Kalinga Super Cup: MCFC's Chhangte Reflects on Growth Ahead of Inter Kashi Matchup

New Delhi, April 25 (NationPress) In just two weeks, Mumbai City FC transformed from a disappointing 0-5 defeat in the Indian Super League (ISL) Playoffs against Bengaluru FC to scoring four goals against Chennaiyin FC, securing their place in the quarterfinals of the Kalinga Super Cup, where they are set to face Inter Kashi. Despite entering the 2024-25 season as defending champions, Mumbai experienced a challenging season and struggled to exhibit their usual potent offense.

Although they boasted an impressive defensive record, finishing with the third fewest goals conceded this season, their offensive output was limited to just 29 goals, the lowest among the top six teams.

During a conversation with IANS, Lallianzuala Chhangte, who netted twice in the opening match, discussed how the team has learned from past errors and initiated the Super Cup positively.

“We’ve taken lessons from our past mistakes, and this experience is shaping us into better individuals and footballers. I want to grow from that experience. As we head into the final match of the Super Cup, I’m thrilled with our team's performance, not just my own, especially given the numerous injuries we’re managing and the limited availability of foreign players,” Chhangte shared with IANS.

“I’m truly pleased with how the players who stepped in performed because the Super Cup is a do-or-die situation. If you lose, you’re out. Everyone understands that, and we are fully committed. This is a solid beginning, and we’re already concentrating on the upcoming challenge against Inter Kashi,” Chhangte remarked.

In just two years since joining the I-League, Inter Kashi FC has made a significant impact. Under the guidance of Antonio Lopez Habas, the most successful coach in ISL history, they nearly qualified for the ISL but finished as runners-up in their I-League 2024-25 season.

They followed this with an impressive Round of 16 performance, defeating ISL runners-up Bengaluru FC in a penalty shootout. Chhangte emphasized the importance of not underestimating their upcoming opponents.

“It doesn’t matter who we’re facing, whether an elite team or an I-League squad. Our strategy remains unchanged, and Inter Kashi is a formidable team, arguably among the best in the I-League. We fully respect them, but every team has strengths and weaknesses,” he stated.

“Our focus should be on our capabilities and how we can exploit their weaknesses. It's crucial we concentrate on our game rather than solely on our opponents. We are now fully prepared and ready for the challenges ahead,” he added.

After their elimination, Chhangte described the performance against Chennai as remarkable, asserting that the upcoming game against Kashi will pose an even greater challenge.

“Since our last ISL match, we haven’t had a day off. We’ve focused on recovery and have been working exceptionally hard, which was evident in our last match. Our energy and teamwork were impressive, and I hope all players, especially the younger ones, maintain this mindset.”

“Some might think that facing an I-League team will be easier, but the approach we had previously must continue, regardless of the opponent. We cannot afford to be complacent; this next match will be tougher than the first, and I assure you of that. Therefore, we must remain completely focused,” he concluded.