Hero Super Cup 2023: Bengaluru FC, Odisha FC battle for silverware

The ultimate clash for the trophy will certainly be competitive and entertaining. 

Bengaluru FC face a stern Odisha FC in the final of the 2023 Hero Super Cup on 25 April 2023 at the EMS Stadium, Kozhikode, in Kerala. The Blues have a chance to win their second trophy of the 2022-23 season following their 2022 Durand Cup triumph earlier this season. 

Odisha FC is in new territory as this is their first-ever final of a cup competition. The club is yet to win a major trophy in Indian football since their inception. The Kalinga Warriors got the better of NorthEast United FC in the semi-final to set a mouth-watering clash with Bengaluru FC.

The Hero Super Cup campaign has delivered sensational football action with plenty of memorable moments. As the Blues get ready to play their third final of the season against Clifford Miranda’s men, here is what to expect from the grand finale of the 2023 Super Cup.

The Stakes

The Hero Super Cup trophy is at stake. While Bengaluru FC has previously won it, they will hope to add a second to their locker. The Blues have got the better of teams like Sreenidi Deccan, Kerala Blasters and RoundGlass Punjab in group stages and then went on to beat Jamshedpur FC in the semis.

Odisha FC is looking to create history by winning its first-ever senior trophy in Indian football. The outfit is the underdog heading into the final against one of the most successful clubs in India.

Team News

Javi Hernandez picked up a knock against Jamshedpur FC in the semi-final. However, he is expected to be back. Odisha FC have a fully fit roster to choose from.

Head-to-Head

Total Matches Played - 12

Bengaluru FC wins - 7

Odisha FC wins - 4

Draws - 1

Predicted Line-ups

Bengaluru FC (4-2-3-1)

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (GK); Namgyal Bhutia, Bruno Ramires, Sandesh Jhingan, Naorem Roshan Singh; Rohit Kumar, Suresh Singh Wangjam; Udanta Singh, Javi Hernandez, Sunil Chhetri; Roy Krishna.

Odisha FC (4-2-3-1)

Amrinder Singh (GK); Narender Gahlot, Osama Malik, Carlos Delgado, Sahil Panwar; Thoiba Singh, Raynier Fernandes; Jerry Mawihmingthanga, Victor Rodriguez, Nandhakumar Sekar; Diego Mauricio.

Player to Watch

Sunil Chhetri (Bengaluru FC)

Sunil Chhetri is the man for big occasions. The final will need Bengaluru FC’s senior figures to take control and help the younger players as pressure will be intense. The skipper was on the scoresheet against Jamshedpur FC and there is a big chance that he may score again if OFC defenders are not too careful.

Sunil Chhetri is lethal with his headers and free-kicks, while also have a predatory instinct. Odisha FC will do well to closely mark the striker and not give him space to operate. 

Nandhakumar Sekar (Odisha FC)

Nandhakumar Sekar is the man to watch out for when all the eyes will be on Diego Mauricio. He is the leading Indian goal-scorer with four goals in the 2023 Hero Super Cup heading into the final. The winger got a brace in the semi-final against NorthEast United FC in the 3-1 win as well.

Nandhakumar Sekar is a brilliant finisher and usually comes up with key goals for Odisha FC. The Bengaluru FC full-backs will have their hands full containing his influence down the left flank.

Did You Know?

• Seven of Odisha FC’s nine goals at the 2023 Hero Super Cup before the final have come from Nandhakumar Sekar (4) or Diego Mauricio (3). 
• Bengaluru FC have conceded only two goals in the 2023 Hero Super Cup.
• Odisha FC head coach Clifford Miranda won two SAFF Championships with India during his playing days.
• Bengaluru FC lifted the inaugural Hero Super Cup in 2018.

Telecast

The final of the Hero Super Cup 2023 between Bengaluru FC and Odisha FC will be played at the EMS Corporation Stadium, Kozhikode. Kick-off is at 7:00 PM IST on 25 April 2023. The game will be streamed live on the FanCode app (all matches) and Sony Sports 2 TV channel.