FC Goa vs Jamshedpur FC: Key battles to watch out for in Kalinga Super Cup 2025 Final

A continental spot is at stake for both sides.

Jamshedpur FC and FC Goa, after an impressive campaign in the Indian Super League, narrowly failed to make it to the ISL Finals after going down to Mohun Bagan and Bengaluru FC, respectively. However, neither side has left any stone unturned to bounce back in the Kalinga Super Cup.

The Final of the Kalinga Super Cup is set to be a thrilling encounter as the winner of the game has a rare and golden opportunity to secure a continental spot in the next footballing cycle. Let us take a close look at some of the key player battles that could determine the result of this match.

1. Borja Herrera vs Ashutosh Mehta

Borja Herrera has recently come after scoring that stunning Olimpico goal against Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the Kalinga Super Cup semi-final fixture. He has been nothing less than a live wire for the Gaurs and will be eager to dominate the flanks against the Red Miners in the Final.

Ashutosh Mehta has redeemed himself in the playing 11. He has been in sublime form and has unarguably been one of their best Indian players in the Super Cup so far. He will be tasked with the responsibility to neutralise Herrera’s attacks from the flanks and also stopping him from making those overlapping runs.

ALSO READ: Kalinga Super Cup 2025: FC Goa’s road to final

2. Carl McHugh vs Javier Hernandez

Carl McHugh has perfectly mastered the art of controlling the tempo of the game and orchestrating the team’s midfield in the most efficient manner. His presence at the centre of the park will be vital for the FC Goa as they seek to execute their strategies of tiki-taka football.

Javier Hernandez has been ageing like a fine wine. The Salamanca-based mastermind not just marshals his team forward during big games, but the Jamshedpur captain is also well known for dominating the midfield and even finding the back of the net on many occasions. He will need to be in top form for Jamshedpur to win their first Kalinga Super Cup title.

3. Hrithik Tiwari vs Albino Gomes

Despite the match having an additional 30 minutes to separate the two teams, the probability of this fixture going to penalties is very high. FC Goa loves to brandish their attacking style of football, whereas Jamshedpur won’t mind holding back for 120 minutes straight, if needed. In case of penalty shootouts, all eyes will be on the two goalkeeping guardians of the team.

Hrithik has been brilliant for FC Goa so far, but has failed to keep clean sheets in the last two encounters. He has also not been tested much in the penalty shootout. The young lad will need to outshine and hold his nerves to win this game for FC Goa.

There is no better goalkeeper in the Indian footballing circuit than Albino Gomes when it comes to penalty shootouts. Gomes holds the record for making the maximum penalty saves in the history of ISL. His wide experience makes it very predictable to guess the penalty taker’s next move. Gomes will be keen to exhibit his penalty-saving masterclass to help Khalid Jamil’s side win their first ever silverware.

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