Teams Eye Lone Asian Slot As East Bengal Face Kerala Blasters In Super Cup Opener

Defending champions East Bengal face Kerala Blasters FC in the opening match of the Kalinga Super Cup on Sunday, with 15 teams vying for the trophy and a lone slot available for next season's AFC Champions League 2. Unlike the last two years, when the tournament witnessed a group stage followed by semi-finals, this season will be played in a knockout format like in 2018 and 2019, meaning every game is a do-or-die affair. Last year, East Bengal FC snatched the silverware, defeating Odisha FC 3-2 after a thrilling period of extra-time in the final.

The Red and Gold brigade ended their 12-year wait for a national trophy, and are out to defend their crown on the same pitch.

East Bengal are no strangers to defending cup titles, having won back-to-back Federation Cups in 2009-10 and 2010, while Kerala Blasters are seeking their first-ever trophy at the national level.

Both sides had underwhelming Indian Super League campaigns, ending in ninth and eighth place respectively, and this tournament presents them with a shot at glory. The winner of this clash will face Mohun Bagan Super Giant, who received a bye after I-League side Churchill Brothers' withdrawal, in the first quarter-final on April 26.

On April 21, another ISL side FC Goa, champions from 2019, will take on Gokulam Kerala FC in an inter-league showdown.

The Gaurs couldn't make it past the group stage in the last two editions and will be eager to not only win the trophy again, but also mark a return to the continental stage for the second time after the 2021 AFC Champions League.

Gokulam Kerala are also eyeing a second Asian campaign after the 2022 AFC Cup, but the Malabarians have never gone past the round of 16 of the Kalinga Super Cup. They finished without a win in