FC Goa Crowned Champions of Kalinga Super Cup 2025 with Commanding 3-0 Win Over Jamshedpur FC
BHUBANESWAR: As the final whistle echoed through the rain-soaked Kalinga Stadium, FC Goa sealed their place in the history books with a resounding 3-0 victory over Jamshedpur FC to lift the Kalinga Super Cup 2025 on Saturday, May 3. The Gaurs delivered a flawless performance marked by attacking flair, tactical dominance, and unwavering grit.
Spanish midfielder Borja Herrera was the star of the night, netting a brilliant brace that left fans breathless, while Serbian winger Dejan Dražić added the final flourish. The rainstorm only amplified the cinematic atmosphere as fans and players celebrated Goa’s moment of glory.
The match had been hyped as a clash between FC Goa’s attacking firepower and Jamshedpur’s watertight defence, but from the opening minutes, Goa seized control. Despite a third-minute scare when Javier Hernández tested goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari, Goa quickly settled into rhythm.
In the 23rd minute, Aakash Sangwan made a searing run down the left and unleashed a fierce strike that forced a save from Albino Gomes. Borja pounced on the rebound, and after a blocked first attempt, buried the ball into the roof of the net.
Jamshedpur’s best opportunity came late in the first half with Lazar Ćirković’s header clanging off the crossbar — a rare moment of hope for a side otherwise subdued.
The second half saw FC Goa raise the tempo. In the 51st minute, Borja collected the ball near the halfway line, surged past defenders and rifled home a stunning 25-yard strike into the top corner, a goal worthy of any final.
Jamshedpur showed fight but lacked the cutting edge, as Jordan Murray’s layoff for Javier Siverio ended in a squandered chance. Goa put the result beyond doubt in the 71st minute when Carl McHugh split the defence with a pinpoint pass. Dražić raced through, rounded the keeper, and calmly slotted the ball home.
The rain came down harder, but so did the celebrations. Goa’s players danced on the soaked turf, reveling in a memorable night of triumph and unity.
Borja Herrera was deservingly named Kalinga Player of the Match, with the award presented by Smt Sonali Chand, OAS, Officer on Special Duty, Sports and Youth Services Department, Government of Odisha.
FC Goa’s dominance was total — from possession to passion — and the 2025 Kalinga Super Cup is theirs to savour.
