In a thrilling round of matches in the Super Cup, Kerala Blasters solidified their position at the top of Group D following a commanding 3-0 victory over Sporting Club Delhi. Simultaneously, Rajasthan United FC made headlines with a stunning upset, defeating former champions Mumbai City 1-0, drastically altering the group dynamics.
Kerala Blasters’ Dominant Display
The Blasters showcased their strength as they raced to a decisive win against SC Delhi at Bambolim. Koldo Obieta starred in the first half, scoring twice within five minutes to set the tone for the match. Thingujam Singh capped off the performance with a spectacular bicycle kick, highlighting Kerala’s attacking prowess.
Match Highlights
- Goals: Koldo Obieta (18′, 23′), Thingujam Singh (34′)
- Location: Bambolim
- Match Result: Kerala Blasters 3 – 0 SC Delhi
Kerala started strong, nearly scoring in the fifth minute when a header from Adrian Luna hit the crossbar. They capitalized on their opportunities, with Obieta first finding the net in the 18th minute after a well-placed assist. Just five minutes later, he struck again, benefiting from a pass by Nihal Sudeesh after slipping through the Delhi defense with ease.
Rajasthan’s Historic Upset
In a surprising turn of events, Rajasthan United FC’s victory over Mumbai City has opened up the group, giving all participating teams a shot at qualification. Colombian striker Blandon Junior scored the match-winner in the 43rd minute, marking a significant achievement for Rajasthan, who are preparing for the I-League.
Match Highlights
- Goal: Blandon Junior (43′)
- Match Result: Rajasthan United FC 1 – 0 Mumbai City
Rajasthan’s coach, Vikrant Sharma, emphasized the importance of teamwork and strategy over individual skill. “We had a plan, and every player was assigned roles,” he stated, underlining the collective effort that led to this unexpected win.
Group D Standings and Next Steps
After the recent matches, the standings in Group D have become highly competitive. Kerala Blasters currently lead with a perfect record from two matches, while Rajasthan’s win places them in contention for a semifinal spot, alongside Mumbai City and SC Delhi.
- Current Group Standings:
- 1. Kerala Blasters – 6 points
- 2. Rajasthan United FC – 3 points
- 3. Mumbai City – 3 points
- 4. SC Delhi – 0 points
- Upcoming Matches:
- Kerala Blasters vs. Mumbai City – Need at least a draw to qualify.
- Rajasthan United FC aims to build on their momentum against a resilient opponent.
As the tournament progresses, every match holds significant stakes, with teams vying for a chance to advance. The competition in the Super Cup remains fierce, especially after Rajasthan’s remarkable upset and Kerala’s consistent performance.
