How NorthEast United FC can win the Kalinga Super Cup 2025?

The Highlanders will be facing Mohammedan SC in their Round of 16 fixture of the Kalinga Super Cup on April 24.

Indian Super League (ISL) side NorthEast United FC have enjoyed an august stint in the ISL under the tactical acumen of Juan Pedro Benali as they advanced to the knockout round of the 2024-25 season, nearly missing out on the semi-final spot to Jamshedpur FC in the quarter-final stage. The Highlanders fell short of the ability to edge past Albino Gomes as Jamshedpur FC registered a comfortable 2-0 victory to advance to the semi-final.

However, Juan Pedro Benali’s side will have one final opportunity to take home at least some silverware this season when they begin their Kalinga Super Cup 2025 campaign on April 24.

Let us look at how NorthEast United FC can possibly win the Kalinga Super Cup 2025 title this season:

NorthEast United FC to take on the Kolkata giants

The Highlanders will meet the ISL 2024-25 season debutants, Mohammedan SC, in their season opener with the hope of entering the quarter-finals comfortably.

Even though the Kolkata giants are going through a rough patch at this moment in time, their vibrant past, which is preserved in the archives of Indian football’s heyday, will undoubtedly give the players the confidence and faith to persevere.

While they can prove to be a diligent outfit under the tactical acumen of interim head coach Mehrajuddin Wadoo, the Highlanders should only have a little trouble defeating them.

Alaeddine Ajaraie and Nestor Albiach could prove to be decisive players against the likes of Zodingliana Ralte and Mirjalol Kasimov, who will be responsible for safeguarding the defensive third.

The Highlanders might face a challenge ahead

If NorthEast United FC succeeds in advancing to the quarter-final round, they might be taking on ISL heavyweights in the likes as Jamshedpur FC or Hyderabad FC.

While Jamshedpur FC are the favourites to progress from their Round of 16 tie against the Nizams, Hyderabad FC will be eager to build on something from the remnants of their ISL 2021-22 campaign.

While NorthEast United FC lost 2-0 to Jamshedpur FC in the quarter-final round of the knockout stage in the Indian Super League, Hyderabad FC finished just above Mohammedan SC in the ISL 2024-25 season’s league standings.

Any of the two teams can cause problems for NorthEast United FC; however, Khalid Jamil’s men seem to qualify as a more formidable opposition amongst the two.

ALSO READ: Top 10 players to watch in Kalinga Super Cup 2025

Semi-finals: A challenge within itself

After their ISL semi-final dreams were shattered by Khalid Jamil’s side, Benali’s men won’t allow the latter to ruin their hopes of making it to the semi-finals again. This time, they will be striving to turn the tables in a contrasting fashion to what happened a few weeks ago.

On advancing to the semi-final round, the Highlanders may potentially face either Bengaluru FC or Mumbai City FC, depending on the outcomes of their fixtures and the current form of their disparate opponents. Either side poses a formidable challenge for NorthEast United FC, even with their current tactical outlook.

If all pieces of the puzzle fall into place, NorthEast United FC can be seen taking the field at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneshwar in the title decider of the 2025 edition.

Finale: Can the Highlanders take home their maiden Kalinga Super Cup title?

NorthEast United FC will be facing the winner of the other side of the bracket, featuring teams like Mohun Bagan Super Giant, FC Goa, Kerala Blasters FC, or defending champions East Bengal FC. While any of these teams will be a daunting challenge for the Highlanders, FC Goa and East Bengal FC might just be the most deserving opposition to feature in the finale.

The Gaurs and the Torch Bearers will be willing to take advantage of this possible situation, as the high-flying Mohun Bagan Super Giant are reportedly not planning to field any of their marquee stars for the Kalinga Super Cup, while Kerala Blasters FC will be under the tactical guidance of their new manager, David Catalá.

The way the Highlanders rose through the ranks under Juan Pedro Benali in the ISL 2024-25 season was truly impressive and inspiring at the same time. We all remember how they pulled off a “La Remontada” last season in the Durand Cup final against the Mariners on their home turf at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata.

If the two powerhouses of modern-day Indian football meet at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneshwar on the afternoon of May 3, can we hope to see another jaw-dropping encounter that will be enough to keep us glued to our seats till the very end of the game until the referee blows the final whistle?

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