AIFF Super Cup 2025-26: Rajasthan United Eyes Miracle as Kerala Blasters, Mumbai City Collide in Group D Decider
AIFF Super Cup 2025-26: Rajasthan United Eyes Miracle as Kerala Blasters, Mumbai City Collide in Group D Decider
The AIFF Super Cup 2025-26 is heading for a thrilling Group D climax, with Rajasthan United, Kerala Blasters, and Mumbai City FC all still in contention for a semifinal spot. Rajasthan face an almost impossible task, while Kerala Blasters and Mumbai City are set for a high-stakes showdown later in the day.
AIFF Super Cup 2025-26 Rajasthan United’s Miracle Equation
Rajasthan United’s path to the semifinals is narrow and demanding. The I-League side must defeat Sporting Club Delhi by at least four goals and hope that Kerala Blasters lose 0–1 to Mumbai City FC. Only then can Rajasthan United complete what would be a true footballing miracle.
After being undone late in the second half against Kerala Blasters, Rajasthan bounced back impressively against Mumbai City, showing why the club reinstated Vikrant Sharma as head coach. Under Sharma — who guided Rajasthan to I-League promotion in 2021 — the team stunned the 2023-24 ISL Cup champions with a 1–0 victory.
As they prepare for their crucial clash at the GMC Athletic Stadium, Bambolim, Rajasthan will again rely on Colombian striker Robinson Blandon, while Pangambam Naoba Meitei’s sharp wing play remains a key attacking outlet.
Kerala Blasters and Mumbai City on Collision Course
In the other Group D fixture at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Margao, table-toppers Kerala Blasters face Mumbai City FC in a potential blockbuster that could decide both teams’ fates.
For the Blasters, anything but a loss guarantees progress to the semifinals. Their previous match ended in a commanding win over Delhi, while their last encounter with Mumbai — a 1–0 triumph — delayed the Islanders’ ISL playoff qualification last season.
This time, coach David Catala might start new signing Tiago Alves alongside Spanish forward Koldo Obieta, who has scored three goals so far — two from counterattacks. Meanwhile, Noah Sadaoui’s subdued form could see him benched, with Nihal Suheesh and Korou Singh Thingujam continuing on the flanks.
Mumbai City FC Seek Redemption
Mumbai City FC, on the other hand, need to win by at least two goals to secure a semifinal berth. Their campaign under Petr Kratky has been inconsistent, highlighted by a frustrating draw against Rajasthan where star forwards Jorge Pereyra Diaz and Jorge Ortiz were tightly marked.
Kratky’s goalkeeping switch from Phurba Lachenpa to T.P. Rehenesh backfired, but the Czech coach is expected to reinstate the 2023-24 ISL Golden Glove winner. Despite missing key players like Apuia Ralte and Rahul Bheke, the trio of Lallianzuala Chhangte, Ortiz, and Pereyra Diaz remains capable of producing match-winning moments.
Tactically, Kratky is likely to avoid the 4-4-2 formation, which Rajasthan exploited in their earlier meeting, instead opting for a compact midfield setup to contain Kerala’s counterattacking threat.
Stakes and Scenarios
Kerala Blasters: Need just a draw to qualify for the semifinals.
Mumbai City FC: Must win by two or more goals to advance.
Rajasthan United: Need a four-goal win and for Kerala to lose 0–1 — a near miracle scenario.
The AIFF Super Cup 2025-26 Group D has delivered tactical battles, drama, and unpredictability worthy of a knockout stage, with all eyes now on Margao and Bambolim for the decisive night of football.
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