NorthEast United FC vs Jamshedpur FC: Key player battles to watch out for in Kalinga Super Cup 2025

The Red Miners will be eyeing for a place in the semifinals against the Highlanders.

Jamshedpur FC are set to face off against NorthEast United FC in the quarterfinals of the 2025 Kalinga Super Cup on Sunday (April 27). It is one of the most anticipated encounters in the tournament, as they face a confident Highlanders side who picked up a big win over Mohammedan SC in the Round of 16.

The Red Miners made their way to the quarterfinals after a spectacular 2-0 win over Hyderabad FC courtesy of goals from Stephen Eze and a penalty from Javier Siverio. The Highlanders progressed to the quarterfinals following a 6-0 dismantling of a very young Mohammedan SC squad courtesy of goals from Jithin M.S., Guillermo, Nestor Albiach and a hat-trick from Alaeddine Ajaraie.

Both sides are coming off superb clean sheet performances and are expected to put on another entertaining game at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Sunday.

However, it’ll be a few individual battles which will decide which team moves forward to the semi-final. Here we look at the three key battles to watch in the Jamshedpur FC-NorthEast United FC clash.

3. Javier Siverio vs Redeem Tlang

Javier Siverio has been a great attacking outlet for the Red Miners during the 2024-25 ISL campaign, producing some bright performances towards the end of the campaign. However, the centre forward knows that he can amplify his chances of being the first name on the team sheet with the Red Miners next season if he shines in the Kalinga Super Cup quarterfinals.

He has started well in the Kalinga Super Cup, as he neatly dispatched from the spot to seal Jamshedpur FC’s progression into the next round. However, he will be facing NorthEast United FC’s Redeem Tlang, who has helped his side keep seven clean sheets this season.

Tlang has only made one goal contribution this season, however, his defensive solidity and ability to keep attackers in check makes him a tough assignment for any attacker. The upcoming quarterfinal encounter will present this exciting duel as both players look to ensure a semifinal berth for their sides.

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2. Javier Hernandez vs Nestor Albiach

One of the key creators and dangerous players for Jamshedpur FC will be attacking midfielder Javi Hernandez. Hernandez has been a vital cog for coach Khalid Jamil’s side this season and is responsible for 12 goal contributions in 27 appearances in all competitions. An equally important player for NorthEast United FC will be Nestor Albiach, who will be the creative outlet for Juan Pedro Benali’s side.

Albiach has made 10 goal contributions in 32 games in all competitions for the Highlanders. Both players have got off to a good start in the Kalinga Super Cup this season with Hernandez pulling the strings in the middle of the park while Albiach has scored and assisted in their respective first games.

Both players will be playing till the final whistle and Hernandez and Albiach will be determined to ensure their respective sides stand a chance of making it to the Kalinga Super Cup semifinals.

1. Albino Gomes vs Alaeddine Ajaraie

One of the decisive battles will be between Jamshedpur FC shot-stopper Albino Gomes and NorthEast United FC striker Alaeddine Ajaraie. While Gomes has made some key saves for Jamshedpur FC this season, Ajaraie has enjoyed a record-breaking first season with the Highlanders.

Gomes has proved all his doubters wrong while keeping seven clean sheets in 31 games in all competitions this season. On the other hand, Ajaraie was one of the most dangerous players for NorthEast United FC, winning the Golden Boot during the 2024-25 ISL campaign with 23 goals.

Both players have made a fantastic start to the Kalinga Super Cup this season, with Gomes keeping an invaluable clean sheet against Hyderabad FC while Ajaraie scored a hat-trick and recorded an assist against Mohammedan SC. In order to ensure progression into the Kalinga Super Cup semifinals, Ajaraie and Gomes will have to outfox each other on Sunday.

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