Kerala Blasters FC delivered a commanding performance to eliminate defending champions East Bengal FC with a 2-0 win in the Round of 16 of the Kalinga Super Cup 2025. The victory marks a strong start to the David Català era, setting up a high-stakes quarter-final showdown with Mohun Bagan Super Giant on April 26.
Under the guidance of new head coach, the Blasters looked organised, intense, and dynamic from the outset. With Adrian Luna pulling the strings in midfield and Danish Farooq operating just behind the striker, the Blasters started to impose themselves early in the contest.
It took just two minutes for KBFC to carve out their first chance. A swift move down the right saw Noah Sadaoui square the ball to Jesus Jimenez, but the Spaniard couldn’t make the crucial connection.
Noah remained a constant menace on the flank. In the 34th minute, the nimble footed winger delivered another teasing ball to Jesus inside the box, who fired it over the bar.
The breakthrough came in the 40th minute when Sadaoui was brought down by Anwar Ali inside the box. Although opposition keeper Prabsukhan Singh Gill saved Jimenez’s initial penalty, but a retake was ordered by the referee. Jimenez made no mistake second time around.
East Bengal nearly found an equaliser before half-time when PV Vishnu’s drive rattled the post, but Messi Bouli was unable to convert the rebound, allowing the Blasters a slender one goal advantage heading into the halftime break.
The Blasters resumed the second half with the same intensity, maintaining good possession through the midfield while also creating multiple chances in the final third.
Then came the moment of the match. In the 64th minute, Noah Sadaoui picked up the ball from range and unleashed a stunning left-footed strike that crashed off the crossbar and over the line, a thunderbolt that left the stadium in awe and the Blasters two goals to the good.
Blasters as a unit managed the remainder of the game with maturity and tactical discipline. The backline, marshalled efficiently by the defence, gave East Bengal little room to operate, nullifying all their attacking threats.
Noah came close to adding a third in the final moments of the game, but his attempt at goal sailed over. In the end, Blasters sealed the game with a comfortable 2-0 victory over the Torch Bearers.
GOALS
40’ Jesus Jimenez
64’ Noah Sadaoui
SUBSTITUTIONS
46’ IN : Aiban Dohling → OUT: Hormipam Ruivah
57’ IN : Freddy Lallawmawma → OUT : Adrian Luna
71’ IN : Kwame Peprah, Muhammed Saheef → OUT: Jesus Jimenez, Danish Farooq
89’ IN : Sreekuttan MS → OUT : Vibin Mohanan
