FC Goa aim for vengeance

Bhubaneshwar: After a week of intense footballing action, the Kalinga Super Cup 2025 is down to its final four. FC Goa take centre stage in the first semi-final today, squaring off against Mohun Bagan SG at 4:30 p.m. at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar.

Manolo Márquez’s men enter the clash as clear favourites, not just because of their impressive run to the last four, but also thanks to a strong, full-strength squad hungry for silverware. The Gaurs breezed past Gokulam Kerala FC with a commanding 3-0 win before showing grit to edge Punjab FC 2-1 in a comeback victory last Saturday. Now just two wins away from lifting the cup, Márquez knows what’s at stake.

“Everyone knows you have to win four matches to become champions. Every game is difficult, but winning a trophy is always important,” Márquez said in the pre-match press conference. He, however, played down the favourites tag, warning against underestimating their youthful opponents.

“Mohun Bagan may not have their full ISL squad, but don’t forget, the other half of this team were champions of the Reliance Foundation Development League two weeks ago. They have nothing to lose—and that makes them dangerous,” he added.

Despite fielding a second-string side with several academy graduates, Mohun Bagan SG stunned Kerala Blasters FC 2-1 in the quarter-finals. The Mariners are chasing an unprecedented domestic treble, having already secured the ISL Shield and Cup, and clinched a spot in next season’s AFC Champions League Two.

But head coach Bastab Roy has repeatedly insisted this tournament is more about development than domination. “FC Goa are definitely stronger than Kerala Blasters. It won’t be easy,” Roy admitted. “This is an exposure trip for our young boys and some seniors. It’s a semi-final, and I’ve told them to enjoy the game.”

Mohun Bagan’s Salahudheen Adnan K was the standout performer against Kerala, bagging an assist and earning the Kalinga Player of the Match honour. But Roy was quick to downplay the hype, urging consistency over celebration. “We can’t judge players on one match. Let them play and enjoy the process,” he said.

For FC Goa, it’s a golden chance to win their first trophy under Márquez and build momentum heading into the off-season.