AIFF Super Cup: Defending champions FC Goa face Inter Kashi; Jamshedpur renews rivalry with NorthEast United

Among the Group B teams in the AIFF Super Cup 2025-2026, FC Goa has had the most competitive experience this season, excluding the Durand Cup.

In the last two matches, it played against one team from Asia – Al Nassr, the Saudi Pro League giants – and Jamshedpur FC from the Indian Super League (ISL).

In the upcoming match, it will test its mettle against a team from yet another league, the I-League – Inter Kashi, the champions of India’s second division – at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Wednesday.

Manolo Marquez’s side returned to victory against Jamshedpur after an embarrassing 1-2 defeat to Nassr, in a match marred by poor pitch conditions and torrential rain. And back-to-back Super Cup wins could see the Gaurs continue their chase to defend the title.

Fatigue could be a factor for Goa, who have played two matches in four days – one in which Iker Guarrotxena could replace Javier Siverio or Dejan Drazic in attack, both of whom scored against Jamshedpur FC.

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Meanwhile, Kashi has lived up to his reputation for script disruptions in the Super Cup.

In the previous edition, they stunned ISL Cup runners-up Bengaluru FC and started the current edition with a 2-2 draw against Durand Cup champions NorthEast United.

Both goals in that match – from Harmanpreet Singh and Karthik Panicker – were against the flow of play and against a defensive line, and Marquez will have to be careful not to put his boys down that path.

Jamshedpur FC renew Super Cup rivalry with NorthEast United

In the other Group B match at the GMC Stadium in Bambolim, Jamshedpur will be hoping that the rain gods will spare mercy against NorthEast United, who are chasing a silver lining following the departure of head coach Khalid Jamil.

The Men of Steel signed two outcasts from East Bengal this summer, Messi Bouli and Madih Talal, and the latter, who stole the spotlight with the most assists in the 2023-24 ISL season, will look to find lost rhythm in new colours.

For NorthEast United, star striker Alaaeddine Ajaraie is expected to lead the charge, while coach Juan Pedro Benali will hope his side can convert more chances than just the two in the previous match.

In the previous edition of the Super Cup, Jamshedpur had the last laugh against NorthEast United and won the quarter-final on penalties. Benali’s men will find the time to settle their scores on Thursday.

Published on October 28, 2025