Mumbai City FC powered into the quarterfinals of the Kalinga Super Cup 2025 with a commanding 4-0 victory over Chennaiyin FC in their round-of-16 clash at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneshwar on Wednesday.
Despite the scoreline, the contest was far more intense than it suggests. The Marina Machans started brightly, pressing hard and creating early chances. A last-ditch tackle by Mumbai defender Elsinho right after kickoff set the tone for a frenetic opening, followed by fervent Chennaiyin appeals for a penalty, which the referee waved away.
Mumbai weathered the early storm and struck first just before the break. Nikolaos Karelis broke the deadlock in the 43rd minute, heading home from close range to give the Islanders a 1-0 lead at halftime.
Chennaiyin came out firing in the second half, and nearly equalised in the 48th minute. Lucas Brambilla and Jordan Gill had successive shots cleared off the line in a frantic goalmouth scramble. The intensity continued as Irfan tested Mumbai’s keeper with a sharp header and Jordan Gill attempted a spectacular overhead kick that sailed just over.
Yet for all their attacking intent, Chennaiyin were repeatedly denied, including another penalty shout at the hour mark that fell on deaf ears. Mumbai capitalised on the missed opportunities.
Against the run of play, Lallianzuala Chhangte doubled the lead, netting with a well-timed finish to swing momentum firmly in Mumbai’s favour. The 27-year-old forward wasn’t done, scoring again late in the match to make it 3-0 and put the game beyond reach.
Bipin Singh added gloss to the scoreline with a fourth goal in the dying minutes, rounding off a clinical display from the Islanders.
For Chennaiyin, the defeat marked a harsh lesson in missed opportunities and defensive lapses. Despite their effort and energy, they were left to rue their inability to convert chances and the two key penalty decisions that went against them.
Mumbai City FC, on the other hand, showcased their attacking depth and composure under pressure, setting up a confident path towards the tournament’s latter stages.
