FC Goa Aims for Kalinga Super Cup Glory Against Jamshedpur FC
FC Goa Prepares for Kalinga Super Cup Final
Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], May 3: FC Goa (FCG) is set to compete in their second Kalinga Super Cup final this Saturday, facing off against fellow Indian Super League (ISL) team Jamshedpur FC (JFC) at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, as reported by an official ISL source.
The Gaurs, who previously clinched the trophy in 2019 by defeating Chennaiyin FC, are on a quest to become the first team to secure the Super Cup title more than once.
Under the guidance of Manolo Marquez, the team finished second in the league but faced elimination at the hands of Bengaluru FC in a thrilling semi-final of the ISL Cup. They are now eager to turn their fortunes around and capture silverware this season.
Jamshedpur FC, on the other hand, is striving for their inaugural Super Cup victory and their second title overall, having previously won the ISL League Shield in the 2021-22 season.
FC Goa has displayed remarkable form throughout the tournament, winning all three of their matches in regulation time to secure a spot in the final. Let’s take a closer look at their journey.
In the Round of 16, FC Goa faced I-League team Gokulam Kerala and easily advanced with a 3-0 victory, thanks to a hat-trick from Iker Guarrotxena. The scoring began with a penalty in the 24th minute, followed by Guarrotxena doubling the lead just nine minutes later. He completed his hat-trick in the 71st minute, sealing the win.
The quarter-finals proved to be a tougher test against Punjab FC, who had previously eliminated hosts Odisha FC with a solid 3-0 win. After a scoreless first half, Punjab FC took the lead in the 57th minute through Ezequiel Vidal. However, FC Goa equalized with a late goal from Borja Herrera just before full-time, followed by a dramatic winner from Mohammad Yasir in stoppage time.
FC Goa's path to the semi-finals was solidified when Punjab FC was reduced to ten men after Pramveer received a second yellow card in stoppage time. This victory set up a clash with ISL Champions and Cup holders Mohun Bagan Super Giant.
In the semi-finals, FC Goa faced a formidable opponent in Mohun Bagan Super Giant, who were chasing a treble. FC Goa started strong, with Brison Fernandes scoring in the 20th minute, but Mohun Bagan equalized shortly after. The teams went into halftime level, but FC Goa regained the lead through Guarrotxena in the 51st minute, followed by a third goal from Herrera seven minutes later. They maintained control to secure their place in the Kalinga Super Cup final.