Kalinga Super Cup 2025: Kerala Blasters Eliminate Defending Champions East Bengal in Opening Match

Synopsis

In the opening match of the Kalinga Super Cup 2025, Kerala Blasters FC triumphed over the defending champions East Bengal FC, winning 2-0 with goals from Jesus Jimenez and Noah Wali Sadaoui. The match showcased a strong performance from Kerala Blasters, setting them up for a quarter-final clash against Mohun Bagan SG.

Key Takeaways

East Bengal FC eliminated from Kalinga Super Cup 2025.
Kerala Blasters FC secured a solid 2-0 victory.
Jesus Jimenez scored from the penalty spot.
Noah Wali Sadaoui added a second goal.
Next match for Kerala Blasters against Mohun Bagan SG.

Bhubaneswar, April 20 (NationPress) The defending champions East Bengal FC faced an unexpected exit from the Kalinga Super Cup 2025 as they were defeated 2-0 by Kerala Blasters FC at Kalinga Stadium on Sunday.

The victors led 1-0 at halftime during the Round of 16 match on the tournament's first day, with goals from their Spanish striker Jesus Jimenez Nunez (40’ penalty) and American Noah Wali Sadaoui (64’).

Kerala Blasters will face Mohun Bagan SG in the quarter-finals on April 26, a team that has been in exceptional form this season after clinching both the Shield and Cup in the recent Indian Super League. Both Kerala Blasters and East Bengal had disappointing seasons in the ISL 2024-25, finishing eighth and ninth, respectively.

The match commenced with both teams adopting a cautious approach, prioritizing midfield control over aggressive play. Despite numerous chances for both sides, inaccurate shooting kept the scoreline level for much of the first half.

Jesus Jimenez nearly gave his team an early lead within the second minute, having ample time in front of Prabhsukhan Singh Gill, but his timing was slightly off, preventing an early goal.

For the Red and Gold, Richard Enrique Celis was a notable force upfront, coming close to scoring on two occasions. In the eighth minute, his left-footed shot narrowly missed the goal, and another long-range attempt from a corner kick also went off target.

After another missed opportunity, Jimenez finally put Kerala Blasters ahead. Noah Wali Sadaoui was fouled inside the box by defender Anwar Ali, prompting the referee to award a penalty.

Initially, Jimenez's spot-kick was saved by Gill, but due to the goalkeeper's premature movement off the line, a retake was ordered. This time, Jimenez successfully converted with a low, precise shot.

East Bengal's hopes of a strong showing in the Kalinga Super Cup were further dashed in the 64th minute when Kerala Blasters extended their lead. Sadaoui scored a stunning goal, weaving past two defenders before launching a left-foot shot from 25 yards that found the net.

The second goal effectively sealed the match. While Kerala Blasters were resolute in maintaining their lead, East Bengal struggled in the attacking third, despite some promising wing play in the later stages. The Kerala defense remained solid, leaving East Bengal with no viable opportunities to score.