Qualification scenarios in AIFF Super Cup: Kerala Blasters, Bengaluru FC fight for knockout spots
The table toppers from Groups A and B have already sealed their place in the knockouts.
As the AIFF Super Cup Group Stage nears its completion, teams engage in a fierce face-off to secure their place in the knockouts. 16 teams have fought hard to make their way to the knockouts of India’s premier domestic cup competition. Two of them have already put a stamp on their qualification, while others fight for the remaining two spots.
The group stage will end on November 6, 2025 before the tournament takes a break for the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers. The competition will resume with knockouts and the summit clash, scheduled to take place on November 22, 2025.
In this article, we will look at the qualification scenarios of each group with a minimum of four teams still in contention for the remaining two spots.
Group A – East Bengal FC (Q)
The fate of Group A has already been decided, with East Bengal confirming their place in the knockouts after wading through a tough group. Group A had teams like Mohun Bagan, Chennaiyin FC, and Dempo. However, Oscar Bruzon’s team came ready for the challenge and aced it.
In a close call, East Bengal edged their arch-rivals Mohun Bagan on goal difference. The two Kolkata clubs ended the group stage with five points each, but a positive goal difference of four, as compared to Mohun Bagan’s positive goal difference of two, helped the Red and Gold Brigade cruise to the knockouts.
Dempo and Chennaiyin saw their campaigns end on a disappointing note. The Goan club finished third with three points, while the former ISL champions ended their tournament with a solitary point.
Group B – FC Goa (Q)
Group B also saw the Indian Super League teams engaged in a thrilling contest to own the all-important top position in the group. FC Goa, NorthEast United FC, and Jamshedpur FC played some exciting fixtures, shaping the fate of Group B, which saw the Gaurs emerge as the ultimate winners.
Two wins and a loss in three group stage fixtures sealed Goa’s spot in the semis with six points. NorthEast United finished in the second position with just a point less. In the third position finished the Red Miners, who accumulated four points.
The defending I-League champions Inter Kashi could not register a win, failing to add to their recent glory. The newly promoted ISL side finished at the bottom of Group B.
Group C
The top spot in Group C has been hotly contested between Bengaluru FC and Punjab FC. After the first two group stage fixtures, both teams have six points each with the same goal difference. Thrashing Gokulam Kerala FC and Mohammedan SC in a convincing fashion, Bengaluru and Punjab have positioned themselves in a promising position.
The top two teams in Group C will clash in the decider on Wednesday. A stalemate at the end of the 90 minutes will see the match progress to penalties. The winner of the penalties will progress to the AIFF Super Cup knockouts as the group topper.
The third and fourth positions in Group C have been occupied by Mohammedan SC and Gokulam Kerala FC, who have not yet opened their account in the tournament, knocking them out of the competition.
Group D
Following Rajasthan United’s 1-0 victory over Mumbai City FC, Kerala Blasters have earned a substantial edge in the race to the knockouts. The Blasters are at the top of the group with six points after consecutive wins in the first two fixtures.
Rajasthan United and Mumbai City FC have three points each as they occupy second and third position in Group D. While Sporting Club Delhi have been knocked out of the competition after failing to open their account after the first two group stage matches.
Kerala Blasters and Mumbai City will face off on November 6 in the ultimate Group D fixture. Rajasthan United and SC Delhi will also lock horns on the same day. A win for Kerala will confirm their knockout spot.
In case Mumbai City FC and Rajasthan United win their matches, then it will depend on the head-to-head goal difference, as all three of them would have defeated one of the three once.
How many teams from each group will qualify for the knockouts of the AIFF Super Cup?
The table toppers from each group will qualify for the Knockouts of the AIFF Super Cup.
Which team has qualified for the knockouts from Group A?
East Bengal FC have secured their place in the AIFF Super Cup knockouts from Group A.
Who has topped the Group B points table?
FC Goa have emerged as the toppers in Group B, confirming their place in the AIFF Super Cup knockouts.
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