Bengaluru FC and FC Goa Set for RFDL 2025-26 Final Showdown
Bengaluru FC delivered a dominant display over the two legs, while FC Goa held their nerve despite a 2-1 second-leg loss to Punjab FC, as both sides secured convincing aggregate wins to storm into the RFDL Final.
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.
View this post on Instagram
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.
View this post on Instagram
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.
