Punjab FC’s IFA Shield campaign ended in a dramatic penalty shootout on Sunday as defending champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant prevailed 4-3 from the spot after the semifinal remained goalless through 120 minutes.

The Shers matched Mohun Bagan for intensity and discipline throughout the contest, but the defending champions eventually held their nerve to book their place in the final. They will face the winners of the second semifinal between East Bengal and NorthEast United.

Mohun Bagan started brightly, putting Punjab under pressure from the opening minutes. Lallianzuala Chhangte’s effort in the third minute took a deflection before Arshdeep Singh gathered comfortably. Lee Erwin then came close after Asish Rai’s pass, but Punjab’s defence recovered quickly to block his effort.

Erwin continued to threaten from set-pieces, forcing another sharp save from Arshdeep. Punjab gradually settled after the opening quarter-hour and began creating chances of their own.

Alfred Moya fired narrowly wide after being set up by Bishu Sharma, while Sharma later saw his low effort deflect into the hands of Vishal Kaith. Chhangte tested Arshdeep again with a powerful volley before half-time.

Punjab looked more threatening after the break. Muhammed Suhail, introduced at half-time, beat two defenders before shooting narrowly wide. Moya then 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 time when Subhasish Bose headed Miguel Ferreira’s free-kick into the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

Extra time produced another major chance when Suhail Ahmad Bhat was denied by an excellent leg save from Muheet Shabir.

With neither team able to find a winner, the match went to penalties.

Punjab stayed alive after Raphael Messi Bouli and Arshvir Singh converted, while Shabir saved Dezan Drazic’s attempt. However, Vishal Kaith also produced crucial saves, and Miguel Ferreira converted the decisive penalty to send Mohun Bagan into the final.