NorthEast United FC vs Mohammedan SC preview, team news, lineup & prediction | Kalinga Super Cup 2025

The Black Panthers will debut in the Kalinga Super Cup 2025 against the Highlanders on April 24.

The debutants, Mohammedan SC will face their Indian Super League (ISL) counterparts, high-flying NorthEast United FC, in the round of 16 tie of the Kalinga Super Cup 2025 on April 24 in Bhubaneshwar. With both teams coming off contrasting campaigns in the Indian top flight, they will be tussling with each other for 90 minutes to determine who makes it to the quarter-finals of the Kalinga Super Cup.

However, given the fact that both Mohammedan SC and NorthEast United FC perform in a fashion that pertains to their current form in the ongoing season of India’s domestic football, the Highlanders are arguably the favourites to move ahead to the next round in the tournament.

The Stakes

NorthEast United FC

In the 2024 edition, NorthEast United FC fell short of a win to Jamshedpur FC as the Red Miners advanced to the knockout stage. In the 2024-25 season of the Indian Super League, the Highlanders’ dream of an ISL Championship were shattered midway by Khalid Jamil’s side yet again.

But, this time, they will be hoping to take some silverware with them back to Shillong, given the fact that winning the Kalinga Super Cup 2025 will earn the winner a direct spot in the 2025-26 AFC Champions League Two’s preliminary round. With the chance of obtaining a spot to play in an AFC competition, Juan Pedro Benali is expected to have made modifications in his strategic response and the team’s approach for the Kalinga Super Cup 2025.

Snapshots from our final training session before Kalinga Super Cup opener! 📸#StrongerAsOne #8States1United #KalingaSuperCup pic.twitter.com/enG0J4AJGm

— NorthEast United FC (@NEUtdFC) April 23, 2025

The Spanish gaffer has to shape up his side in a strong defensive line to ensure they aren’t troubled by the reserve squad of Mohammedan SC. The young Indian strike force is still expected to have some impact while putting the Highlanders’ goalkeeper to a serious test with the experience they have garnered from AIFF’s domestic leagues.

A big win will significantly boost the confidence of NorthEast United FC and instils self-belief in them before a potential tough competition from the other bracket of the tournament. A loss, however, can result in an underwhelming end to their current campaign.

Mohammedan SC

The debutants, Mohammedan SC will be looking for a breakthrough in their first knockout fixture of the tournament. After the departure of Andrey Chernyshov, former Indian international Mehrajuddin Wadoo took charge of the Kolkata giants for the remainder of the season. A season plagued by tactical ineffectiveness and financial restraints, the team’s main focus will be to rebuild the side from scratch during the pre-season.

Ahead of their opening encounter, the Kolkata giants are supposed to field a complete Indian squad for the upcoming tournament. It will be intriguing to see how a significantly young squad performs when they are fielded in a knockout tournament like the Kalinga Super Cup under the tactical acumen of coach Mehrajuddin Wadoo.

They will be facing a stern challenge against the likes of Alaeddine Ajaraie and Nestor Albiach. Even though the opposition’s experience will surely put the players to a difficult test, the fans will be eager to see how the young bloods live up to the team’s demands and carry their team’s legacy ahead.

ALSO READ: Bengaluru FC vs Inter Kashi: When and where to watch the Kalinga Super Cup live?

Team & Injury News

Both teams will have a fully fit squad available for their Kalinga Super Cup 2025 opening encounter.

Head-to-Head Record

For the first time, these two teams will be competing against each other in the Super Cup. However, they have faced each other a couple of times in the Indian Super League.

Matches Played – 2

NorthEast United FC wins – 1

Mohammedan SC wins – 0

Draws – 1

Probable Lineups

NorthEast United FC (4-2-2-2)

Gurmeet Singh (GK), Redeem Tlang, Asheer Akhtar, Michel Zabaco, Buanthanglun Samte, Mohammed Bemmamer, Muthu Irulandi Myakkannan, Macarton Louis Nickson, Nestor Albiach, Alaeddine Ajaraie, Jithin MS

Mohammedan SC (4-3-3)

Padam Chhetri (GK), Zodingliana Ralte, Vanlalzuidika Chhakchhuak, Gaurav Bora, Samad Ali Mallick, Amarjit Singh Kiyam, Mohammed Irshad, Lalrinfela Khiangte, Bikash Singh Sagolsem, Lalremsanga Fanai, Makan Winkle Chothe

Players to Watch

Alaeddine Ajaraie (NorthEast United FC)

The Moroccan second striker has been prolific for the Highlanders this season. He was one of the central figures who guided NorthEast United FC to the playoffs of the Indian Super League 2024-25 season and went on to break multiple records. The linchpin from the African nation was the leading goal scorer, with 23 goals to his name.

Moreover, he made 30 goal contributions in the Indian top flight, which was the record high for any player in the history of the league. Juan Pedro Benali will be clinical in putting him in charge of the boat against Mohammedan SC, as the latter is expected to add more to the Black Panthers’ defensive woes.

Makan Winkle Chothe (Mohammedan SC)

When facing the Highlanders’ defence, the Manipur winger’s speed and technique can be deadly. In 19 games during the Indian Super League 2024–25 season, he has only managed one goal and one assist, but his presence on the pitch has always had an influence.

Coach Mehrajuddin Wadoo will undoubtedly rely on Chothe’s deft on- and off-ball moves to initiate swift counter-attacks whenever they can locate openings to make incisive runs through the deep, demonstrating a sense of clinical positioning.

Did you know?

• Mohammedan SC haven’t won a match in the past nine attempts.
• NorthEast United FC were the second highest goal scorers in the ISL this season (46 goals).
• NorthEast United FC have lost twice in their last five games

Telecast Details

The match between NorthEast United FC and Mohammedan SC will take place at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar, on Sunday, April 24, 2025. It will kick off at 8 PM IST. The match will be shown live on Star Sports 3 and be available to livestream on JioHotstar.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.