Category: Super Cup

Kerala Blasters Crash Out as Mumbai City Reach Super Cup 2025 Semifinals

Kerala Blasters FC Super Cup 2025 journey came to an unfortunate end following a narrow 0–1 defeat to Mumbai City FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda on Thursday. A late own goal in the 88th minute proved costly as the Blasters, who played a large part of the match with ten men, fell just short of reaching the semifinals.

Head coach David Català made one change to the starting lineup, bringing in Tiago Alves for Nihal Sudeesh. For the first time in the tournament, Kerala fielded all six of their foreign players. The match began at a lively pace, with both sides creating early chances. Jorge Ortiz fired over for Mumbai in the opening minutes, while Adrián Luna’s clever through ball nearly set up Tiago Alves for the Blasters.

The Islanders grab the last #AIFFSuperCup semi-final spot! ⚡️@MumbaiCityFC strike late to pip @KeralaBlasters on head-to-head and emerge as Group D toppers 🔵🔝#MCFCKBFC #IndianFootball ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/EK6Hngyb4l

— Indian Football (@IndianFootball) November 6, 2025

Kerala looked threatening down the flanks through Noah Sadaoui and Thingujam Korou Singh, with Koldo Obieta also testing Mumbai goalkeeper Phurba Lachenpa from a tight angle. However, momentum began to shift toward Mumbai as the first half progressed. Just before halftime, Kerala suffered a major blow when Sandeep Singh was sent off after receiving a second yellow card.

Down to ten men, the Blasters reorganized defensively after the break, with Aibanbha Dohling replacing Noah Sadaoui to strengthen the backline. Goalkeeper Nora Fernandes produced a brilliant save to deny Lallianzuala Chhangte in the 54th minute. Kerala remained dangerous from set pieces, as Juan Rodríguez’s header from Aiban’s long throw forced another fine stop from Lachenpa.

Català introduced Freddy Lallawmawma, Huidrom Naorem Naorem, and later Nihal Sudeesh to maintain intensity as Kerala focused on protecting the draw that would have seen them through. But heartbreak struck in the 88th minute when a deflected clearance from Muhammed Saheef found its way into his own net, giving Mumbai City the decisive lead.

Despite a late surge, Kerala Blasters couldn’t find an equalizer. The result left them with six points from their group matches, narrowly missing out on a semifinal spot. Mumbai City FC, meanwhile, advanced to the last four of the AIFF Super Cup 2025–26.

November 6, 2025
Super Cup 2025 : Punjab FC Thrilling Victory Over Bengaluru FC Makes Fan Meet in Delhi

Punjab FC gave its supporters the perfect gift on Wednesday night, a thrilling victory that secured a spot in the AIFF Super Cup 2025 semifinals on Wednesday. The win came on the same evening as the club’s first-ever fan meet in Delhi.

সুপার কাপের সেমিফাইনাল নিশ্চিতের পর সেলিব্রেশনে এই দলের সমর্থকরা

Held at Social Saket, the event attracted over 100 passionate fans, along with journalists and social media influencers, who came together to watch the live screening of the crucial group stage clash against Bengaluru FC.

The atmosphere was electric, featuring live hip hop performances, football freestyle acts, interactive games, and a football quiz, creating a carnival-like vibe. The celebration reached its peak when Punjab FC edged past Bengaluru FC in a dramatic penalty shootout. Fans erupted in jubilation, turning the event into a night of pure joy, unity, and pride.

Following the match, coach Panagiotis Dilmperis highlighted the club’s growth:
“I’m super excited. Day by day, week by week, month by month, year by year, the club is developing and achieving higher goals. And we are doing it while nurturing young Indian players. I believe we are a team that deserves to show the way Indian football should progress.”

The successful fan meet marked a milestone for Punjab FC, strengthening its bond with supporters beyond the pitch. The evening not only showcased the growing passion for football in the region but also reflected the strong sense of community building around the club’s inspiring journey.

With a semifinal spot secured and an unforgettable night shared with fans, Punjab FC’s debut fan meet was nothing short of a super success, both on and off the field.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Punjab FC (@rgpunjabfc)

November 6, 2025
Kerala Blasters Strengthen Semifinal Hopes with 3–0 Win Over Sporting Delhi

Kerala Blasters FC delivered a commanding performance to defeat Sporting Delhi 3–0 in their second Group D match of the AIFF Super Cup 2025 at the GMC Stadium in Bambolim on Monday, November 3, 2025. All three goals came in the first half.

A brace from Koldo Obieta (17’, 23’) and a superb acrobatic strike from Korou Singh Thingujam (34’) sealed a comfortable win for the Blasters. With this result, Kerala Blasters moved to the top of Group D with six points from two matches, while SC Delhi were knocked out of the tournament.

The Blasters, coached by David Català, were disciplined in defense, creative in midfield, and ruthless in attack. From the opening whistle, they dominated possession, pressed high up the pitch, and stretched SC Delhi’s five-man defense.

The tone was set early when Adrián Luna’s corner found Juan Rodríguez, whose header struck the crossbar. Noah Sadaoui looked sharp in attack, while Nihal Sudheesh’s pace constantly troubled the Delhi backline.

Kerala Blasters took the lead in the 17th minute after a costly mistake from Delhi. A misplaced back pass by Ayush Adhikari was intercepted by Obieta, who slotted the ball past goalkeeper Vishal Yadav despite his attempt to save.

Just six minutes later, Obieta struck again. A slick passing move involving Korou, Nihal, and Obieta ended with the Spanish forward weaving through the defense and calmly finishing into the bottom corner to make it 2–0.

The third goal arrived in the 34th minute and was arguably the best of the night. Captain Luna floated a delightful scooped pass into the box, which Korou Singh met with an acrobatic right-footed volley that flew into the far corner — a goal that perfectly captured the Blasters’ flair and confidence.

SC Delhi failed to register a single shot on target in the first half and struggled to cope with Kerala Blasters’ tempo and movement. Though they improved slightly after the break, the damage was already done.

Their best chance came in the 88th minute, when Augustine Lalrochana forced a fine save from Nora Fernandes, who preserved the Blasters’ clean sheet.

With this emphatic victory, Kerala Blasters reinforced their credentials as serious contenders for a Super Cup semifinal spot, while SC Delhi bowed out after another disappointing result.

November 3, 2025
Steven Dias Reflects on Jamshedpur FC Super Cup Campaign Finale

Jamshedpur FC concluded their Super Cup campaign on a high note with a convincing victory over Inter Kashi, showcasing the team’s growth and resilience throughout the tournament.

In a post-match interview, Head Coach Steven Dias shared his thoughts on his first win at the helm of Jamshedpur FC, reflecting on the team’s journey and the lessons learned. According to Dias, the win highlighted the team’s progress, with players delivering increasingly strong performances in each match.

“We’ve been improving game by game, and that showed in our final match,” Dias said. “The boys played high-intensity football, and I’m very pleased with their efforts.”

Dias also praised the squad’s unity and cohesion, which he said were key to their success. “I saw excellent teamwork in both defense and attack. Our plan worked, and the boys gave everything on the pitch,” he added.

The Super Cup provided valuable learning experiences for the team. Dias noted, “I’ve personally learned a lot from this tournament. Now we have a clear understanding of our strengths and areas we need to improve, and we can work on them.”

Looking ahead, Dias emphasized the importance of maintaining consistency and building on this performance. “We need to keep performing at this level in every match,” he said, underlining the value of team unity.

He concluded with a message to the fans: “We’re all working extremely hard and giving our all. Keep faith in us and continue supporting the team, as you always have.”

November 2, 2025
Punjab FC cruise past Mohammedan SC with 3–0 win in Super Cup 2025
Score: Mohammedan SC – 0 | Punjab FC – 3 (Ninthoi 27’, Zeljkovic 43’, M. Kipgen 73’)

Punjab FC registered a commanding 3–0 victory over Mohammedan SC in their Group C encounter of the AIFF Indian Super Cup 2025 at the GMC Athletic Stadium. This was Punjab’s second consecutive win, taking them to six points from two matches and moving them a step closer to the semifinals. The goals came from Ninthoinganba Meetei, Samir Zeljkovic, and Manglenthang Kipgen.

Head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis made just one change to Punjab’s starting lineup, bringing in Spanish midfielder Dani Ramirez in place of Princeton Rebello, who had scored in the previous game. Mohammedan SC’s coach Mehrajuddin Wadoo fielded an unchanged eleven from their last outing, where they lost to Bengaluru FC.

The first major chance fell to Mohammedan’s Bijoy Varghese, whose header from a corner went narrowly wide. Soon after, goalkeeper Subhajit Bhattacharjee produced a fine save to deny Ninthoi.
```
Sudip–Shakir’s brilliance takes Bengal to 336, yet worries remain!
```
Punjab’s attacking quartet of Dani Ramirez, Kipgen, Ninthoi, and Muhammad Suhail constantly troubled the Mohammedan defence. Their fluid combination play led to the opener in the 27th minute — Kipgen’s precise through ball found Ninthoi making a clever run, and the winger calmly slotted past the advancing goalkeeper.

The pressure continued, and Punjab doubled their lead just before halftime. Right-back Khaiminthang Lhungdim delivered a deep cross that Ninthoi headed back across goal, where new signing Samir Zeljkovic was waiting unmarked. His left-footed shot may not have been perfectly struck, but it had enough power to find the bottom corner.

Punjab controlled the tempo after the break, dominating possession and creating chances. Mohammedan, meanwhile, struggled to threaten, with Yash Chickro’s long-range effort being their closest attempt.

In the 72nd minute, substitute Leon Augustine set up Kipgen inside the box, and the forward calmly finished to make it 3–0. Punjab continued to press for more, with new signing Nsungusi Effiong creating opportunities but failing to convert. Mohammedan managed their first shot on target only in stoppage time, which goalkeeper Muheet Shabir dealt with comfortably.

With this convincing win, Punjab FC recorded their second straight victory. They will face Bengaluru FC in their final group game on November 5 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Fatorda — a match likely to decide the Group C winners.
November 2, 2025
Kerala Blasters FC Ready to Face Sporting Delhi in Super Cup 2025

Kerala Blasters FC will continue their Super Cup 2025 campaign with their second Group D clash against Sporting Delhi at the GMC Athletic Stadium in Bambolim. The match is scheduled to kick off at 4:30 PM.

The Blasters began their campaign with a gritty 1–0 victory over Rajasthan United, showing both resilience and composure after a long break from competitive action. They now turn their focus to Sporting Club Delhi, who will be eager to bounce back following a 4–1 loss to Mumbai City in their opening fixture.

Head Coach David Català on the team’s preparation: “The win against Rajasthan was important, but it’s just the start. We’ve made a good beginning, and now it’s about keeping that same energy and focus. Our players are motivated and have a strong mindset to win this match. Sporting Club Delhi are a young, energetic side with talented players. They’ll be hungry to respond after their first result, so we must stay concentrated, respect their strengths, and impose our style of play from the beginning.”

Sporting Club Delhi, formerly Hyderabad FC, are adjusting to their new identity and management under head coach Tomasz Tchórz. Despite their opening-day defeat to Mumbai City, they showed glimpses of attacking potential, highlighted by a penalty goal from Andrei Alba.

Kerala Blasters’ victory over Rajasthan United came through a well-taken goal by Koldo Obieta, assisted perfectly by Juan Rodríguez. The new striker’s goal in his debut match was an encouraging sign, boosting the team’s attacking confidence.

With momentum on their side, focus renewed, and ambitions high, Kerala Blasters are determined to deliver another strong performance and make a statement against Sporting Club Delhi at Bambolim.

November 2, 2025
“Beating East Bengal…” Molina’s special message to fans ahead Super Cup Kolkata Derby

Mohun Bagan SG stand on the brink of a ‘do or die’ clash against East Bengal in the Super Cup — a match that will decide their place in the semifinals. After an unexpected draw against Dempo, the Green and Maroon brigade can afford no more mistakes. On the eve of Friday’s mega derby, coach Jose Molina and captain Subhasish Bose appeared confident at the pre-match press conference.

Coach Molina said, “We are Mohun Bagan. Our supporters always want us to win. We’ll take the field with a winning mindset, not to settle for a draw. Our main goal is to beat East Bengal and bring smiles to our fans’ faces.”

Despite criticism regarding the team’s failure in front of goal against Dempo, Molina appeared unfazed. He said,

“Every season has its tough moments. It’s hard to stay at your best without consistent matches. But the boys are working hard. As the level of competition rises, our performance will improve too.”

Captain Subhasish Bose acknowledged the significance of the derby, saying, “East Bengal are playing more competitive football now. The more derbies we play, the more opportunities we get to evaluate ourselves. For me, this match feels like the Super Cup final. We’re creating chances; we just need to be sharper with our set-pieces. The aim is to convert our chances into goals.”

Even under rainy conditions in Fatorda, Molina’s men trained with full focus. The coach emphasized, “No matter the situation, we’ll enter the pitch with the mentality to win. We’re not thinking about group positions — our only goal is to win the derby.”

However, the Spanish coach did express a hint of regret about the empty stands, saying,“It doesn’t feel right when a big match like this is played without spectators. But I know our Mohun Bagan fans will still be behind us, cheering from their homes.”

October 30, 2025
Super Cup 2025 : Jamshedpur Come From Behind to Share Points with NorthEast United
Jamshedpur FC battled back from a two-goal deficit to earn a thrilling 2-2 draw against NorthEast United FC in their second AIFF Super Cup 2025 Group B match at the GMC Stadium on Wednesday, October 29.

NorthEast United took control early as Chema Núñez scored in the 20th minute, followed by Alaaeddine Ajaraie’s clinical finish in the 29th minute to give the Highlanders a 2-0 lead. Facing the threat of elimination, Jamshedpur responded before halftime through Pronay Halder’s header in the 43rd minute. Their persistence finally paid off late when Raphael Messi Bouli struck in the 89th minute to secure a hard-fought draw.

The match, played under rain-soaked conditions, began cautiously but ended in dramatic fashion, leaving both sides frustrated as the result did little to improve their chances of reaching the semi-finals.

Both teams entered the match under pressure. NorthEast United, with two points from two games, remained second in the group, while Jamshedpur, now on two points, stayed at the bottom. Their semi-final hopes now depend on FC Goa’s later clash with Inter Kashi. A Goa win would put them on six points, a total neither Jamshedpur nor NorthEast United could reach even if they won their remaining group matches.
```
Rohit Sharma Breaks Tendulkar Record Amid Speculation About Retirement
```
NorthEast United started the game with urgency. Parthib Gogoi’s early shot in the second minute tested Jamshedpur goalkeeper Albino Gomes, signaling the Highlanders’ intent.

Their pressure paid off in the 20th minute when a long throw into the box caused confusion, and Núñez reacted fastest to a rebound from Jairo Samperio’s effort off the crossbar to open the scoring. Nine minutes later, a brilliant combination between Núñez and Ajaraie created the second goal. Núñez lifted a precise pass over the Jamshedpur defense for Ajaraie, who volleyed in expertly to give NorthEast a commanding 2-0 lead.

Jamshedpur finally came to life as the first half progressed. The Red Miners pressed forward, controlled the midfield, and earned a goal just before halftime when Halder rose to meet Rei Tachikawa’s corner and headed home to reduce the deficit.

The second half was tightly contested in the slippery conditions. NorthEast United continued to create chances, but Núñez, Ajaraie, and Andy Rodríguez all failed to convert. Jamshedpur patiently waited for opportunities and pushed hard in the closing stages. In the 85th minute, Pratik Chowdhury’s curling effort rattled the crossbar.

Four minutes later, Jamshedpur’s perseverance paid off. A long ball from midfield found Raphael Bouli behind the NorthEast defense, and he calmly headed the ball into the far corner to level the match 2-2, ensuring both teams shared the points.
October 29, 2025
Rajasthan United, Kerala Blasters, Bengaluru, Mohammedan Sporting Begin Super Cup Campaigns
The AIFF Super Cup 2025 continues in Goa on Thursday, October 30, with action from Groups D and C. Rajasthan United FC face Kerala Blasters FC, while Bengaluru FC meet Mohammedan Sporting.

The Rajasthan United vs Kerala Blasters clash kicks off at 16:30 IST at the GMC Stadium in Bambolim and will be streamed live on the Indian Football YouTube channel. Later, Bengaluru FC take on Mohammedan Sporting at 19:30 IST at the PJN Stadium in Fatorda, with live coverage on Star Sports Khel and streaming on JioHotstar.

Rajasthan United Eye Upset Against Kerala Blasters

Rajasthan United, led once again by head coach Vikrant Sharma, open their campaign against Indian Super League side Kerala Blasters. Sharma, who guided the club to I-League promotion in 2021–22, is optimistic about causing an upset.

“Kerala Blasters are an experienced ISL team, but once we step on the pitch, it’s 11 versus 11,” said Sharma. “Upsets have happened before — there’s no reason we can’t make it happen again, maybe even go a step further.”

Goalkeeper Bhabindra Malla Thakuri echoed his coach’s belief:
“This is a big opportunity for every player to perform on a big stage. We’re fully motivated, focused, and ready to execute our plan.”

Meanwhile, Kerala Blasters head coach David Català said his side is ready after a month of preparation.
“The first matches are never easy, but we’ve been training well and want to start strong,” said Català. “Rajasthan are tough to break down — they press high and defend compactly, so we’ll need to stay sharp and play with the right attitude.”

Midfielder Adrián Luna stressed the importance of a strong start:
“It’s a short tournament, so getting three points in the first game is crucial. We’ll try to play attacking, vertical football while adapting to the conditions.”
```
India vs Australia : Record-Breaking Innings from SKY Despite Rain Disruption
```
Bengaluru FC Face Mohammedan Sporting Test

In the evening fixture, former champions Bengaluru FC take on Mohammedan Sporting at Fatorda. The fixture brings back memories of last season, when Mohammedan were one of the few teams to beat Bengaluru at home.

Head coach Gerard Zaragoza said his side will take a more direct approach this time.
“We want to play faster football — move the ball forward quickly and attack with fewer passes,” said Zaragoza. “Last season we were solid defensively, but needed more creativity and better finishing. That’s been our main focus in pre-season.”

Goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu added:
“It feels great to be back in competitive action. We’ve trained well and are focused on finding our rhythm quickly. The goal is to stay fit and improve with every game.”

Mohammedan Sporting, coached by Mehrajuddin Wadoo, are relishing the challenge.
“Bengaluru are a strong and experienced side, but these are the matches you look forward to,” said Wadoo. “We’ll play our football, work hard, and stay disciplined. Results can vary, but performance and effort matter most.”

Defender Sajad Hussain Parray said the team is ready for the challenge:
“We’re a young, energetic squad and eager to prove ourselves. Facing a team like Bengaluru is a big test, but also a great opportunity.”
October 29, 2025
Super Cup 2025 : NorthEast United FC Eye Crucial Win Against Jamshedpur FC
NorthEast United FC are gearing up for a decisive Group ‘B’ encounter against Jamshedpur FC in the AIFF Super Cup 2025, set to take place at the GMC Athletic Stadium, Bambolim, on Wednesday.

After a thrilling 2–2 draw in their opener against Inter Kashi FC, the Highlanders are determined to secure their first win of the tournament. Jamshedpur FC, meanwhile, will be eager to bounce back after a disappointing 0–2 loss to FC Goa in their opening fixture.

Benali Confident, Calls for Focus and Tactical Discipline

Ahead of the match, NorthEast United’s head coach Juan Pedro Benali emphasized the importance of learning from past performances and maintaining focus.
```
Super Cup 2025 : FC Goa Eye Successive Wins Against Inter Kashi
```
“We hope we’ve learnt from our past matches and are fully focused on the game ahead. We know Jamshedpur FC very well, and they know us too. It’s going to be a tactical battle, and we’re ready to give everything on the pitch,” said Benali.

Ajaraie in Red-Hot Form

Moroccan striker Alaaeddine Ajaraie, the star of NorthEast United’s Durand Cup-winning campaign, continued his scoring form with a goal against Inter Kashi. The 32-year-old, who claimed both the Golden Boot and Golden Ball in the Durand Cup with eight goals and four assists, boasts a formidable record versus Jamshedpur FC — four goals and one assist in four appearances — and will be eager to extend that streak.

Strong Supporting Cast and Defensive Backbone

Ajaraie will once again be supported by the club’s talented foreign contingent — Jairo Samperio (2 goals, 1 assist), Andy Rodriguez (2 goals, 2 assists), and Chema Núñez (1 assist) — alongside a promising Indian lineup featuring Jithin MS, Parthib Gogoi, Thoi Singh, Lalrinzuala, and Lalbiakdika.

Captain Michel Zabaco, who netted a towering header in the previous match, will lead the defensive line alongside Asheer Akhtar, Tondonba Singh, Redeem Tlang, Buanthanglun Samte, and Dinesh Singh, with Gurmeet Singh in goal. In midfield, Rodriguez remains the creative hub, supported by Mayakkannan and India international Macarton Nickson.

Highlanders Aim for Semifinal Push

With the group stage heating up, NorthEast United FC will be determined to collect all three points and strengthen their semifinal qualification hopes in the AIFF Super Cup 2025.
October 29, 2025