Kalinga Super Cup, Group D preview: Uncertainty surrounds group of death
Group D of the Kalinga Super Cup 2024 appeared to be the most challenging group of the competition with Odisha FC, FC Goa, and Bengaluru FC.
Defending champions Odisha FC are set to face fellow Indian Super League (ISL) sides FC Goa, Bengaluru FC, and I-League outfit Inter Kashi in Group D of the Kalinga Super Cup 2024. This configuration arguably makes Group D the most competitive group in the tournament.
Inter Kashi earned their spot in Group D by defeating Rajasthan United FC in a playoff fixture on Monday. This victory secured their place alongside the previous edition's finalists Bengaluru FC and Odisha FC, creating a group where each match promises compelling duels.
Also Read: Kalinga Super Cup, Group B preview: KBFC in tricky group with NEUFC, JFC
The allure of Group D extends to having all three previous edition winners together – Bengaluru FC (2018), FC Goa (2019), and Odisha FC (2023). This lineup sets the stage for intense competition and exciting storylines.
With a direct entry into the 2024–25 AFC Champions League 2 Group Stages at stake for the Super Cup winners, each team is poised to capitalise on this opportunity. This Group of Death holds the potential for thrilling matchups, and here are some narratives to watch out for.
The #KalingaSuperCup is all set to kick-start tomorrow as we have 8⃣ scintillating clashes lined-up in the 1⃣st round 🤩👊🏼#IndianFootball | @eastbengal_fc @FCGoaOfficial @OdishaFC @bengalurufc @sreenidideccan @lajongfc @GokulamKeralaFC @InterKashi pic.twitter.com/9NmUpa9S6S
— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) January 8, 2024
Kalinga Super Cup Group D
Sl No. | Teams |
| 1 | FC Goa |
| 2 | Odisha FC |
| 3 | Bengaluru FC |
| 4 | Inter Kashi |
Group D Fixtures
Date | Time | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
January 12, 2024 | 2:00 PM | FC Goa vs Inter Kashi | Kalinga Stadium Pitch 1 |
January 12, 2024 | 7:30 PM | Odisha FC vs Bengaluru FC | Kalinga Stadium Main Pitch |
January 17, 2024 | 2:00 PM | FC Goa vs Bengaluru FC | Kalinga Stadium Pitch 1 |
January 17, 2024 | 7:30 PM | Odisha FC vs Inter Kashi | Kalinga Stadium Main Pitch |
January 22, 2024 | 2:00 PM | Bengaluru FC vs Inter Kashi | Kalinga Stadium Pitch 1 |
January 22, 2024 | 7:30 PM | FC Goa vs Odisha FC | Kalinga Stadium Main Pitch |
Talking Points
FC Goa, the team to beat
All set to kickstart our Kalinga Super Cup Campaign later this week, with a clash against Inter Kashi 🤩 pic.twitter.com/VrWOqaAzI8
— FC Goa (@FCGoaOfficial) January 8, 2024
FC Goa will seek to carry their outstanding form from the ISL into the Kalinga Super Cup. As the only unbeaten side in the first half of ISL 2023–24 season, they have solidified their position in the top half of the table. Under the guidance of head coach Manolo Marquez and a formidable squad at their disposal, they will pose a stiff challenge to their opponents. They are on a 10-game unbeaten streak, the longest in the club's history, and their defensive prowess has been a big reason behind that streak. However, it remains to be seen if the Gaurs can repeat their strong defensive performances in the absence of Sandesh Jhingan, who will be representing India at the AFC Asian Cup.
Also Read: AIFF announces foreign players’ rule for Kalinga Super Cup
Can Odisha FC script history?
GROUP D IS LOCKED IN! 🔐🟣⚫️#OdishaFC #AmaTeamAmaGame #KalingaWarriors #KalingaSuperCup #DefendingChampions🛡️ pic.twitter.com/AWYlRtULqj
— Odisha FC (@OdishaFC) January 8, 2024
Odisha FC, the defending champions, will be determined to secure the title for the second consecutive time. No team has successfully defended their crown in the previous three editions of the tournament.
Under Sergio Lobera's leadership this season, the Kalinga Warriors have been on the winning side more often than not, reaching the Inter-Zone Semi-Final playoff of the AFC Cup 2023-24. With an 11-match unbeaten run across all competitions and holding the third spot in the ISL points table, Odisha FC are in great form. Playing all matches in Bhubaneswar, they will look to leverage home-ground advantage to reclaim the title.
Last edition’s finalists Bengaluru FC look to go one step ahead
#KalingaSuperCup preparations in full flow! 💯#OFCBFC #WeAreBFC #Santhoshakke pic.twitter.com/HGitx4SFXX
— Bengaluru FC (@bengalurufc) January 6, 2024
Despite a challenging start in the ISL, Bengaluru FC, under newly-appointed head coach Gerard Zaragoza, have been unbeaten in two games. This tournament presents a fresh challenge for the Spaniard.
They will be hungry to go again, particularly after the heartbreak during the last edition where they narrowly missed out on the trophy last year by a whisker. This was the third final that Bengaluru FC reached last season besides the Durand Cup and the ISL 2022-23 season final.
Also Read: Kalinga Super Cup, Group A Preview: Kolkata Giants tussle with Hyderabad FC
Bengaluru FC will be without key players like Sunil Chhetri, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, and Suresh Singh Wangjam due to AFC Asian Cup commitments. However, this situation provides Zaragoza with an opportunity to test the depth of his squad.
