Kalinga Super Cup 2025 Set to Ignite Indian Football with High-Stakes Knockout Action

The Indian Super League (ISL) season might have concluded, but there’s no pause in the Indian football calendar as the fifth edition of the Kalinga Super Cup 2025 kicks off in Bhubaneswar. Thirteen top-tier teams from the ISL and select I-League outfits are set to battle it out in a thrilling knockout format beginning Sunday, April 21, with the final scheduled for May 3.

Hosted at the iconic Kalinga Stadium, the tournament opens with a blockbuster clash between Kerala Blasters FC and defending champions East Bengal FC, setting the stage for two action-packed weeks.

High Stakes, No Second Chances

This year, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has revived the original knockout format used in the first two editions. With no group stages, it’s do-or-die for every team — win and advance, or lose and head home.

This no-margin-for-error setup promises aggressive football, packed with drama, intensity, and goals, as teams chase not just the title but also a spot in the AFC Champions League 2 Playoffs, a golden ticket for Indian clubs to shine on the Asian stage.

Title Contenders

• Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG): Fresh off their historic ISL League Shield and Cup double, the Mariners are in peak form. With a well-rounded squad and the experience of coach Jose Molina, they are the top favourites.
• Odisha FC: Finalists in the last two editions and former champions, the Kalinga Warriors will enjoy the home advantage. Coach Sergio Lobera brings a tactical edge to a well-balanced side built for knockout battles.
• Bengaluru FC: A team with pedigree in pressure games, the Blues made the Durand Cup semis and the ISL final this season. Their consistency and experience could take them deep once again.

Dangerous Dark Horses

• NorthEast United FC: Riding high after a Durand Cup win and an ISL quarter-final run, their attacking prowess, led by ISL Golden Boot winner Alaeddine Ajaraie, makes them a team to watch.
• Jamshedpur FC: Under Khalid Jamil, they have evolved into a resilient unit capable of upsetting anyone. Their ISL semi-final performance, including a win over MBSG, underlines their threat level.

As teams prepare for knockout showdowns, the Kalinga Super Cup 2025 promises a showcase of grit, glory, and goals — with every match a potential classic. The road to continental competition and silverware begins now.