The Kalinga Super Cup 2025 kicked off in thrilling fashion on Sunday, April 20, with a highly anticipated opening match featuring East Bengal FC taking on Kerala Blasters FC at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. This year's tournament marks a return to a knockout format, a significant change from the previous group stage setup. With 15 teams vying for the title, the stakes are higher than ever, as the winner will not only claim the coveted trophy but also secure a place in the 2025–26 AFC Champions League 2 (ACL2) playoffs.
The tournament began with a bang, showcasing intense rivalries and fierce competition as teams from both the Indian Super League (ISL) and I-League battled it out for supremacy. Originally, 16 teams were slated to compete, but the withdrawal of I-League champions Churchill Brothers reduced the roster to 15, setting the stage for a fierce contest among the remaining clubs.
In the opening encounter, East Bengal, the defending champions, faced off against Kerala Blasters, a team known for its passionate fanbase and competitive spirit. The excitement was palpable as both teams took to the pitch, each looking to make a statement in the early rounds of the tournament. Historically, their clashes have been closely contested, with both sides having claimed victory in previous encounters.
As the match unfolded, fans were treated to a display of skill and determination, with both teams pushing hard for an early advantage. The Kalinga Super Cup format leaves no room for error; teams must perform at their best from the first whistle to avoid an early exit. Matches tied after 90 minutes plus stoppage time will proceed directly to penalty shootouts, heightening the tension and drama of each fixture.
The Kalinga Super Cup 2025 will run from April 20 to May 3, with all matches taking place at the Kalinga Stadium. The tournament features 13 clubs from the ISL and two from the I-League, making it a showcase of the best talent in Indian football. The winner will receive a prize of INR 25 lakh, along with the prestigious opportunity to compete in the ACL2 playoffs.
Looking ahead, several key fixtures are set to unfold in the coming days, promising more excitement for fans. On April 21, Odisha FC will take on Punjab FC in a crucial Round of 16 match, where both teams will be eager to end their seasons on a high note after missing out on ISL playoffs. The following day, on April 23, Mumbai City FC will face Chennaiyin FC in what is expected to be another electrifying encounter, given the heated rivalry that has developed between the two clubs over the years.
In a notable clash, Jamshedpur FC will go head-to-head with Hyderabad FC, featuring two Indian coaches, Khalid Jamil and Shameel Chembakath, who will be looking to guide their teams to the quarterfinals. Both teams have shown promise throughout the season, and this match is expected to be fiercely contested.
As the Kalinga Super Cup unfolds, fans can catch all the action live on JioHotstar and Star Sports 3, ensuring that no moment of this thrilling tournament is missed. The excitement surrounding the Kalinga Super Cup 2025 is palpable, with teams and fans alike eager to see who will emerge victorious and claim a spot in the prestigious ACL2 playoffs.
The Kalinga Super Cup, introduced in 2018 as the successor to the Federation Cup, has quickly become the premier knockout competition in Indian football. With previous champions like Bengaluru FC, FC Goa, and Odisha FC all in the mix, the competition promises to deliver unforgettable moments and fierce rivalries.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on East Bengal as they begin their title defense against Kerala Blasters. A victory for the Red and Gold Brigade would set up a tantalizing Kolkata Derby against their arch-rivals, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, who received a direct entry into the quarter-finals following Churchill Brothers' withdrawal.
With the knockout format in place, every match will be a battle for survival, adding to the drama and intensity of the Kalinga Super Cup 2025. Teams will need to bring their A-game, as any slip-ups could mean the end of their tournament hopes. As fans gear up for the upcoming fixtures, the excitement surrounding the Kalinga Super Cup continues to build, promising a thrilling showcase of Indian football at its best.
