Reliance Foundation Development League 2026 | Goa | April 15, 2026
Bengaluru FC Secure Final Berth with Dominant Semi-Final Display
Bengaluru FC clinically secured their place in the RFDL National Championship 2025-26 Final following a commanding 3-0 victory over Kerala Blasters FC in the second leg of the semi-finals. Entering the match with a massive seven-goal cushion from the first leg, the Blues showed no signs of complacency, finishing the tie with an emphatic 10-0 aggregate scoreline.
The scoring began early as Serto Kom found the back of the net in the 10th minute with a precise tap-in. Kom doubled his tally just four minutes later, leaping highest to meet a well-placed cross from MD Arbash to make it 2-0 in the 14th minute.
The Blues continued to dictate the tempo, and the result was put beyond all doubt in the 22nd minute. Following a fluid attacking move, Vumlenlal Hangshing provided the assist for Ashik Adhikari, who calmly slotted home a third tap-in for the visitors.
Kerala Blasters FC struggled to breach a disciplined Bengaluru FC defense throughout the encounter. With this performance, Bengaluru FC march into the final confident of a strong display.
FC Goa Secure Final Berth Despite Defeat in 2nd Leg vs Punjab FC
FC Goa clinched their spot in the RFDL National Championship 2025-26 Final after a gritty encounter against Punjab FC in the semi-final second leg. While Punjab FC secured a 2-1 victory on the day, the Gaurs’ massive four-goal cushion from the first leg saw them advance with a 5-2 aggregate score.
The match ignited in just the 2nd minute when Punjab’s Vishal Yadav powered home a header to give the visitors a dream start. FC Goa responded in the 24th minute as Kavya Katkar clinically finished a tap-in following a slick assist from Sangam Shetye.
The second half turned into a tactical chess match. Punjab FC regained the lead in the 83rd minute through Konsam Sanathoi Singh, who capitalized on a loose ball. Tension peaked in the 86th minute when FC Goa’s goalkeeper, Lionel Daryl Rymmei, produced a world-class save to deny Punjab a third. The closing moments brought a significant setback for the hosts; Sitroy Carvalho was shown a second yellow card, resulting in a red card. This dismissal means Carvalho will be suspended for the final, a huge blow for FC Goa’s defensive stability.
With the semi-final stage concluded, Bengaluru FC enters the final as the team to beat after their staggering 10-0 aggregate masterclass. They are set to face a resilient FC Goa side, who must now navigate the championship match without the suspended Sitroy Carvalho.
The stage is set for a thrilling double-header on Saturday, April 18th. Kerala Blasters FC will take on Punjab FC in the third-place playoff at 8 AM, followed by the high-stakes grand finale between Bengaluru FC and FC Goa at 4 PM.