As the much-awaited Super Cup semi-final between FC Goa and Mohun Bagan Super Giant approaches, the mood in the two camps couldn’t be more different.
Mohun Bagan, having already created history by clinching the League Shield and the ISL Cup in the same season, have little to prove. The players are relaxed, enjoying the tournament without the weight of expectations—a sentiment echoed repeatedly by their interim head coach, Bastab Roy. From the beginning of the Super Cup, he has stressed that this is an “exposure trip” for the youngsters, urging them to enjoy the game and make the most of the opportunity.
“We’re not thinking about being champions right now. Winning the first match was good because it gave us another opportunity. Obviously, it’s a semi-final, and if we win, we’ll think about the final. But for now, it’s about playing without pressure,” said Roy.
That carefree attitude translated well on the pitch in the quarter-final, where Mohun Bagan edged past Kerala Blasters. And going into the semi-final against FC Goa, Roy believes that remaining pressure-free could once again be their key strength.
“Nothing new,” he said on the eve of the game. “I’ve said it before—this is an exposure trip for the young boys, and the senior players are here to support them. For this semi-final, my message will be the same: enjoy the game. It can be a memorable day for them.”
In stark contrast, FC Goa are taking this tournament with full seriousness. Manolo Márquez’s team is hungry for silverware, especially since the Spanish tactician will be stepping down at the end of the tournament to focus solely on Indian National team Duties. The players are determined to give their coach a fitting farewell by lifting the trophy.
FC Goa cruised past Gokulam Kerala 3-0 in the group stage and then sealed a dramatic last-minute win in the quarter-final to book their semi-final spot. Mohun Bagan, meanwhile, entered directly into the quarter-finals via a first-round bye, where they defeated Kerala Blasters.
Like the previous game, Mohun Bagan will be at a disadvantage in terms of foreign players. They are expected to field just one overseas player—Nuno Reis—while FC Goa will utilize all of their five overseas footballers. But as seen in the last game, Mohun Bagan’s domestic talent is top-tier, something even Manolo Márquez acknowledged in the pre-match press conference.
“Yes, foreigners are important, but it doesn’t make much of a difference when you look at the Indian players Mohun Bagan has. Most of them are top-level. It will definitely be a tough match—for both teams,” said Manolo.
However, FC Goa will pose a tougher challenge than Kerala Blasters. With a solid defence led by Sandesh Jhingan and Odei Onaindia, a reliable holding midfielder in Carl McHugh, and creative threats like Borja Herrera and Iker Guarrotxena—who scored a hat-trick against Gokulam—they have a balanced and dangerous side.
“FC Goa are, without a doubt, a stronger and better team than Kerala Blasters. My job won’t be easy,” Mohun Bagan head coach admitted. “But my players are focused and ready.”
Players to Watch Out For
For Mohun Bagan, once again the Kerala duo of Sahal Abdul Samad and Ashique Kuruniyan will be key. Both were a constant menace in the previous game—Sahal scored a stunning goal while Ashique provided the assist for the second.
For FC Goa, their attack revolves heavily around Spanish midfielder Herrera. He constantly roams around the opposition box, excels in key passes, and is clinical with his finishing inside the area.