Bhubaneswar 3rd May: In a fittingly dramatic finale at the rain-soaked Kalinga Stadium, FC Goa lifted the Kalinga Super Cup 2025 in emphatic style, defeating Jamshedpur FC 3-0 on Saturday, May 3. The Gaurs, led by a sensational Borja Herrera brace and a cool finish from Dejan Dražić, delivered a commanding display to claim their second Super Cup title — becoming the first club to achieve the feat twice.
The triumph also marked a perfect farewell for head coach Manolo Márquez, who ends his chapter at the club on a high. The win secured FC Goa’s place in the 2025-26 AFC Champions League Two, returning them to Asian continental competition after a four-year absence.
Heading into the final, the clash was anticipated as a showdown between Goa’s attacking prowess and Jamshedpur’s solid, previously unbreached defence. But by the final whistle, it was clear who dictated the terms. Despite an early effort from Javier Hernández that forced a sharp save from Goa’s Hrithik Tiwari, the match quickly swung in favour of the Gaurs.
With Aakash Sangwan and Dražić causing havoc on the flanks and Carl McHugh and Borja orchestrating play from midfield, Goa controlled possession and territory. Their breakthrough came in the 23rd minute when Sangwan’s powerful drive was parried by Albino Gomes, and Borja reacted fastest. Though his first effort was blocked, he made no mistake with the rebound, firing it into the top corner.
Jamshedpur’s closest attempt came before the interval, as Lazar Ćirković’s header struck the crossbar. But their attacking threat was otherwise limited.
Goa extended their lead six minutes into the second half with a moment of brilliance. Borja picked up the ball in midfield, drove forward, and unleashed a stunning long-range effort that rocketed into the top corner, giving Gomes no chance.
Despite Khalid Jamil’s side pushing for a comeback — with Jordan Murray setting up Javier Siverio for a big chance that went begging — it was Goa who struck again. In the 71st minute, McHugh split the defence with a precise through ball, allowing Dražić to round the keeper and slot home.
As the rain intensified, FC Goa celebrated on the pitch, dancing and rejoicing in a performance that combined grit, flair, and history-making brilliance.
Watch FC Goa vs Jamshedpur FC Kalinga Super Cup 2025 final
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