The second edition of the Hero Super Cup is just a day away and the Islanders are in Bhubaneshwar to face Chennaiyin FC in the opening Round of 16 fixture here at the Kalinga Stadium tomorrow at 8.30pm.
The Islanders confirmed their spot in the main draw of the 2019 Hero Super Cup after finishing third in the 2018-19 Hero ISL league table. A forgettable semifinal followed, but the 16-team cup competition offers another shot at silverware for Jorge Costa and the boys.
League champions in 2017-18, Chennaiyin FC endured a highly contrasting title defence in 2018-19 where they finished 10th and last in the league table, breaking some unwanted records in the process including the lowest finish by a defending champion.
John Gregory, who has confirmed his departure at the end of the current season, recently led the Marina Machans into the group stage of their AFC Cup campaign after an aggregate 1-0 win against Colombo FC in a qualifier and will certainly look at the Super Cup as a chance to bow out on a high.
Where to watch it:
The game will kick off at 7.30pm IST and will be broadcast on the Star Sports Network, Hotstar and Jio TV for all viewers in India. For our global fans, you can find your broadcaster HERE. You can also follow live action on our official Twitter account - @MumbaiCityFC.
Team News:
The Islanders have announced their full squad for the 2019 Hero Super Cup, including First Team call-ups for Md Kaif Khan and Nakul Shelke from the u18 side. Jorge Costa has confirmed that Lucian Goian will be the only foreigner in the squad that will be on the flight to Bhubaneshwar.
Chennaiyin FC have confirmed that midfielder Dhanpal Ganesh will return to the squad tomorrow after missing the entirety of the season so far with a knee injury. The Machans will also have Srinivias Pandiyan available for selection who returned from his loan spell with I League champions Chennai City FC.
Who said what:
Jorge Costa: Everybody will see a different Mumbai City FC tomorrow, one which will be fighting to go as far as possible in the tournament.
Amrinder Singh: Under Jorge Costa, we’re like a family. Our spirits are high and we’re focused for the Super Cup.
