Indian Super League (ISL) club Mohun Bagan Super Giant edged out Kerala Blasters FC by a 2-1 scoreline in the first quarter-final of the Kalinga Super Cup 2025 in Bhubaneswar on Saturday.

Sahal Abdul Samad and Suhail Ahmad Bhat scored a goal in each half to power the Mariners to knock out the Blasters.

MBSG broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute thanks to Sahal Abdul Samad’s goal. Salahudheen Adnan played a cross into the six-yard box, and getting on the end of it was Sahal, who, with a drop of a shoulder, swiftly evaded Ruivah Hormipam's challenge and dinked the ball over goalkeeper Sachin Suresh to make it 1-0.

Noah Sadaoui and Mohammed Aimen generated a couple of chances in search of the equalizer but could not find the back of the net at the stroke of halftime.

A beautiful link-up play saw the Mariners double their lead courtesy of Suhail Bhat’s strike. Ashique Kuruniyan skipped past Hormipam and squared an inch-perfect ball into the six-yard box for Suhail to guide it into the net with ease.

MBSG goalkeeper Dheeraj Singh made few saves throughout the second half, denying the efforts from Jesus Jimenez and Kwame Peprah. Despite Sreekuttan MS pulling one goal back for the Blasters in injury time, the ISL League Shield and Cup winners advanced to the semi-final.

The Gaurs stage epic comeback over the Shers to reach Kalinga Super Cup semis

FC Goa completed a dramatic late comeback to defeat Punjab FC 2-1 in the Kalinga Super Cup 2025 quarter-finals at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Saturday.

Goals from Borja Herrera and Mohammad Yasir in the dying moments saw the Gaurs book their place in the semifinals of the competition.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by FC Goa (@fcgoaofficial)

After a tightly contested first half that ended goalless, mainly thanks to a fantastic diving save of Nikhil Prabhu's attempt on target by FC Goa goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari, it was Punjab FC who drew first blood in the 56th minute.

Muhammad Suhail's effort from the right side of the box rattled the post, but the rebound fell invitingly for Ezequiel Pulga Vidal. His strike, taking a wicked deflection off Goa captain Odei Onaindia, rolled into the corner past a helpless Tiwari to hand their opposition the advantage.

Manolo Marquez’s men, however, refused to back down. The FC Goa head coach’s timely substitutions proved pivotal, injecting fresh energy and attacking intent into his side. Sahil Tavora, brought on for Ayush Chhetri, added composure in midfield, while the bold decision to replace star defender Sandesh Jhingan with young striker Alan Saji showcased Marquez’s intent to chase the game.

Their persistence paid off in the 88th minute. Substitute Brison Fernandes whipped in a teasing ball into the box, which the Punjab defense failed to clear convincingly. The ball fell to Borja Herrera, who controlled it expertly before smashing it past Muheet Khan at the near post to bring the Gaurs level.

With the competition rules dictating that the match would go straight to penalties after 90 minutes if tied, FC Goa pressed for a winner—and they found it in dramatic fashion during stoppage time.

Dejan Drazic floated in a cross from the left, and while Pramveer Singh attempted a clearance, it only reached the edge of the box where Mohammad Yasir—who had earlier replaced Carl McHugh—was waiting. Yasir’s shot took a crucial deflection off Filip Mrzljak, wrong-footing the goalkeeper and nestling into the corner of the net, sealing a sensational comeback.

With the win, FC Goa continue their impressive run under Manolo Marquez and will now turn their focus to a blockbuster semifinal clash in the Kalinga Super Cup against Mohun Bagan Super Giant next Wednesday.

Related tags:

Kerala Blasters FCMohun Bagan Super GiantFC Goa2024-2025Punjab FC Match Report