Mohun Bagan vs FC Goa: Key player battles to watch out for in Kalinga Super Cup 2025

The Mariners will be looking for a chance to secure progression to the Final with a win over the Gaurs.

Mohun Bagan are set to face off against FC Goa in the semifinals of the 2025 Kalinga Super Cup on Wednesday (April 30). It is one of the most exciting encounters in the tournament, as they face a confident Gaurs side who picked up a hard-earned win over Punjab FC in the quarterfinals.

The Mariners made their way to the semifinals after an equally impressive 1-2 win over Kerala Blasters FC, courtesy of goals from Sahal Abdul Samad and Suhail Ahmad Bhat. The Gaurs progressed to the semifinals following a 1-2 win over an underwhelming Punjab FC, courtesy of late quickfire goals from Borja Herrera and Mohammad Yasi,r cancelling out Ezequiel Vidal’s early goal.

This Kalinga Super Cup semifinals match is crucial for both teams as they aim to secure a place in the Final. Here are three key battles that can decide the course of this match.

Ashique Kuruniyan vs Boris Singh

The Mohun Bagan winger was playing on a different level against Kerala Blasters FC in the quarterfinals and was responsible for creating some dangerous chances for his teammates. Kuruniyan is slowly showing what he can bring for the Mariners ahead of next season, despite an underwhelming 2024-25 campaign.

He will be up against possibly the best right-back in the Indian Super League (ISL) this season in Boris Singh. The full-back recorded two goals contributions in 23 games this season for the Gaurs and has been a mainstay at right-back for Manolo Marquez’s side.

The battle between Boris and Ashique will be a huge determining factor of who wins the tie. Restricting Ashique’s influence on the wings will significantly boost FC Goa’s chances of moving to the next round. However, if the Mohun Bagan winger exploits the spaces left by Boris on the counter, then the Mariners will hold the edge.

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Iker Guarrotxena vs Dheeraj Singh

The Spaniard will once again be the leading light for the Gaurs against the Mariners in the semifinals. He has shown an ability to compete and convert chances as and when the service is good from his teammates. He was at his devastating best against Gokulam Kerala FC in the round of 16 game where he scored a superb hattrick.

Guarrotxena will be up against Mohun Bagan shot-stopper Dheeraj Singh in the semifinals, who also put on a impressive display between the sticks. A player who was under the shadow of the superb Vishal Kaith, Dheeraj is slowly showing he can step up in his absence.

The battle between Guarrotxena and Dheeraj will ultimately show who can help their side reach the Final. While the Spaniard will be threatening Dheeraj between the sticks and harassing defenders, the Mohun Bagan goalkeeper is expected to stay busy against a talented FC Goa squad.

Sahal Abdul Samad vs Brison Fernandes

Sahal was looking at his sharpest against Kerala in the round of 16 and might again be the danger man against FC Goa. He got his second goal of the season since his only goal in the 2024 Durand Cup. The Mohun Bagan midfielder and his late darts into the box will help create space for his teammates to score in good positions.

However, the Gaurs possess an equally dangerous threat in midfielder Brison Fernandes, who played a key role in his side’s late comeback against Punjab FC. He was the second-highest Indian scorer in the ISL this season and Marquez will rely on his brilliance to get things done against Mohun Bagan. He made nine goals contributions in 22 ISL games this season for FC Goa this season.

Both Brison and Samad will be the vital cogs in each other’s team’s success in this season’s Kalinga Super Cup semifinal tie. A successful night for either player will mean the victory and the spoils will go to their sides.

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