East Bengal FC and Mohun Bagan Super Giant are gearing up for a showdown in Group A of the Kalinga Super Cup, marking the third Kolkata derby of the season. The Kolkata derby always carries significant weight, and with only one team advancing to the semi-finals from the group stage, the stakes are even higher.

Also Read: Kalinga Super Cup 2024: Full fixtures released by the AIFF

Joining the Kolkata giants in Group A are fellow Indian Super League (ISL) counterparts Hyderabad FC and I-League side Sreenidi Deccan FC. Hyderabad FC will be determined to put their recent performance behind them and make a fresh start in the Kalinga Super Cup, aiming for a strong comeback in the latter part of the ISL.

Sreenidi Deccan FC, currently sitting in third place in the I-League table, will be eager to give tough competition to the ISL sides. The I-League team, featuring familiar faces who have played in the ISL previously such as Albino Gomes, Eli Sabia, Gurmukh Singh, and Mohammad Sajid Dhot, are poised to put up a real fight for that coveted semi-final spot.

Kalinga Super Cup Group A 

Sl No. Teams
1 Mohun Bagan Super Giant
2 East Bengal FC
3 Hyderabad FC
4 Sreenidi Deccan FC

Group A Fixtures

Date Time Match Venue
January 9, 2024 02:00 PM  East Bengal FC vs Hyderabad FC Kalinga Stadium Pitch 1
January 9, 2024  07:30 PM Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs Sreenidi Deccan FC Kalinga Stadium Main Pitch
January 14, 2024  02:00 PM    Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs Hyderabad FC Kalinga Stadium Pitch 1
January 14, 2024   07:30 PM  East Bengal FC vs Sreenidi Deccan FC Kalinga Stadium Main Pitch
January 19, 2024   02:00 PM    Hyderabad FC vs Sreenidi Deccan FC Kalinga Stadium Pitch 1
January 19, 2024    07:30 PM  Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs East Bengal FC Kalinga Stadium Main Pitch


Talking Points

Kolkata Giants face off for Group A supremacy

The arch-rivals from Kolkata have already faced off twice in the Durand Cup earlier this season, each claiming victory once. While East Bengal FC secured a long-awaited Kolkata derby win, ending their drought against Mohun Bagan Super Giant, the Mariners had the final say by edging past Carles Cuadrat’s side in the Durand Cup final.

The Red and Gold Brigade will be aiming for revenge following their final loss and will be determined to secure qualification for the knockouts. On the other hand, the Mariners, under the guidance of their new head coach Antonio Lopez Habas, will be keen to bounce back from their recent setback in the ISL and set their sights on another trophy.

In essence, the upcoming third Kolkata derby is poised to be intriguing. As the conclusive match of the group stage, it holds the potential to determine the champions of Group A.

Can Hyderabad FC regain their lost form in the Super Cup?

Hyderabad FC have been one of the most consistent teams in the ISL over the past few seasons. However, following the departure of Manolo Marquez and a couple of other key players, the team have struggled to bag results. HFC currently find themselves at the bottom of the ISL table with only four points from 11 matches, still searching for their first victory in the league this season.

Also Read: AIFF announces foreign players’ rule for Kalinga Super Cup

With the turn of the year, Hyderabad FC are eager to reset and start afresh. However, qualifying for the next round poses a significant challenge, especially with formidable opponents like East Bengal FC and Mohun Bagan Super Giant on their path. Nevertheless, a commendable performance in the Kalinga Super Cup could serve as a confidence boost for the team for the remainder of the season.

Related tags:

Hyderabad FCEast Bengal FCMohun Bagan Super Giant2023-2024