Kalinga Super Cup 2025: Inter Kashi Shock Bengaluru FC in Penalty Shootout to Qualify for Quarterfinals

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Kalinga Super Cup 2025: Bhubaneswar witnessed a classic cup upset as Inter Kashi knocked out Indian Super League heavyweights Bengaluru FC in a dramatic penalty shootout, winning 5-3 after a gripping 1-1 draw in regulation time. Nikola Stojanovic held his nerve to slot home the winning penalty after Alberto Noguera's costly miss proved decisive.

The match began with both sides exercising caution, testing each other's defensive setups. Inter Kashi came closest in the first half when Prasanth Karuthadathkuni's effort hit the post following an excellent pressing move.

Bengaluru gradually began to dominate possession, probing through the wings, especially via Ryan Williams and Namgyal Bhutia. Despite their control, the ISL side couldn't find a breakthrough in the opening 45 minutes as Inter Kashi maintained defensive discipline.

The second half opened with urgency from both ends. Gurpreet Singh Sandhu was called into action early, pulling off fingertip saves to deny a deflected header from Edmund and a curling free-kick from Stojanovic. The match seemed to tilt Bengaluru's way in the 62nd minute when Ryan Williams capitalised on a misjudged charge from Kashi goalkeeper Shubham Das. Alberto Noguera delivered a precise long ball, and Williams coolly beat the stranded keeper to slot into an open net.

As the ISL side pushed for a second goal, Inter Kashi reshuffled their tactics. A triple substitution injected fresh legs and belief. The impact was instant. In the 88th minute, Matija Babovic stunned Bengaluru with a deft backheel flick at the near post following a slick move from the left. Gurpreet, normally rock-solid, was caught off-guard. The goal levelled the tie and forced a penalty shootout, as the tournament rules dictated no extra time.

The shootout was a test of nerves. Matija Babovic opened for Kashi and converted. Jorge Pereyra Diaz responded for BFC. Both sides traded blows, with Bijoy and Ryan Williams keeping things even. But the pressure mounted when David Humanez scored a cheeky Panenka, and Alberto Noguera stepped up-only to miss. Aritra Das made no mistake for Kashi, and although Sunil Chhetri converted for BFC to keep their hopes alive, it all came down to Gurpreet needing a save. He couldn't deliver.

Nikola Stojanovic stepped up and slotted past India's No. 1 goalkeeper, sealing a famous win for Inter Kashi and sending shockwaves through the tournament.

The result is monumental for Inter Kashi, underlining their giant-killing credentials as they enter the quarterfinals with momentum. For Bengaluru FC, it marks a bitter end to a campaign that had promised much. Despite their experience and depth, the ISL finalists fell short when it mattered most, undone by Kashi's belief, tactical bravery, and composure under pressure.

This win will go down in history for the I-League outfit, not just for the result, but for the way they earned it-with guts, grit, and the grace to finish the job when the moment arrived.