Kalinga Super Cup: Underdogs Inter Kashi Challenge Giants MCFC, NorthEast Seek Redemption Against Jamshedpur in Quarter-Finals

Bhubaneswar, April 26 (NationPress) The remaining two positions for the semi-finals of the Kalinga Super Cup 2025 will be contested on Sunday, featuring Inter Kashi against Mumbai City FC and NorthEast United FC taking on Jamshedpur FC at the Kalinga Stadium. This follows the initial quarter-final matches where Mohun Bagan SG faced Kerala Blasters and Punjab FC battled FC Goa on Saturday.

Mumbai City FC is striving for a consecutive semi-final showing in the Kalinga Super Cup. The Islanders showcased a formidable performance with a 4-0 victory over Chennaiyin FC in the Round of 16, marking a strong start to the tournament, as noted by head coach Petr Kratky, especially after their 0-5 defeat to Bengaluru FC in the ISL play-offs last month.

However, facing Inter Kashi for the first time poses distinct challenges for the former ISL Shield and Cup champions.

With several key foreign players absent from the squad, Kratky emphasized the importance of adaptability regarding both the team and the competition's conditions.

"A single victory doesn't define the tournament. We understand that Inter Kashi will be a tough opponent as they aim to demonstrate their quality, so we must remain vigilant and not underestimate any aspect from the outset," said Kratky during the pre-match press conference.

On the topic of adaptability, Inter Kashi excelled in the Round of 16, eliminating ISL Cup runners-up Bengaluru FC through a penalty shootout after a hard-fought 90 minutes that ended in a 1-1 draw. Shubham Dhas made a pivotal save, allowing Nikola Stojanović to score the decisive penalty.

Following this significant triumph, assistant coach Carlos Fonseca indicated that there is minimal pressure on the I-League runners-up, which is advantageous for his team.

"It's preferable to compete as the underdogs. When favored, additional pressure can arise to deliver exceptional performances. Now, we can play one-on-one, defend solidly, and occasionally push forward. However, as leaders, there is a necessity to control the game, which is not our current position," remarked the Spaniard.

Having been eliminated in the group stage of the Kalinga Super Cup last season, Inter Kashi has now achieved their inaugural victory over an ISL team. They aspire to be the first I-League club since Chennai City FC in 2019 to reach the semi-finals.

"We are confident in our abilities. Everything is progressing positively. We won't alter our approach significantly; our philosophy is to proceed step by step, with all our focus on Mumbai," stated Fonseca.

In the other quarter-final match, just 28 days after Jamshedpur FC eliminated NorthEast United FC from the ISL play-offs on their home ground, the Men of Steel will face the Highlanders again in a crucial knockout match for a spot in the semi-finals.

Familiarity can be both beneficial and challenging. NorthEast United head coach Juan Pedro Benali commented, "This will not be an easy match for either side. We are well-acquainted with each other, having faced off numerous times this season. This is a quarter-final of a significant cup, and the finer details will be critical in determining the outcome."

NorthEast United advanced to the quarter-finals after a resounding 6-0 victory over Mohammedan Sporting, with ISL Golden Boot winner Alaaeddine Ajaraei scoring a hat-trick. All eyes will be on the Moroccan forward again, who previously netted four times against Jamshedpur in the league stage.

"We executed several excellent strategies against Mohammedan. Now, we must rectify some errors and concentrate on Jamshedpur. This isn't about revenge; it's a different competition altogether. We need to learn from our past encounters and look ahead," added Benali.

Jamshedpur FC secured their place in the quarter-finals with a 2-0 win over Hyderabad FC and are vying for their third successive appearance in the Super Cup semi-finals.

"We performed well against Hyderabad. Now, we face a formidable opponent in NorthEast. We must be prepared and give it our all," said head coach Khalid Jamil.

The two teams also squared off in last year's Kalinga Super Cup group stage, where Jamil outmaneuvered Benali, leading to a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory for Jamshedpur, which secured their path to the semi-finals. Despite the same coaches, the strategies will differ given the knockout format.

"As it's a knockout match, our preparations will vary. It will be challenging, but we will strive for a favorable outcome. All players must assume responsibility," Jamil remarked.

When: Inter Kashi will face Mumbai City at 4:30 PM IST, and Jamshedpur FC vs NorthEast United is set to start at 8:00 PM IST.

Where: The Kalinga Super Cup 2025 is hosted at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.

Streaming details: All matches of the Kalinga Super Cup 2025 will be broadcast on Star Sports 3 and live-streamed on JioHotstar.