Mohun Bagan Advances to Kalinga Super Cup Quarterfinals

Mohun Bagan Super Giant earned a direct spot in the Kalinga Super Cup quarterfinals after their Round of 16 opponent, Churchill Brothers, withdrew from the tournament. The AIFF confirmed the walkover on Friday, handing the Mariners a smooth passage as they continue their pursuit of a domestic treble following a dominant ISL season.

Bye Boosts Mariners’ Campaign

Mohun Bagan Super Giant secured a direct berth in the quarterfinals of the Kalinga Super Cup 2025 after Churchill Brothers pulled out of the tournament. The scheduled Round of 16 clash between the two sides on April 20 was officially awarded as a walkover to Mohun Bagan, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) confirmed on Friday.

Churchill’s Exit Due to I-League Uncertainty

Churchill Brothers, current provisional leaders of the I-League, withdrew amid uncertainty over the league title. The AIFF Appeals Committee is still deliberating the final outcome between Churchill and Inter Kashi. As a result, the Goan club opted out of the Super Cup.

Mariners Eye Domestic Treble

This unexpected bye comes from a dominant season for Mohun Bagan. Under Spanish head coach Jose Molina, the Mariners clinched both the ISL Shield and Cup, completing a domestic double. Now, with direct entry into the quarterfinals, they are in strong contention for a rare domestic treble.

Quarterfinal Showdown Set for April 26

Mohun Bagan will face the winner of the Kerala Blasters vs East Bengal clash, now scheduled for April 20 at 8 PM IST. A win there could set up a high-voltage Kolkata derby in the semifinals later this month in Bhubaneswar.

Kolkata Derby on the Horizon?

A potential semifinal meeting between arch-rivals East Bengal and Mohun Bagan would renew one of Indian football’s fiercest rivalries. The two sides last met in the Super Cup 2024 group stage, where East Bengal won 3-1. However, Mohun Bagan returned in the next four encounters, winning three and drawing one.

As the Super Cup advances, fans eagerly await what could be another historic clash between the Kolkata giants.