Kalinga Super Cup: Qualification scenarios for Group D explained
Here is a look at the semi-final qualification chances and scenarios of the four ISL teams in contention.
The initial two rounds of the Kalinga Super Cup 2024 group stage have concluded, setting the stage for the impending business end of the competition. With just one team set to progress from the group stage to the semi-finals, the competition has reached a crucial juncture. So far, two Indian Super League (ISL) sides - East Bengal FC from Group A and Jamshedpur FC from Group B have successfully secured a spot in the semi-finals.
The forthcoming clashes from Group C and D – Mumbai City FC vs Chennaiyin FC, and FC Goa vs Odisha FC, are poised to be the virtual quarter-finals.
Round 2️⃣ of the #KalingaSuperCup 2024 was full of 𝔸ℂ𝕋𝕀𝕆ℕ and Round 3️⃣ is set up for a whole lot of 𝐃𝐑𝐀𝐌𝐀! 🤩
— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) January 17, 2024
Watch the Kalinga Super Cup 2024 LIVE only on @JioCinema! 📺#IndianFootball pic.twitter.com/RIknz0EfPS
Before the third and final round of the Kalinga Super Cup commences, let's delve into the qualification chances and scenarios of the four ISL teams vying for the remaining two coveted semi-final spots.
The tie-breaker rule will be applied if two teams are tied on points after the conclusion of the final group stage match.
Tie-breaker scenario to be implemented as the group tables currently stand:
1) Points in Head-to-Head (H2H) match between the tied teams.
2) Goal Difference in Head-to-Head (H2H) match between the tied teams
3) Superior goal difference from all the group matches played
4) Higher number of goals scored from all the group matches played
Group A
| Team | Played | Wins | Draw | Loss | GF | GA | GD | Points |
| East Bengal FC | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 4 | +4 | 9 |
| Mohun Bagan SG | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 5 | +0 | 6 |
| Sreenidi Deccan | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 5 | +1 | 3 |
| Hyderabad FC | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 9 | -5 | 0 |
Qualification
East Bengal FC – Carles Cuadrat's side became the second team after Jamshedpur FC to reach the semi-final. Needing a draw against Mohun Bagan SG in their final group game to make it to the semis, East Bengal FC secured a thrilling comeback win against their arch-rivals in their final group game to qualify for the last four.
Group B
| Team | Played | Wins | Draw | Loss | GF | GA | GD | Points |
| Jamshedpur FC | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 3 | +4 | 9 |
| Kerala Blasters FC | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 4 | +3 | 6 |
| NorthEast United FC | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 8 | -2 | 3 |
| Shillong Lajong | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 7 | -5 | 0 |
Qualification Scenarios
Jamshedpur FC – With two impressive comeback wins against NorthEast United FC and Kerala Blasters FC in their first two matches, Jamshedpur FC became the first side to secure qualification for the semi-finals. Even if they would have lost their final match to Shillong Lajong, Jamshedpur FC would still advance based on their superior head-to-head record against fellow ISL sides NorthEast United FC and Kerala Blasters FC. Similar to East Bengal FC, they ended the group stage with a perfect record, winning all their three games.
Group C
| Team | Played | Wins | Draw | Loss | GF | GA | GD | Points |
| Mumbai City FC | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 3 | +3 | 9 |
| Chennaiyin FC | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 2 | +1 | 4 |
| Punjab FC | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 4 | -1 | 2 |
| Gokulam Kerala FC | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 4 | -3 | 1 |
Qualification Scenarios
Mumbai City FC – The Islanders secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Chennaiyin FC in their final group stage match to make it to the semi-finals of the Kalinga Super Cup. Petr Kratky's men finished on top of Group C with an all-win record in the group stage.
Group D
| Team | Played | Wins | Draw | Loss | GF | GA | GD | Points |
| Odisha FC | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | +4 | 6 |
| FC Goa | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | +2 | 6 |
| Bengaluru FC | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | -2 | 0 |
| Inter Kashi | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 5 | -4 | 0 |
Matches to Play in Group D
Bengaluru FC vs Inter Kashi – January 22, 2023; 2:00 PM IST; Kalinga Stadium Pitch 1
FC Goa vs Odisha FC – January 22, 2023; 7:30 PM IST; Kalinga Stadium Main Pitch
Qualification Scenarios
Odisha FC – The Kalinga Warriors are level on points with FC Goa. However, securing a draw against the Gaurs in the final group stage match will see them through to the semi-final due to their superior goal difference.
FC Goa – Due to an inferior goal difference compared to Odisha FC, FC Goa must win their final group stage game against Odisha FC to advance to the semi-final.
Bengaluru FC – With back-to-back defeats to Odisha FC and FC Goa, Bengaluru FC are now out of the competition.
Inter Kashi – Inter Kashi are also out of the competition.
