Kalinga Super Cup: Chhangte’s Magic, Jamshedpur’s Steel, and Ajaraie’s Hat-trick Headline Round of 16 Blitz!

by Chittu Shetty April 25, 2025

From Lallianzuala Chhangte’s dazzling captain’s display for a vengeful Mumbai City to Alaeddine Ajaraie’s sensational hat-trick in NorthEast United’s emphatic victory, and Jamshedpur FC’s composed dismantling of Hyderabad, the knockout stage has ignited with thrilling football action in Bhubaneswar.

Chhangte’s Brilliance Propels Mumbai City FC Past Chennaiyin FC in 4-0 Thrashing

Mumbai City FC roared back from their ISL playoff disappointment in stunning fashion, dismantling Chennaiyin FC 4-0 in a commanding Round of 16 display. Captain Lallianzuala Chhangte led from the front with a mesmerizing brace.

After a lively opening, it was Nikolaos Karelis who broke the deadlock for Mumbai City just before halftime, nodding home a loose ball from a corner. The floodgates opened in the second half, with Chhangte taking center stage. In the 64th minute, he tapped in a Karelis cross to double the lead, before showcasing individual brilliance in the 86th minute, curling a sublime left-footed shot into the net after a delightful pass from Jorge Ortiz. Substitute Bipin Singh added the icing on the cake in the final minute, slotting home after a clever pass from the electric Chhangte.

Despite a disallowed penalty shout for Chennaiyin in the first half and a goal-line clearance denying them a potential equalizer, Mumbai City’s attack proved too much to handle. Lallianzuala Chhangte’s stellar performance earned him the Kalinga Player of the Match award.

Clinical Jamshedpur FC Cruise Past Hyderabad FC 2-0

Jamshedpur FC continued their impressive form, securing a comfortable 2-0 victory over a struggling Hyderabad FC to advance to the Kalinga Super Cup quarterfinals. Goals from Javier Siverio and Stephen Eze sealed a deserved win for the Men of Steel.  

Jamshedpur controlled the game from the outset, with their attacking trio of Murray, Hernandez, and Siverio posing a constant threat. The breakthrough arrived in the 39th minute when Siverio calmly converted a penalty after Ashutosh Mehta was brought down in the box.

The second half saw Jamshedpur maintain their dominance. In the 64th minute, Jordan Murray teed up Stephen Eze, who made no mistake from close range to double the lead. Hyderabad struggled to create meaningful chances, and Jamshedpur’s solid defense ensured a smooth passage to the next round. Javier Hernandez was recognized for his influential performance with the Kalinga Player of the Match award.

Ajaraie Hat-trick Leads NorthEast United’s 6-0 Demolition of Mohammedan Sporting  

NorthEast United FC delivered a stunning statement of intent with a ruthless 6-0 thrashing of Mohammedan Sporting, securing their place in the Kalinga Super Cup quarterfinals in emphatic fashion. Moroccan striker Alaeddine Ajaraie stole the show with a sensational hat-trick.  

Jithin MS set the tone early, capitalizing on defensive errors to score in the third minute. Ajaraie then took over, scoring his first in the 18th minute with a brilliant solo effort. Nestor Albiach Roger added a third before halftime, and Ajaraie struck again just before the hour mark. Guillermo Fernandez Hierro further compounded Mohammedan’s misery, before Ajaraie completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot in added time.

Mohammedan Sporting offered glimpses of threat but were ultimately overwhelmed by NorthEast United’s clinical attack. Alaeddine Ajaraie’s four-goal involvement earned him the Kalinga Player of the Match award, as NorthEast United announced themselves as serious contenders in the tournament.

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