Kerala Blasters FC delivered a commanding performance against defending champions East Bengal FC in the Kalinga Super Cup 2025 opener, securing a 2-0 victory at the iconic Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
The result sent East Bengal crashing out of the competition in the Round of 16 and set up Kerala Blasters’ quarter-final showdown with Mohun Bagan SG on April 26.
Both teams entered the fixture after underwhelming Indian Super League (ISL) campaigns, finishing eighth and ninth in the league, respectively. East Bengal, determined to defend their title, started cautiously, while Kerala Blasters gradually found their rhythm.
Spanish striker Jesus Jimenez Nunez broke the deadlock in the 40th minute after converting a penalty. Noah Wali Sadaoui was brought down inside the box by East Bengal defender Anwar Ali, prompting the referee to award the penalty. Although Jimenez’s initial attempt was saved by goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Singh Gill, a retake was ordered due to Gill stepping off his line early. Jimenez then calmly slotted home the shot, giving Kerala Blasters a crucial 1-0 lead before halftime.
The second half witnessed East Bengal pushing forward in search of an equalizer, but their efforts were in vain. In the 64th minute, Noah Wali Sadaoui doubled Kerala’s advantage with a stunning left-footed strike from outside the box, leaving Gill helpless. His goal effectively ended East Bengal’s hopes of a comeback, as Kerala Blasters tightened their defence to see out the game.
Despite creating opportunities, East Bengal struggled to convert them. Venezuelan forward Richard Enrique Celis came close to scoring twice—once in the eighth minute and again from a corner kick—but missed the target both times. Their inability to find the net proved costly, as Kerala Blasters capitalized on their chances to secure victory.
Kerala Blasters will now face Mohun Bagan SG in the quarter-finals, a team in fine form following their Shield and Cup double in the ISL 2024-25. Meanwhile, the tournament continues on April 21 with FC Goa taking on Gokulam Kerala FC at 4:30 PM IST, followed by Odisha FC vs Punjab FC at 8 PM IST. Fans can catch the live action on JioHotstar.
