Kalinga Super Cup 2025: A Knockout Battle Awaits in Bhubaneswar!

Exciting Kickoff for Kalinga Super Cup 2025

Bhubaneswar: The fifth edition of the Kalinga Super Cup is set to commence this Sunday, featuring 15 teams vying for the coveted trophy and a chance to qualify for next season's AFC Champions League Two. This year, the tournament will adopt a knockout format, reminiscent of the 2018 and 2019 editions, meaning every match is crucial.

Bhubaneswar has a special bond with the Kalinga Super Cup, having hosted three of the four previous editions at the Kalinga Stadium. The only time the tournament was held outside Odisha was in 2023, where Odisha FC claimed victory and brought the trophy back home.

Last year, East Bengal FC triumphed, defeating the Juggernauts 3-2 in a thrilling extra-time final, ending a 12-year trophy drought. They are now looking to defend their title on the same pitch. East Bengal has a history of defending cup titles, having won consecutive Federation Cups in 2009-10 and 2010.

The Kolkata club's journey to reclaim the Kalinga Super Cup begins in the Round of 16 against Kerala Blasters FC, who are in search of their first national trophy. Both teams had disappointing ISL seasons, finishing ninth and eighth, respectively, making this tournament a significant opportunity for redemption. The winner will face Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the quarterfinals after Churchill Brothers withdrew.

On Monday, 2019 champions FC Goa will clash with Gokulam Kerala FC in an inter-league match. The Gaurs have struggled in recent editions, failing to progress past the group stage, and are eager to reclaim the trophy and return to the continental stage after their 2021 AFC Champions League appearance. Gokulam Kerala is also aiming for a second Asian campaign following their 2022 AFC Cup participation, but they have yet to advance past the Round of 16 in the Kalinga Super Cup.

Later that day, hosts Odisha FC will take on Punjab FC. Since their debut in the Kalinga Super Cup in 2023, the Juggernauts have established themselves as a formidable force, winning the tournament in 2023 and finishing as runners-up in 2024. Punjab FC, also newcomers in 2023, have struggled, winning only one of their six matches in the previous two seasons.

Bengaluru FC will meet Inter Kashi for the third time in two seasons on Wednesday. They previously drew 1-1 in the 2024 Kalinga Super Cup group stage, but Bengaluru won 3-0 in the Durand Cup group stage last August. The Blues, still reeling from their ISL Final loss, are determined to become the first club to win the Super Cup twice and end their four-year absence from Asian competitions. Inter Kashi made their debut last year but failed to win any matches in the group stage.

On the same day, Mumbai City FC will face Chennaiyin FC for the fourth time in Super Cup history, making it the most frequently contested fixture in the tournament. Mumbai City has won the last two encounters 1-0, while Chennaiyin secured a 2-0 victory in the 2019 Round of 16. Mumbai City boasts a 13-match unbeaten streak against Chennaiyin, who last won this matchup in February 2020. Both teams have experience in continental competitions, with Mumbai City participating in the 2022 and 2023-24 AFC Champions League and Chennaiyin in the 2019 AFC Cup.

NorthEast United FC will go head-to-head with Mohammedan Sporting on Thursday. NorthEast has already made history this season by winning their first-ever trophy, the Durand Cup, and reaching the ISL playoffs. They aim to add another cup win to their achievements, which would also secure them a spot in Asia. Mohammedan SC, looking to bounce back from a disappointing ISL campaign, hopes for a better showing in the Kalinga Super Cup after a tough debut last year.

The Round of 16 will conclude with a match between Jamshedpur FC and Hyderabad FC. Jamshedpur, semi-finalists in the last two Super Cups and the current ISL season, is eager to finally secure the trophy. Hyderabad, making their third Super Cup appearance, has yet to make a significant impact, having exited the group stage in both 2023 and 2024 with just one win in six attempts. They will be hoping for a better outcome this time around.

The quarterfinals are scheduled for April 26 and 27, with the semi-finals on April 30 and the final on May 3.

Where will the Kalinga Super Cup 2025 be played?

The Kalinga Super Cup 2025 will take place at the Kalinga Stadium.

When will the Kalinga Super Cup 2025 be played?

The tournament kicks off on Sunday, April 20, with the final set for May 3.

Where to watch the Kalinga Super Cup 2025?

Fans can catch the Kalinga Super Cup 2025 on Star Sports Network and stream it live on JioHotstar.