Can Goa reclaim glory against Jamshedpur in Kalinga Super Cup final?

Bhubaneswar, May 2 (NationPress) Following 13 days of intense competition, the Kalinga Super Cup 2025 has narrowed down its 15 participants to just two teams. The 2019 champions FC Goa are set to clash with Jamshedpur FC, who are making their first appearance in a final, this Saturday.

The victor of this match will secure a place in the 2025-26 AFC Champions League Two Preliminary Round.

On one side, FC Goa aspires not only to become the first team to claim this trophy twice but also to break a four-year hiatus from international football. Their prior experience in continental tournaments was during the 2021 AFC Champions League. Conversely, Jamshedpur FC finds itself in unfamiliar territory, having overcome two previous semi-final defeats in the Super Cup to reach their inaugural final in the club's eight-year journey.

After missing out on AFC Champions League qualification due to a playoff loss in 2023, the Men of Steel now have a prime opportunity to earn their first ticket to Asia.

"This is crucial for us, as it would mark our first qualification for an Asian competition, so we will give it our all," stated Jamshedpur FC head coach Khalid Jamil during the pre-match press conference on Friday.

His opposite number, FC Goa head coach Manolo Marquez, remarked, "When you have this chance (to qualify for Asia), you must be highly motivated. FC Goa has participated in the Champions League four years ago, while Jamshedpur has not. Both teams are eager to reach this competition."

This final marks the fourth encounter between FC Goa and Jamshedpur FC in the Super Cup, making it the most frequently played matchup in the history of the tournament. Given the 21 goals scored in their previous three encounters, fans can expect an electrifying showdown on Saturday. The Gaurs triumphed in both quarter-final matches during the 2018 and 2019 editions, winning 5-1 and 4-3, respectively. In the 2023 group stage in Kozhikode, the Red Miners achieved a 5-3 victory.

However, in this season's ISL, Jamshedpur managed to defeat Goa twice, winning 2-1 at Fatorda and 3-1 at the Furnace.

"Each game is unique," stated Marquez. "While we finished second and Jamshedpur was 10 points behind us, we lost both matches against them. They were superior in Jamshedpur, while in Goa, we were better in the first half but they came back stronger in the second. Now, it’s a final, and what happened before isn’t crucial."

Jamil echoed Marquez, saying, "This is indeed a different game. We must be robust and recognize that we are up against a formidable team, which I hold in high regard for their technical skills. Therefore, we need to deliver our best performance."

Jamshedpur FC, who had one of the weakest defenses in the ISL, conceding 46 goals this season, have surprisingly maintained a clean sheet in their three Kalinga Super Cup matches. Jamil's squad defeated Hyderabad 2-0, progressed past NorthEast United on penalties after a goalless draw, and secured a narrow 1-0 win against Mumbai City in the semi-finals. Goa, on the other hand, reached the final by defeating Gokulam Kerala 3-0, Punjab FC 2-1, and Mohun Bagan SG 3-1. With both teams having lost in the ISL semi-finals, the Kalinga Super Cup final is a golden opportunity to claim the trophy and conclude the season on a high note.

"Fifteen teams aimed to win the tournament. We understood that we needed to win four games and have already secured three victories, thanks to the team. Every match here is challenging. Let's see how it unfolds," said Marquez.

FC Goa captain and defender Odei Onaindia commented, "From the outset, we expressed our desire to win this tournament. Now that we are in the final, we are ready to achieve that goal. We recognize that we will confront a very strong team with outstanding players, so we are prepared for a tough contest."

Jamil added, "No predictions can be made. Everyone understands that this is a critical game for both teams, and we need to secure a positive outcome. Confidence is key."

Nikhil Barla, a 21-year-old forward for Jamshedpur, expressed, "It’s an incredible feeling for me to participate in this final. I joined the academy in 2018 and now I am playing for the senior team. This moment fills me and my family with pride."

Unlike previous matches in the tournament where games that ended in a draw after 90 minutes went directly to penalties, the final will feature 30 minutes of extra time. While Jamshedpur has already experienced a victory in the quarter-finals against NorthEast United FC, Marquez also has fond memories from 12 yards, having triumphed in the 2021-22 ISL Cup on penalties with Hyderabad.

"There’s always a chance for penalties. I don’t agree with the notion that penalties are a lottery. For me, they are not. If there’s a skilled goalkeeper and a fatigued player, composure is essential. One must showcase their quality at that moment and be ready for any situation," stated Marquez.

The final will be broadcast live on Star Sports 3 and streamed on JioHotstar.