On April 26, 2025, the Kalinga Super Cup quarterfinal match between Kerala Blasters FC and Mohun Bagan Super Giant took place at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, promising an exciting clash between two of the most popular teams in Indian football. With Mohun Bagan fielding a youthful squad missing several key players, the match was set to be a test of resilience for both sides.
Mohun Bagan, who had advanced directly to the quarterfinals due to Churchill Brothers’ withdrawal, were without their foreign players from the regular season, featuring only one non-Indian player, Portuguese defender Nuno Reis. This left the team heavily reliant on local talent, including Sahal Abdul Samad, Deepak Tangri, and Ashique Kuruniyan. The Mariners, coached by Bastab Roy in place of Jose Francisco Molina for this tournament, were looking to capitalize on their young squad’s potential.
On the other hand, Kerala Blasters, fresh off a confident 2-0 victory over East Bengal, were determined to maintain their momentum under head coach David Catala. The Blasters aimed to exploit the absence of Mohun Bagan’s seasoned foreign players, hoping to secure a semifinal spot against either FC Goa or Punjab FC.
The match kicked off with Kerala Blasters taking control of early possession, but they struggled to convert their chances into goals. Despite a strong start, the Blasters found themselves unable to break through the Mohun Bagan defense, which held firm, with goalkeeper Dheeraj Singh making crucial saves to keep his team in the game.
In the 22nd minute, Mohun Bagan struck first. After a well-executed play, Sahal Abdul Samad received a cross from Salahudheen Adnan, expertly maneuvering past his marker before lobbing the ball over the keeper into the net. This goal marked a significant moment as it was against his former club, giving Mohun Bagan a 1-0 lead.
As the match progressed, Kerala Blasters continued to press for an equalizer. Notable opportunities came from Jesus Jimenez and Noah Sadaoui, both of whom failed to find the target with their shots. Jimenez, in particular, had a golden chance to level the score but shot wide, much to the frustration of the Blasters’ supporters.
At halftime, the score stood at KBFC 0, MBSG 1, with Kerala Blasters needing to regroup and strategize for the second half. The Blasters had dominated possession but lacked the clinical finishing required to convert their chances.
The second half resumed with both teams making tactical adjustments. Mohun Bagan doubled their lead just six minutes into the half. In the 51st minute, a low cross from Ashique Kuruniyan found Suhail Ahmad Bhat, who tapped the ball into the net, making it KBFC 0, MBSG 2. This goal put the Blasters in a difficult position, needing two goals to force a comeback.
Kerala Blasters responded by increasing their attacking efforts. Substitutions were made, with Kwame Peprah entering the fray to bolster the attack. Despite their efforts, the Blasters struggled to find the back of the net. They created several chances, including a powerful shot from Noah that went over the bar and another effort from Peprah that was saved by Dheeraj.
As the match approached its final moments, Kerala Blasters found themselves in a desperate search for goals. They won a corner in the 79th minute after a deflected shot from Peprah, but the resulting set-piece failed to yield any results. The Blasters’ frustration grew as they continued to miss opportunities, with Jimenez shooting wide again in the 67th minute.
With time running out, the Blasters pushed forward, but their attempts were thwarted by a resolute Mohun Bagan defense. The Mariners’ backline, led by Nuno Reis, held firm against the mounting pressure, ensuring that Dheeraj remained largely untroubled in goal.
As the final whistle blew, the score remained KBFC 0, MBSG 2, sending Mohun Bagan through to the semifinals of the Kalinga Super Cup. This match showcased the resilience of the Mariners’ young squad and highlighted the challenges faced by Kerala Blasters in their quest for glory.
In the aftermath of the match, both teams reflected on their performances. Mohun Bagan’s coach, Bastab Roy, expressed pride in his team’s effort, stating, “Our main motivation is to see how the young ones cope at this level.” Meanwhile, David Catala acknowledged the need for improvement, emphasizing the importance of converting chances in future matches.
This quarterfinal clash not only marked a significant step for Mohun Bagan in the tournament but also showcased the potential of emerging Indian talents on a big stage. Fans eagerly await the next round, where Mohun Bagan will face the winner of the FC Goa versus Punjab FC match, hoping to continue their impressive run in the Kalinga Super Cup.
