Bhubaneswar: All the four semi finalists teams set out to put their best effort to secure their final place in the Kalinga Super Cup 2025 to be held at Kalinga Stadium. Mohun Bagan SG and Jamshedpur FC will face FC Goa Mumbai City FC respectively in the semifinals tomorrow.
After a record-breaking league campaign, winning the ISL Shield and Cup, and already booking a place in next season's AFC Champions League Two, Mohun Bagan SG joined the Super Cup with a young squad for what coach Bastab Roy labelled as an "exposure trip".
FC Goa, who finished second in the ISL, however, will be one among the strong contenders, according to Roy. The Gaurs were one of the only two sides to beat them during the regular season.
"We're not thinking about being champions right now. Winning the first match was good for us because we now get one more chance. Obviously, it's a semi-final and if we win, we will get a chance to play the final, and then we'll think of being the champions," Roy added.
FC Goa head coach Manolo Marquez spoke on similar lines. The Gaurs have reached the semi-finals after two victories, a breezy 3-0 defeat of Gokulam Kerala FC, followed by a nerve-wracking 2-1 comeback win over Punjab FC on Saturday. Marquez now stands two wins away from his first silverware with FC Goa.
"Everyone knows that you have to win four games to be the champion. Every game is very difficult. Winning a trophy is very important," the Spaniard said.
Both Mumbai City FC and Jamshedpur FC bowed out of the Kalinga Super Cup at the semi-final stage last year, but this season presents them a chance to make the final for the first time ever. With both sides yet to concede a goal in the tournament so far, it will be fascinating to see who finally unlock the other's defence. And if neither can, there are always penalties to settle the scores.
