New Delhi, Oct 3: Punjab FC will take on Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the semi-final of the 126th IFA Shield at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Sunday, October 4. The match is scheduled to kick off at 5:00 PM.

Punjab FC enter the knockout stage unbeaten after topping Group II. The Shers began their maiden IFA Shield campaign with a 7-0 win over Calcutta Customs before securing a 1-0 victory against East Bengal FC. Brazilian forward Diego Raposo scored the decisive goal against East Bengal with a long-range effort in the 41st minute.

Mohun Bagan Super Giant progressed from Group I after recording a 6-0 win over Sreenidi Deccan and playing out a 1-1 draw against NorthEast United. The Mariners will have the advantage of playing in familiar surroundings as they look to book their place in the final.

The semi-final will also feature a contest between two of the tournament’s leading scorers. Punjab FC’s Raphaël Messi Bouli and Mohun Bagan’s Lallianzuala Chhangte have scored three goals apiece so far, with both forwards having registered hat-tricks during the opening week of the competition.

Punjab FC’s campaign has also been marked by a strong defensive showing and the contribution of players developed through the Roundglass Football Academy. Goalkeeper Arshdeep Singh played a key role in the team’s victory over East Bengal, making important saves during the closing stages.

The Shers, however, will be without midfielder Nikhil Prabhu for the semi-final. Prabhu was sent off late in the match against East Bengal and will serve a suspension.

His absence is expected to increase the responsibility on Khaiminthang Lhungdim and Punjab FC’s young domestic contingent. Academy graduates including Manglenthang Kipgen, Muhammad Suhail, Arshvir Singh and Ayush Deshwal have featured prominently during the tournament.

Punjab FC head coach Pavlos Dermitzakis said the team had shown both attacking intent and defensive discipline during its run to the semi-finals.

“We have shown immense character to reach the semi-finals of this historic tournament. Our victory against East Bengal proved that we can not only play expansive, attacking football, but also defend with incredible grit and discipline when required,” Dermitzakis said.

Acknowledging the challenge posed by Mohun Bagan, the Punjab FC coach added that the team would have to cope without Prabhu while relying on its squad depth and young players.

With a place in the final at stake, Punjab FC will look to extend their unbeaten run, while Mohun Bagan Super Giant will aim to make home advantage count and secure their place in the title clash.