Cup competitions featuring a group and knockout stage format always have that one group where it’s difficult to predict which teams will come out on top. In the Hero Super Cup 2023, Group C is shaping up to be what is usually referred to as the Group of Death. 

Featuring three Hero ISL sides that include recently crowned Hero ISL champions ATK Mohun Bagan, current Super Cup holders FC Goa and last year’s League Shield winners and the league’s in-form team Jamshedpur FC. 

Adding spice to the group will be the home side Gokulam Kerala who are sure to enjoy plenty of backing from the home faithful.

Group C

Sr No.	Teams
1	ATK Mohun Bagan
2	FC Goa
3	Jamshedpur FC
4	Gokulam Kerala

Group C fixtures

Date	Time	Match	Venue
April 10, 2023	5 PM IST	ATK Mohun Bagan vs Gokulam Kerala	EMS stadium, Kozhikode, Kerala
April 10, 2023	8:30 PM IST	FC Goa vs Jamshedpur FC	EMS stadium, Kozhikode, Kerala
April 14, 2023	5 PM IST	Gokulam Kerala vs FC Goa	EMS stadium, Kozhikode, Kerala
April 14, 2023	8:30 PM IST	Jamshedpur FC vs ATK Mohun Bagan	EMS stadium, Kozhikode, Kerala
April 18, 2023	5 PM IST	Jamshedpur FC vs Gokulam Kerala	EMS stadium, Kozhikode, Kerala
April 18, 2023	8:30 PM IST	ATK Mohun Bagan vs FC Goa	EMS stadium, Kozhikode, Kerala

Talking points

Can ATK Mohun Bagan do the double? 

ATK Mohun Bagan come into the Hero Super Cup on the back of winning the Hero ISL trophy having beaten Bengaluru FC in the final on penalties on March 18. Juan Ferrando’s side picked up form at just the right moment to help them into the top six and then triumph in the knockout stage. So, they would look to bring that form into the Super Cup and be the first team in Indian football to do the Hero ISL and Hero Super Cup double. 

The Mariners’ defence has been the team’s strength and with the likes of Dimitri Petratos and Hugo Boumous upfront, they have all the chance to succeed in this competition, especially with Ferrando’s tactical acumen under their belt. 

FC Goa look to leave league disappointment behind

FC Goa failed to reach the playoffs despite being in the top six for large parts of the season and playing some good football during Hero ISL 2022-23. Carlos Pena’s side showed glimpses of real quality during the season but they lacked the consistency to take them to the knockout stage. 

With a squad hurting from their close miss in the league, FC Goa can be dangerous outfit in the Hero Super Cup. In Noah Sadaoui, Iker Guarrotxena, Anwar Ali and Brandon Fernandes, they have realy quality in their ranks and FC Goa who have been one of the most consistent teams in Hero ISL history and also the current holders of the Super Cup would be keen to get back to their best.

Jamshedpur FC look to build on strong end to the season

The Red Miners had a season to forget as their League Sheild defence ended with them finishing in the tenth position in the league table. However, they would not go into the Hero Super Cup with that negativity in mind as they ended the season strongly winning three out of their last four games, looking more like the team that won the League Shield.

Aidy Boothroyd’s men also ran Mumbai City FC close in the Hero Club Playoffs and have certainly upped their performance levels since the start of the season. Jamshedpur FC thus will be a team no side would be happy facing and Boothroyd would like to take full advantage of his players returning to form.