashid all had a say in front of goal. Rashid struck the opener from range from a low drilled effort before Dani Ramirez equalised from the penalty spot.
At the stroke of half-time, East Bengal regained the lead when centre-back Kevin Sibille headed in Ferreira’s delivery from a corner.
Ferreira then set up Crespo, who unleashed a powerful low strike from outside the area to find the bottom corner and seal the deal.
The results: East Bengal 3 (Mohammed Rashid 12, Kevin Sibille 45+3, Saul Crespo 71) bt Punjab FC 1 (Dani Ramirez 34).
FC Goa 2 (Brison Fernandes 21, David Timor 23) bt Mumbai City FC 1 (Brandon Fernandes 59).