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The prestigious Kalinga Super Cup Trophy
After an intense 13-day battle, the 2025 Kalinga Super Cup has reached its thrilling conclusion, with ISL heavyweights FC Goa and Jamshedpur FC emerging as the finalists. The two sides will lock horns in a high-stakes showdown at Bhubaneswar’s Kalinga Stadium on Saturday, May 3, at 7:30 PM IST. With both teams determined to cap off their season on a high, the final promises to be a fiercely contested encounter, potentially becoming the tournament’s most electrifying match yet. Fans can expect a display of fast-paced, high-energy football as the rivals vie for the coveted trophy.
From Semis to Glory: FC Goa and Jamshedpur FC Set for Kalinga Super Cup Final Thriller
Both finalists stormed into the title clash after delivering thrilling semi-final performances. FC Goa, the 2019 Kalinga Super Cup champions, showcased their attacking prowess with a dominant 3-1 victory over Mohun Bagan SG. Brison Fernandes (20’), Iker Guarrotxena (51’ pen), and Borja Herrera (58’) found the net, while Suhail Bhat (23’) pulled one back for the Mariners. The convincing win sent a strong message—Goa is determined to reclaim the trophy.
FC Goa players celebrate after Borja’s swung the ball into a crowded penalty area and caught the goalkeeper off his line during the Kalinga Super Cup 2025 semifinal at the Kalinga stadium in Bhubaneswar, on April 30, 2025.
Meanwhile, Jamshedpur FC scripted history by reaching their first-ever Kalinga Super Cup final, overcoming past semi-final heartbreaks. In a tightly contested match, they edged past Mumbai City FC 1-0, proving their resilience and tactical discipline.
Jamshedpur FC players celebrate after wining goal of Rei Tachikawa
With both teams in red-hot form, the final promises a gripping battle between Goa’s explosive attack and Jamshedpur’s steely resolve. Who will lift the trophy? The stage is set for a blockbuster clash!
The Final Has Already Begun: Coaches Draw Battle Lines Ahead of Final.
FC Goa coach Manolo Márquez with Jamshedpur FC coach Khalid Jamal
However, this season in the ISL, Jamshedpur did the double over Goa, winning 2-1 in Fatorda and 3-1 at the Furnace. This lead to an exciting pre match conference between the bosses.
“Every game is different,” said Márquez. “We can say that we finished second, and Jamshedpur finished 10 points below us, but we lost both games against them. They were much better than us in Jamshedpur. In Goa, maybe in the first half we were better, and they were better in the second. Now, it’s a final, and I think that it’s not important what happened in the past.”
Jamil, concurring with Márquez, said, “It is absolutely correct that this is a totally different game. We have to be strong. We must know that we are going to play against a good team, which I give a lot of respect to because they are technically very strong. So, we have to give our best.”
Double the Glory: Super Cup Win Comes With AFC Champions League Prize
This isn’t just another final—it’s a gateway to continental glory. The winner of the Kalinga Super Cup will earn a prized berth in the 2025-26 AFC Champions League Two Preliminary Round, adding high stakes to Saturday’s clash. FC Goa, eyeing their second Super Cup crown, hope to return to Asian football after a four-year absence. Meanwhile, Jamshedpur FC chase history, targeting their first-ever trophy and a maiden appearance on the continental stage. With so much at stake, both teams will leave nothing to chance in their quest for silverware and international recognition.
Written by- Pranav Parmar
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