Mohun Bagan Super Giant is gearing up for a monumental clash against Jamshedpur FC in the second leg of their Indian Super League (ISL) semifinal at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata. With the match set to kick off at 7:30 PM IST on April 7, 2025, the Mariners find themselves trailing 2-1 after a shocking defeat in the first leg. The stakes couldn't be higher for Mohun Bagan, who are hoping to leverage their home advantage and the roaring support of over 50,000 fans to overturn the deficit and secure a place in the final.
Coming off their recent ISL Shield triumph, the team is determined to chase the ISL Cup as well. Head coach Jose Molina expressed optimism about his team's chances, stating, "The time to analyze the last match is over. Now it’s time to think about tomorrow. With the support of our fans in our stadium, we will do it.” The Mariners need to win by at least two goals to advance directly to the final without the need for penalties, a task that will require a significant improvement in their performance compared to the first leg.
Jamshedpur FC, on the other hand, enters the match with a solid game plan. Their head coach Khalid Jamil has instilled a strong defensive mindset in the team, which has proven effective in recent matches. However, they will be missing key players due to suspensions, including defenders Stephen Eze and Ashutosh Mehta, as well as midfielder Mobashir Rahman. Jamil remains confident, saying, “Yes, we will miss them — they’ve been important for us. But this is part of the game. Injuries, suspensions — they happen. What matters is that whoever steps in shows they belong here too.”
The head-to-head record between the two teams is tightly contested, with both sides having won five matches each out of twelve encounters, alongside two draws. This adds an extra layer of excitement to the upcoming match, as both teams are evenly matched in terms of previous performances.
For Mohun Bagan, the return of players like Manvir Singh and Lalengmawia Ralte (Apuia) is a significant boost. Apuia’s presence in midfield will be crucial for controlling the game and providing the necessary support for the attacking front. In training, Molina has tested new formations, including shifting Liston Colaco to the right wing and Ashique Kuruniyan to the left, to maximize their attacking potential.
As the match approaches, the atmosphere in Kolkata is electric. Fans are rallying behind their team, especially after a distressing incident during the first leg where Mohun Bagan supporters faced police aggression. Molina addressed this emotional charge, saying, “We fight every day for our fans. That incident could give us extra motivation. But ideally, I hope such things never happen again.” Jamie Maclaren, Mohun Bagan's marquee striker, echoed this sentiment, viewing the first leg as merely the first half of a two-part match. “We look at it as halfway,” he said. “We saw their celebrations — that’s how we wanted to celebrate. We still have another half left, and it’s down to us.”
With the home crowd expected to create an intimidating atmosphere for the visitors, Mohun Bagan will look to capitalize on their impressive home record. They have not lost at the Salt Lake Stadium this season, and their last six matches there have seen them keep clean sheets. This record will be put to the test against a Jamshedpur side that has shown resilience and tactical discipline.
As the clock ticks down to kickoff, both teams are preparing for a match that promises to be filled with intensity, drama, and the potential for history. Jamshedpur FC is on the cusp of reaching their first-ever ISL final, while Mohun Bagan is determined to avoid a bitter end to their season and continue their pursuit of a coveted double.
In terms of broadcasting, the match will be available live on Star Sports 2 and streamed on JioHotstar, with international viewers able to catch the action on the OneFootball app. This accessibility ensures that fans around the world can witness what is sure to be a thrilling encounter.
As the players take to the pitch, the outcome hangs in the balance, with both teams having everything to play for. Will Mohun Bagan's home advantage and passionate support propel them to victory, or will Jamshedpur FC defy the odds and secure their place in the final? The stage is set for a classic showdown in the heart of Kolkata.
