Jamshedpur FC have made history by booking their place in the final of the Kalinga Super Cup for the very first time. After falling short at the semi-final stage in the previous two editions, the Men of Steel have finally broken the jinx and reached the summit clash.

Past winners of the Indian Super League (ISL) Shield, Jamshedpur FC have built their campaign on grit and resilience—qualities that have helped them stand firm against teams renowned for their flair and finesse. That same determination has not only lifted them back into the ISL top six this season but also powered them into the ISL Playoff semi-finals.

Although their ISL run ended in heartbreak with a semi-final defeat to eventual champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Khalid Jamil’s side refused to dwell on the past. Staying true to their distinctive style of play, Jamshedpur FC bounced back in the Kalinga Super Cup and now find themselves one step away from lifting their second major trophy. With FC Goa standing between them and glory, a win would also secure them a coveted spot in continental competition.

Here’s a look at their journey to the Kalinga Super Cup final:

A Confident Start

Jamshedpur FC began their Kalinga Super Cup journey with a Round of 16 encounter against Hyderabad FC, who were desperate to turn things around after a difficult ISL campaign and were eyeing a second straight win over the Men of Steel.

The game started cautiously for Jamshedpur FC, but they soon found their rhythm. Javier Siverio opened the scoring in the first half, making no mistake from the penalty spot and giving his side the early advantage.

The second half saw the ever-reliable Stephen Eze rise to the occasion once again. Known for his knack for scoring key goals, the defender found the net to double Jamshedpur FC’s lead and put the result beyond doubt. The margin could have been greater if not for some fine goalkeeping by Arshdeep Singh, who pulled off a couple of crucial saves to keep Hyderabad FC in the contest.

Nerve of Steel

In a rematch of Knockout 2 from the ISL Playoffs, Jamshedpur FC faced NorthEast United FC in the quarter-finals of the Kalinga Super Cup. The Highlanders entered the contest full of confidence after a commanding 6-0 win in the previous round and were driven by a desire for revenge.

However, Khalid Jamil’s men once again impressed with their disciplined style of play. Their resilient defence stood tall and kept the Highlanders' attacking threats at bay.

The second half saw both teams adopt a more cautious and measured approach, with neither side able to break the deadlock, eventually sending the game into a tense penalty shootout.

Holding their nerve in the decisive moments, the Men of Steel edged the contest 5-4 after sudden death, capitalising on three missed penalties from NorthEast United. With that win, Jamshedpur FC secured their third consecutive semi-final appearance in the Kalinga Super Cup.

Breaking the Jinx

In the semi-final, Jamshedpur FC were up against Mumbai City FC—a familiar opponent against whom they hold a strong head-to-head record. That dominance continued in Bhubaneswar, as the Men of Steel finally broke their semi-final curse to reach their first-ever Cup final.

The game began on even terms, but it was Jamshedpur who created the more clear-cut chances. Stephen Eze had a goal ruled out for offside in the first half, while TP Rehenesh made a couple of outstanding saves to keep Mumbai at bay.

As the second half wore on, Jamshedpur FC increased the pressure. They were twice denied by the woodwork before finally finding the breakthrough in the 87th minute. A loose clearance from Vikram Partap Singh fell kindly to Rei Tachikawa, who unleashed a powerful left-footed strike to find the back of the net and send the Jamshedpur bench into wild celebration.

With the 1-0 win, Jamshedpur FC maintained their clean sheet streak and booked their ticket to the final of the Kalinga Super Cup, where they will face one-time champions FC Goa on Saturday at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.

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