Odisha FC players dominate Khel Now's Hero Super Cup 2023 Team of the Tournament

The Juggernauts overcame Bengaluru FC in the final and capped off a dream run.

Returning after a four-year gap, the 2023 Hero Super Cup was a huge success. Seeing teams from the Indian Super League and the I-League battle against each other was a brilliant experience and the football on offer was of incredible quality. The conclusion of the tournament saw a new team emerge as the winner.

Under Clifford Miranda’s expert guidance, Odisha FC won its first-ever major trophy in Indian football. The club got the better of Bengaluru FC in the final, a club that was playing its third final of the 2022-23 season after winning the 2022 Durand Cup and ending the ISL playoffs as runners-up.

There were plenty of players who left their mark on the tournament with their performances. Here is a look at which of the individuals make Khel Now’s Super Cup 2023 Team of the Tournament:

Formation - 4-1-3-2

GK - Amrinder Singh (Odisha FC)

Amrinder Singh was sensational for Odisha FC. His consistency was key in helping the club lift the trophy in the end. The custodian’s composure and command inside the box won him the Goalkeeper of the Tournament award as well.

RB - Narender Gahlot (Odisha FC)

Narender Gahlot truly came forth and proved his mettle at the 2023 Super Cup. The defender, playing chiefly as a right-back gave his all to help Odisha FC secure victories and realize the dream of winning the tournament. As for the defender, his industrious performances can lead to a national team call-up.

CB - Pratik Chaudhari (Jamshedpur FC)

Jamshedpur FC made it to the semi-final of the 2023 Super Cup thanks to key performances from some of their experienced players. One of their most consistent performers was Pratik Chaudhari. He got a goal in a 5-3 win over FC Goa and delivered a masterful performance in a 3-0 win over ATK Mohun Bagan.

CB - Carlos Delgado (Odisha FC)

Odisha FC were strong in defence throughout the tournament and Carlos Delgado was one of the key figures in it. The centre-back led the backline expertly and his partnership with Osama Malik was crucial in producing results in pressure situations. Denying clubs like Hyderabad FC, Bengaluru FC and more from scoring was a massive feat.

LB - Sahil Panwar (Odisha FC)

Sahil Panwar of Odisha FC was also impressive at the Super Cup. He did his defensive duties well and did not give wingers any room to breathe. His deliveries from corner kick situations were dangerous for the opposition as well. It was a positive campaign for the defender.

CM - Suresh Singh Wangjam (Bengaluru FC)

Suresh Singh Wangjam was the enforcer in Bengaluru FC’s midfield. Off the ball, he did the dirty work of closing down passing lines and pressing for the ball. During possession, the midfielder moved the ball well and made plenty of late runs in the final third to make an impact.

RW - Emil Benny (NorthEast United)

Emil Benny was one of the star performers in NorthEast United FC’s Super Cup campaign. The club caused a massive surprise by reaching the semi-final, especially after finishing at the bottom of the ISL 2022-23 league table. Emil Benny’s creativity and movement gave NEUFC an extra spark upfront.

LW - Nandhakumar Sekar (Odisha FC)

Nandhakumar Sekar’s final games for Odisha FC were probably his best for the club. The winger was the highest Indian goalscorer at the 2023 Super Cup with four goals. His brace in the semi-final was crucial in guiding OFC to the final, which they won in the end. 

CAM - Victor Rodriguez (Odisha FC)

Victor Rodriguez truly took the games by the scruff of the neck. His intelligent movement of the ball and vision gave Odisha FC an upper hand. He fed Diego Mauricio with penetrative through balls that caused opposition defenders a lot of issues. The attacking midfielder was on the scoresheet against Hyderabad FC in a 2-1 win that took OFC into the semis and was composed as ever in the finals.

ST - Wilmar Jordan (NorthEast United)

Wilmar Jordan won the Golden Boot at the 2023 Super Cup. The striker scored seven goals at the tournament, which were crucial in guiding NorthEast United FC into the semi-finals. In one of his best performances, the striker scored four goals against Churchill Brothers in a 6-3 win.

ST - Diego Mauricio (Odisha FC)

Diego Mauricio was simply outstanding for Odisha FC and a huge reason for the club’s Super Cup win. He won the award for Best Player at the end of the competition as well. The Brazilian scored five goals for the Kalinga Warriors, including a brace in the final.