The Kalinga Super Cup 2025, a prestigious tournament featuring clubs from both the Indian Super League (ISL) and the I-League, is set to take place from April 20 to May 3, 2025, at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Although Churchill Brothers FC has withdrawn, the tournament will still boast a competitive lineup of 15 Indian clubs, including all ISL teams as well as Inter Kashi FC and Gokulam Kerala FC from the I-League.
In football, forwards play a pivotal role. Positioned closest to the opposition goal, they are tasked with fulfilling the game’s ultimate objective scoring goals. But their responsibilities go beyond just finishing chances. Forwards often initiate attacks, create opportunities through clever movement and skill, disrupt opposing defenses with their pressing, and serve as vital links in maintaining possession and advancing play.
Iker Guarrotxena (FC Goa)
Kalinga Super Cup 2025: Iker Guarrotxena Shines as FC Goa Knock Out Gokulam Kerala FC Iker Guarrotxena has quickly become a key figure for FC Goa under the guidance of Manolo Marquez, following his summer arrival on a free transfer. With 21 appearances this season, the Spanish striker has been a constant offensive threat, netting seven goals and providing three assists.
In the opening match of the Kalinga Super Cup 2025, a Round of 16 clash against Gokulam Kerala FC, Guarrotxena delivered a standout performance, scoring a hat-trick and leading FC Goa to a 3-0 victory, propelling them into the semi-finals.
Jesus Jiminez (Kerala Blasters FC)
Jesus Jiminez has been a potent attacking force for Kerala Blasters FC, registering 11 goals in 18 appearances this season. In addition to his goal-scoring prowess, he has created 17 chances for his teammates, showcasing his playmaking abilities. With a conversion rate of 28.21% from 19 shots on target, Jiminez has proven to be clinical in front of goal. His 79% passing accuracy further highlights his overall contribution. As Kerala Blasters FC prepare for their Super Cup match against East Bengal FC, Jiminez will be crucial in both scoring and setting up goals for his team.
Irfan Yadwad (Chennaiyin FC)
Chennaiyin FC’s young forward, Irfan Yadwad, made a significant impact in the recently concluded ISL season. In 24 appearances, he scored five goals, assisted four, completed 240 successful passes, and created 20 chances. His physicality and work rate were evident in his 189 duels won, and he recorded 16 shots on target. Yadwad’s standout performance came in a match against Jamshedpur FC, where he scored a goal and provided two assists. With this impressive record, he became the second youngest Indian player to score five or more goals in a single ISL season, following in the footsteps of Brison Fernandes.
Alaaeddine Ajaraie (NorthEast United FC)
Alaaeddine Ajaraie has been the driving force behind NorthEast United FC’s attack this season. After a solid showing in the 2024 Durand Cup, where he contributed three goals and two assists in five matches, the Moroccan striker has been a standout in the 2024-25 ISL season, scoring 23 goals and adding seven assists in 24 appearances. Despite NorthEast United’s early exit from the playoffs, Ajaraie’s form makes him a key player for the Highlanders in the Kalinga Super Cup 2025, where he will be looking to lead the team to success against Mohammedan SC.
Sunil Chhetri (Bengaluru FC)
Sunil Chhetri continues to defy age, delivering stellar performances for Bengaluru FC in the ISL. The 40-year-old forward contributed to 21 goals in 33 appearances this season, including 14 goals, making him the top Indian goal-scorer in the league. Chhetri’s consistent form has made him one of the most formidable players in Indian football, and he will be key to Bengaluru FC’s chances in the Kalinga Super Cup 2025. As they prepare for a clash against I-League side Inter Kashi FC, Chhetri’s experience, tactical awareness, and goal-scoring ability will make him a player opponents cannot afford to underestimate.
