High-Stakes ISL Showdowns: Teams Battle for Semi-Final Spots

Mohun Bagan SG, Punjab FC, Bengaluru FC, and Kerala Blasters FC vie for the final two ISL semi-final spots. Previous winners NorthEast United FC and Shillong Lajong FC are already through. Key matches include Mohun Bagan vs. Punjab FC and Bengaluru FC vs. Kerala Blasters.

Four Indian Super League (ISL) teams—defending champions Mohun Bagan SG, Punjab FC, Bengaluru FC, and Kerala Blasters FC—will compete on Friday for the last two semi-final spots. NorthEast United FC and Shillong Lajong FC have already secured semi-final berths, with NorthEast United defeating the Indian Army Football Team and Shillong Lajong pulling off a surprise win against East Bengal FC. The winner of their clash will advance to the final, according to an ISL media release.

Attention now turns to the remaining quarter-final matchups. Mohun Bagan SG is set to face Punjab FC, while Bengaluru FC will renew their historic rivalry with Kerala Blasters FC. Mohun Bagan, the most successful team in the competition with 17 championships, take on Punjab FC in only their second ISL appearance.

Bengaluru FC, unbeaten in the cup, will test their mettle against Kerala Blasters at Salt Lake Stadium. Kerala topped their group, which included CISF Protectors, Punjab FC, and Mumbai City. Bengaluru had a tough road, securing their spot after battling Indian Navy, Inter Kashi, and Mohammedan SC. Both teams have been defensively solid, conceding only three goals combined. Bengaluru has scored 10 goals in three games, while Kerala has netted 16, per ISL statistics.

Match Details: Quarter-final No. 3 - August 23, 4:00 PM: Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs. Punjab FC (JRD Tata Sports Complex, Jamshedpur). Quarter-final No. 4 - August 23, 7:00 PM: Bengaluru FC vs. Kerala Blasters FC (Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata).

(With inputs from agencies.)