Top five forwards to watch out for in Kalinga Super Cup 2025

Here is a closer look at the key goalscoring threats in Kalinga Super Cup 2025

The Kalinga Super Cup 2025, an event combining Indian Super League teams and the I-League sides, will run from April 20th until May 3rd, 2025, at the Bhubaneswar Kalinga Stadium in Odisha. Despite the withdrawal of Churchill Brothers FC, the competition will host a strong roster of 15 Indian clubs, which comprise all the ISL and I-League clubs Inter Kashi FC and Gokulam Kerala FC.

As they are positioned farthest up the field, forwards are essentially crucial players on field since they are the ones responsible for accomplishing the ultimate goal of football: scoring goals. The value of forwards is not only that they are the initial goal threats, but they also play a huge role by starting attacks, creating scoring chances for themselves and others through movement and ability, breaking up opposition defenses with their pressing, and serving as an outlet to hold up the possession.

Without a doubt, a lot of forwards in both the ISL and the I-League season, delivered standout performances and crucial goals for their clubs helping them win games.

Here are the top 5 forwards who are expected to light up the scoreboard in the upcoming Kalinga Super Cup tournament.

5. Iker Guarrotxena (FC Goa)

Iker Guarrotxena has quickly established himself as a crucial player for FC Goa under Manolo Marquez since his free transfer arrival this summer. In 21 appearances this season, the Spanish striker has been a consistent threat, scoring seven goals and creating three assists.

In FC Goa’s opening Kalinga Super Cup 2025 encounter, a Round of 16 clash against Gokulam Kerala FC, Iker Guarrotxena delivered a memorable performance by scoring a hat-trick, pushing the Gaurs to the Semi-finals.

4. Jesus Jiminez (Kerala Blasters FC)

In 18 appearances for Kerala Blasters FC, forward Jesus Jiminez showed his goal-scoring ability, with 11 goals. He also demonstrated his ability to create opportunities, creating 17 chances for his teammates. His accuracy in front of goal is seen in his 28.21% conversion rate from 19 shots on target He also has a commendable 79% passing accuracy in his general play.With his proven ability to find the back of the net and create chances, Jesus Jiminez will be a crucial player for Kerala Blasters FC as they face East Bengal FC in their Super Cup fixture.

3. Irfan Yadwad (Chennaiyin FC)

Making a significant impact in the recently concluded ISL season, the young Chennaiyin FC center-forward Yadwad showcased his talent and potential. He not only scored 5 goals and provided 4 assists in his 24 appearances but also showed his involvement with 240 successful passes and his creativity by creating 20 chances. His physicality was evident in his 189 duels won, and he also registered 16 shots on target, However His performance against Jamshedpur FC stood out, featuring a goal and two assists. His goal-scoring record places him as the second youngest Indian player with sucha score in a single ISL season, after Brison Fernandes.

2. Alaaeddine Ajaraie (NorthEast United FC)

NorthEast United FC this season have heavily depended on their Moroccan striker Alaaeddine Ajaraie. Following a contribution of three goals and two assists in just five matches in their successful 2024 Durand Cup campaign he became the main driving force in the 2024-25 ISL season for the Highlanders scoring an impressive 23 goals and 7 assists in 24 games. While the ISL playoffs didn’t go in the favour of the Highlanders, he will be determined to lead the line effectively against Mohammedan SC in the Kalinga Super Cup 2025

1. Sunil Chhetri (Bengaluru FC)

Critics who may have doubted him were proven wrong by the incredible performance of Sunil Chhetri in the recently concluded Indian Super League. The 40-year-old forward showcased his enduring class by scoring 14 goals in 28 appearances, once again finishing as the League’s top Indian goalscorer.

This consistent form makes the him a formidable opponent as Bengaluru FC prepare for the Kalinga Super Cup 2025 clash against I-League side Inter Kashi FC. His playing ability and tactical awareness will be crucial making him a player opponents can never underestimate.

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