Bhubaneswar: The last two spots in the Kalinga Super Cup 2025 semi-finals will be decided on Sunday, as Inter Kashi take on Mumbai City FC and NorthEast United FC face Jamshedpur FC on the second day of quarter-finals at the Kalinga Stadium here.
Mumbai City FC are aiming for a second straight semi-final appearance in the Kalinga Super Cup. The Islanders put on a commanding display in a 4-0 rout of Chennaiyin FC in the Round of 16, which was the perfect way to start the tournament, according to head coach Petr Kratky, especially after their 0-5 loss to Bengaluru FC in the ISL play-offs last month.
Talking about adaptability, Inter Kashi did that pretty well in the Round of 16, knocking out ISL Cup runners-up Bengaluru FC on penalties after a gritty period of 90 minutes that ended 1-1. Shubham Dhas saved a crucial spot kick before Nikola Stojanović dispatched the winning penalty.
Just 28 days since Jamshedpur FC knocked NorthEast United FC out of the ISL play-offs on their home turf, the Men of Steel and the Highlanders will meet in another knockout tie to contest for the Kalinga Super Cup semi-finals.
Familiarity can be both an advantage and a disadvantage. NorthEast United head coach Juan Pedro Benali said, "It will not be an easy game for both teams. We know each other very well. We've been playing many games this season against each other. It's a quarterfinal of a very important cup, and the details will make the difference."
Jamshedpur FC defeated Hyderabad FC 2-0 to enter the last eight, and are searching for their third consecutive appearance in the Super Cup semi-finals.
"We did well against Hyderabad. We will now play against a good side like NorthEast. We have to be prepared and give our best," said head coach Khalid Jamil.
