The Hero Super Cup 2023 semi-finals will get underway with the clash between Bengaluru FC and Jamshedpur FC on Friday. After an action-packed group stage, it's time for the business end of the tournament with just four teams remaining.

A place in the Hero Super Cup final is up for grabs, as two Hero Indian Super League (ISL) sides led by their British managers go head-to-head in an evenly poised semi-final tie on Friday evening at the EMS Stadium in Kozhikode, Kerala.

Knockout ties have been Bengaluru FC’s speciality this season, but they have to confront a strong Jamshedpur FC side who have been flawless in the competition so far.

Form Guide

Bengaluru FC - DWDLL

Bengaluru FC’s 1-1 draw with Kerala Blasters FC in the last game, earned them a place in the final four. With two draws and a win, the Blues registered five points in the group stage. Losing just twice in the last 15 matches, Simon Grayson’s side will no doubt be a tough nut to crack.

Jamshedpur FC - WWWLW

The Men of Steel, meanwhile, are enjoying something of a relatively purple patch since their resurgence in the latter stages of the season. The Aidy Boothroyd-coached side comes into the game off the back of an all-win record in the group stage and the latest being a 3-2 win over Gokulam Kerala FC in their final group stage game, with Harry Sawyer, Farukh Choudhary, and Ishan Pandita on target in the triumph.

Head-to-Head Record

The two teams will go head-to-head for the 14th time on Friday – the Blues have won six of the past encounters, to JFC’s 4. The other three ties ended in draws.

Bengaluru FC have kept a 100% winning record against the Men of Steel this season, winning all the previous three encounters.

Key Players

Bengaluru FC

Javi Hernandez: Hernandez’s presence in the BFC midfield has been immense for their attack. The Spanish No 10 has already netted twice in the Hero Super Cup. His vision, creativity, and ability to stretch the opponent's defence will be crucial for the Blues going into the tie.

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu: BFC’s defensive solidity has been built on the form of their custodian Sandhu. The Indian No.1 has kept seven clean sheets in the Hero ISL and one in the Hero Super Cup so far. Sandhu has always delivered for his side on the big stage and it will be no different this term.



Jamshedpur FC

Jay Emannuel Thomas: Thomas has been a key figure in Jamshedpur FC’s revolution this season. He possesses the pristine vision, passing, and an uncanny knack to control the tempo of the game with minimal effort. If the Men of Steel need to get the job done against Bengaluru FC, they will need Thomas to step up to the fore.

Rafael Crivellaro: On his day, Crivellaro is arguably one of the best players in Hero ISL. The midfielder is a crowd favourite who has been reborn under the leadership of Boothroyd. He put in a brilliant shift against FC Goa in their opening group-stage game, scoring two as the Men of Steel climbed to the summit of the table.

Match timings and Telecast details

Match: Bengaluru FC vs Jamshedpur FC

Date: April 21, 2023

Venue: EMS Stadium, Kozhikode, Kerala

Kick-off time: 7:00 pm IST

Telecast: Sony Sports Network

Online Streaming: FanCode

Related tags:

Bengaluru FCJamshedpur FC