KOCHI: Even as the controversy surrounding Kerala Blasters’ controversial exit from Indian Super League against Bengaluru FC continues to rage, the two teams are set to cross swords yet again next month.
Both Blasters and BFC have been drawn in the same pool in the Super Cup matches that will be held in Kerala in April. The two teams will clash at the EMS Corporation Stadium, Kozhikode on April 16. The other team in Group A is I-League winner Roundglass Punjab FC while the fourth team will be the winner of the first qualifier.
The qualifiers will begin on April 3 while the tournament proper will start on April 8. The EMS Corporation Stadium, Kozhikode will host Group A and Group C matches while Payyanad Stadium, Manjeri in Malappuram will stage Group B and Group D matches. The qualifiers, semifinals and the final will be held at Kozhikode. The semifinals will be held on April 21 and 22. The final is scheduled to be held on April 25.
All I-league teams, except winners Roundglass Punjab, will have to play the qualifiers with bottom-placed teams Kenkre FC and Sudeva Delhi having to play in the playoffs to enter the qualifiers. Gokulam Kerala FC will play their qualifiers either on April 5 or April 6 depending on where they will finish in I-League standings.
The Super Cup winners will play last year’s I-league champions Gokulam Kerala FC for a spot in the AFC Cup 2023-24. However, if Gokulam Kerala emerges as champions in the Super Cup, it will get the automatic qualification spot for the group stage of the continental tournament.
Groups: Group A: Bengaluru FC, Kerala Blasters, Roundglass Punjab, Q1
