Hero Super Cup 2023: Who got their hands on the awards?

Odisha FC lifted their maiden title since the inception of the club.

The third edition of Hero Super Cup finished on a bright note with Odisha FC claiming their maiden title by defeating inaugural champions Bengaluru FC 2-1 at the EMS Corporation Stadium in Kerala. The tournament was organised after a gap of four years due to various scheduling issues, with the latest edition being played in 2019. As a result of winning the competition, Odisha FC will have the opportunity to play in the AFC Cup Qualifier on April 29. 

The tournament featured 16 top clubs across the top two divisions of Indian football (ISL and I-League). All 11 clubs from the ISL and 2022-23 I-League champions (RoundGlass Punjab FC) directly qualified for the group stage. The teams placed second to 10th in the 2022–23 I-League competed in the qualifying round for the four remaining spots. After the qualifying rounds, 16 qualified clubs were drawn into four groups of four teams each, competing in a single round-robin format, with the group winners making it through to the semi-finals.

The 2023 Hero Super Cup Awards:

Winners: Odisha FC (Rs 10,00,000)

This is Odisha FC’s first national title since their inception. The Juggernauts topped the group table ahead of Hyderabad FC and had a successful outing in the knockout matches defeating NorthEast United FC and Bengaluru FC, respectively. Overall, this has been an excellent season for Odisha FC - ISL (maiden qualification into the playoffs) and champions of Hero Super Cup. 

Runners-up: Bengaluru FC (Rs 5,00,000)

Bengaluru FC made a good comeback in the final but couldn't score the equaliser, eventually finishing as the runner-up. The inaugural champions started the season positively by winning the Durand Cup and carried the momentum forward by reaching the finals of the ISL and the Hero Super Cup.

Hero of the Tournament: Diego Maurício (Odisha FC) - Rs 2,50,000

Diego Mauricio made a great comeback (from Mumbai City FC) into the Odisha FC setup this season. He was the top scorer in the ISL and was instrumental in Odisha FC's qualification to the playoffs. He scored five goals in the Hero Super Cup as well and guided his team to win the finale!

Top Goal-scorer of the Tournament: Wilmar Jordan Gil (NorthEast United) - 7 goals

Wilmar Jordan Gil single-handedly took NorthEast United FC to the semi-finals of the Hero Super Cup by scoring six goals in three group game matches. The forward scored four goals against Churchill Brothers in the final group game which was instrumental in topping Group D.  

Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament: Amrinder Singh (Odisha FC)

Indian custodian Amrinder Singh conceded only four goals in five Hero Super Cup matches (including a clean sheet against Aizawl FC). Amrinder made a shift from ATK Mohun Bagan last year and it has been a successful season so far for him. 

Fair Play Award: Aizawl FC

Aizawl FC were awarded the Fair Play award for their spirited performance throughout the tournament. The I-League club won the qualifying match and then made it to the group stage. The club had a whelming outing, claiming a point and putting up good performances against ISL sides East Bengal and Hyderabad FC.