Jamshedpur FC reached the final of the Kalinga Super Cup for the first time after defeating Mumbai City FC 1-0 at Kalinga Stadium on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. Japanese midfielder Rei Tachikawa scored the crucial goal in the 87th minute, securing the victory for the Red Miners.
Jamshedpur FC will face FC Goa in the final on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 7:30 PM IST at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar. The match will be broadcast live on Star Sports 3 and streamed on JioHotstar.
Jamshedpur dominated the early stages of the match, creating several attacking opportunities. Mumbai’s defense was put to the test right away; they managed to avert danger at the cost of a corner in the opening moments. Goalkeeper Rehenesh Thumbirumbu also displayed quick reflexes to handle a set-piece just minutes later.
Rehenesh came to Mumbai’s rescue again in the 31st minute when he expertly denied a header from Jordan Murray that seemed destined for the goal, punching the ball away just in time.
Mumbai, which had earlier secured two convincing wins in the tournament, struggled to find their rhythm. Their most notable chance came from Lallianzuala Chhangte, whose cross from the left had potential but failed to break through Jamshedpur’s defense.
The second half saw fewer chances for both teams. Mumbai continued to have difficulty in the attack, while Jamshedpur was unlucky not to score at least twice after the hour mark. On both occasions, the post saved Mumbai, even though their goalkeeper Rehenesh was beaten. Stephen Eze was particularly frustrated when his shot hit the post, followed by a low drive from seasoned midfielder Pronay Halder that met the same fate just minutes later.
Finally, Jamshedpur FC’s relentless pressure paid off in the 87th minute. After a combined effort was cleared clumsily by the Mumbai defenders, Tachikawa seized the opportunity outside the box and unleashed a left-footed shot that deflected off a defender and found the back of the net.
In the remaining minutes, including six minutes of injury time, Mumbai fought hard to equalize, but Jamshedpur reinforced their defense to maintain their lead.
Rei Tachikawa was awarded the Kalinga Player of the Match trophy by Shri Himanshu Sekhar Sahoo, the Hon’ble MLA of Dharmasala, Odisha.
Earlier in the day, FC Goa defeated Mohun Bagan SG 3-1 in the first semi-final. While FC Goa aims to replicate their 2019 Super Cup victory, Jamshedpur FC ventures into uncharted territory, as this marks their first appearance in the tournament final.
