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In a powerful tribute to national grief, Bengaluru FC wore black armbands during their Kalinga Super Cup clash against Inter Kashi on April 23, 2025. This gesture came in the wake of the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of at least 26 people, mostly tourists. Before kickoff, a minute’s silence was observed at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, honoring the victims. Bengaluru FC's act of remembrance underscored the unifying role of football, demonstrating how sport can offer moments of collective mourning and resilience in the face of tragedy.
The match that followed this emotional tribute was just as dramatic. Inter Kashi, the I-League underdogs, stunned Bengaluru FC by eliminating them from the tournament. Although Bengaluru broke the deadlock after what a truly frustrating first half, in the 61st minute, courtesy of Ryan Dale Williams, Inter Kashi equalized in the dying moments with a chipped goal from Matija Babovic in the 87th minute.
Inter Kashi progresses to quarter-finals of Kalinga Super Cup
With no further goals in regulation time, the match headed into a penalty shootout. Inter Kashi kept their nerves and slotted home all five of their spot-kicks. Bengaluru FC faltered once, and Inter Kashi’s goalkeeper Shubham Das made a decisive save to seal a 5-3 shootout win. It was a landmark victory for Inter Kashi, not only for eliminating a heavyweight like Bengaluru FC but also for advancing to the quarterfinals of a major national competition; a sign of the growing competitiveness of I-League clubs on the big stage.
Looking ahead, the 2025 Kalinga Super Cup continues with high-stakes quarterfinal fixtures. On April 26, Kerala Blasters FC will face Mohun Bagan Super Giant, while FC Goa takes on Punjab FC. April 27 features two more exciting ties, including Inter Kashi’s quarterfinal clash and another between the winners of NorthEast United FC and Mohammedan SC and Jamshedpur FC and Hyderabad FC. The semi-finals are set for April 30, followed by the grand finale on May 3.
