Jamshedpur FC Advances to Kalinga Super Cup Final with Late Goal

Jamshedpur FC Secures Spot in Kalinga Super Cup Final

Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], May 1: Jamshedpur FC (JFC) has reached the Kalinga Super Cup final for the first time after a narrow 1-0 victory over Mumbai City FC (MCFC) at Kalinga Stadium on Wednesday.

The decisive goal came from Japanese midfielder Rei Tachikawa, who found the net in the 87th minute, securing the win for the Red Miners.

Jamshedpur FC is set to face FC Goa in the final, scheduled for 7:30 PM IST on Saturday, May 3, as confirmed by the official AIFF website.

From the outset, Jamshedpur dominated the offensive play, creating two significant chances early in the match. Although Mumbai managed to avert an early threat with a corner, goalkeeper Rehenesh Thumbirumbu quickly dealt with the subsequent set-piece.

Rehenesh was pivotal again in the 31st minute, showcasing his skills by saving a powerful header from Jordan Murray that seemed destined for the back of the net.

Despite Mumbai's earlier successes in the tournament, they struggled to find their rhythm against Jamshedpur. Their only notable attempt came from a well-placed cross by Lallianzuala Chhangte, which failed to capitalize on the opportunity.

The second half saw a continuation of the trend, with both teams generating fewer scoring chances. Mumbai's attack remained ineffective, while Jamshedpur was unlucky not to score on two occasions after the hour mark, hitting the post both times.

Finally, Jamshedpur's persistence paid off in the 87th minute. Following a chaotic clearance from the Mumbai defense, Tachikawa seized the opportunity, striking a left-footed shot that deflected off a defender and into the goal.

In the remaining minutes, including six minutes of injury time, Mumbai fought hard to equalize, but Jamshedpur fortified their defense to maintain their lead.

Rei Tachikawa was honored with the Kalinga Player of the Match award by Shri Himanshu Sekhar Sahoo, Hon'ble MLA of Dharmasala, Odisha.

Earlier in the day, FC Goa triumphed over Mohun Bagan SG with a score of 3-1 in the first semi-final. While FC Goa aims to replicate their Super Cup victory from 2019, Jamshedpur FC is poised to make history in their inaugural final appearance.