Inter Kashi Stuns Bengaluru FC In Kalinga Super Cup Clash
I-League side Inter Kashi stunned Indian Super League Cup runner-up Bengaluru FC, knocking it out of Kalinga Super Cup 2025, at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday.
In one of the most thrilling upsets of the 2025 Kalinga Super Cup so far, I-League side Inter Kashi knocked Indian Super League (ISL) Cup runners-up Bengaluru FC out of the tournament with a nail-biting 5-3 win on penalties at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar. The result not only stunned Indian football circles but also highlighted the growing competitive depth between the I-League and the ISL.
Billed as underdogs, Inter Kashi defied expectations with a spirited and tactically disciplined performance. The team, which finished second in the I-League this season, came into the fixture with nothing to lose and everything to prove. They will now face Mumbai City FC—who dispatched Chennaiyin FC earlier—in their next Super Cup fixture on April 23.
Bright Start from the Underdogs
Right from kickoff, Inter Kashi showcased their intent. Unlike many lower-tier teams that sit deep and absorb pressure, Kashi took the game to Bengaluru, pressing high and creating chances early. In the 15th minute, Edmund Lalrindika carved open Bengaluru’s defense, attracting three defenders before threading a clever through-ball to Prasanth K. The winger’s incisive run took him one-on-one with Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, but his effort cannoned off the post—a let-off for the Blues.
Edmund continued to torment the ISL side, almost scoring himself minutes later when he controlled a high ball in the box but dragged his shot narrowly wide. Kashi’s attacking approach disrupted Bengaluru’s rhythm, forcing Simon Grayson’s side into a reactive posture during the first half.
Bengaluru Strike, But Kashi Hit Back Late
Bengaluru gradually grew into the game and started to assert control in the second half. Their breakthrough came in the 62nd minute. A long ball from Alberto Noguera tempted Kashi goalkeeper Shubham Dhas off his line, but a miscalculation allowed Ryan Williams to pounce. The Australian calmly brought the ball down and slotted it home to give the ISL giants a 1-0 lead.
It seemed Bengaluru would see the game out, but Inter Kashi had other ideas. In the 87th minute, Serbian forward Matija Babovic produced a moment of brilliance, flicking the ball past Gurpreet Singh Sandhu at the near post to level the score. The late equalizer forced a penalty shootout, setting the stage for high drama.
Shubham Dhas the Hero in Shootout
The shootout was tense and tightly contested, with both sides converting their penalties efficiently. The pivotal moment came when Shubham Dhas, making amends for his earlier error, guessed correctly to deny Noguera—Bengaluru’s creative engine—from the spot. Inter Kashi converted all five of their penalties, booking their spot in the quarterfinals with a 5-3 win.
Tactical Brilliance and Mental Fortitude
What stood out in Inter Kashi’s performance was their tactical maturity. Head coach Carlos Santamarina set up his side to be aggressive in attack but also compact in transition. Edmund Lalrindika and Prasanth K’s movement off the ball stretched Bengaluru’s backline, while Babovic’s presence up front gave them a direct threat. Defensively, they stayed organized and disciplined, closing spaces effectively and limiting clear-cut chances.
For Bengaluru, the loss raises questions about squad rotation and mental sharpness. Despite dominating possession in spells, they struggled to break down Kashi’s defensive block and paid the price for failing to finish the job.
This win is more than just a cup upset—it’s a statement. Inter Kashi’s progression to the final eight underscores the potential and quality present in the I-League, while also serving a wake-up call to established ISL sides. With momentum and belief on their side, Kashi will head into their clash with Mumbai City FC with growing confidence and a nothing-to-lose attitude.
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