Indian Super League (ISL) sides FC Goa and Jamshedpur FC will battle it out for the Kalinga Super Cup crown at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Saturday.

A win for the Gaurs would make them the first team to win the Super Cup more than once, while for Jamshedpur FC, it would be their first-ever cup title.

Read: FC Goa's journey to the Kalinga Super Cup final

There’s more than just silverware on the line. The winner will also book a place in the Preliminary Round of the 2025-26 AFC Champions League Two, adding further incentive for both teams.

Also Read: Jamshedpur FC's journey to the Kalinga Super Cup final

FC Goa come into the final as the tournament’s most prolific side, netting eight goals in three matches, including a thrilling late comeback against Punjab FC in the quarters. Jamshedpur FC, on the other hand, have yet to concede a goal in the competition, with Albino Gomes standing tall between the sticks.

But the ultimate test awaits both sides in the final. A win for Jamshedpur FC would also seal their first-ever berth in continental football, having missed out narrowly in 2023 after a play-off defeat. For FC Goa, it would mean a return to the Asian stage after four long years.

During the pre-match press conference, FC Goa head coach Manolo Márquez said, "When you have this opportunity (to qualify for Asia), obviously you have to be very motivated. FC Goa already played in the Champions League four years ago. Jamshedpur never did. But both teams would want to make it to this competition."

FC Goa captain and defender Odei Onaindia, who accompanied Marquez at the press conference, further emphasised their desire to win.

"From the beginning, we said that we wanted to win this tournament. So now we are here in the final and prepared to do it. We know that we will face a very good team, which had an amazing season. We know the quality of the players. So we are prepared for a tough game," he said.

Jamshedpur FC won both of their ISL encounters against FC Goa this season and will be eager to make it three in a row on Saturday. The Gaurs, on the other hand, hold the edge in Super Cup meetings, having won twice compared to Jamshedpur FC’s one win.

"For us, it's very important because it would be the first time that we qualify for an Asian competition, so we'll try to give our best," said Jamshedpur FC head coach Khalid Jamil.

Nikhil Barla, a Jamshedpur FC academy graduate, spoke about the pride he feels in representing the club in the final.

"It is a great feeling for me to play this final. I joined the academy in 2018, and now I'm playing for the senior team. It is a proud moment for me and my family,” he said.

Match Details

Match: FC Goa vs Jamshedpur FC
Time: 7:30 PM
Live Telecast: Star Sports 3
Live Streaming: Jio Hotstar

Related tags:

Jamshedpur FCFC Goa2024-2025