Margao, Dec 3: Unbeaten in the group stage, Punjab FC will have their task cut out when they take on Kolkata heavyweights East Bengal in the first semifinal of the Super Cup here on Thursday.
Both teams progressed as group winners.
Punjab FC were unbeaten in the group stages with two wins and prevailed over Bengaluru FC in a winner-takes all final group stage match which was decided on penalty kicks after both teams ended 0-0 in regulation time.
Both teams finished with seven points and were tied on goals scored, which eventually led to the group winners being decided on penalties.
On the other hand, East Bengal were held to a 2-2 draw in the tournament opener by Dempo SC but came back to beat Chennaiyin FC 4-0. In the final group match against Kolkata rivals Mohun Bagan Super Giant, they held them to a 0-0 draw which ensured they qualified for the semifinals on goal difference.
With both teams topping their groups and coming into the semifinal in confident form, it promises to be a closely-fought contest. (PTI)
