The race for the summit of the Indian Super League,ISL 2025-26 is beginning to take shape as Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Jamshedpur FC prepare for crucial fixtures on Friday, March 6.
Both teams have made strong starts to the 2025–26 season and will look to continue their winning momentum in a bid to stay firmly in the race for the top spot in the standings. League leaders Mohun Bagan will take on Odisha FC at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, while Jamshedpur FC will host Inter Kashi FC later in the evening at the JRD Tata Sports Complex.
Both matches will be telecast live on Sony Sports Ten 2 and streamed on FanCode.
Mohun Bagan SG vs Odisha FC
Mohun Bagan Super Giant have started the season in impressive fashion and will aim to secure their fourth consecutive victory when they face Odisha FC in Kolkata. The Mariners currently sit at the top of the league table, showcasing both attacking flair and defensive discipline in their opening matches. However, head coach Sergio Lobera has warned his players against complacency ahead of the encounter.
Photo: Santanu Biswas /Focus Sports/ ISL
According to Lobera, football is unpredictable, and even though Mohun Bagan might appear favourites on paper, victory will depend entirely on their performance on the pitch.
He emphasised that maintaining absolute focus and showing respect to opponents will be crucial if the team wants to continue their winning streak. Historically, Mohun Bagan have enjoyed a strong record against Odisha FC. In their 13 previous ISL meetings, the Mariners have registered six wins, while six matches ended in draws. Odisha FC have managed just one victory in the fixture. Despite that record, Odisha will enter the match determined to challenge the league leaders.
The Bhubaneswar-based club has had a slow start to the season, opening their campaign with two consecutive draws. Their most recent outing ended in a 1–1 stalemate against Chennaiyin FC, where captain Carlos Delgado scored a crucial 68th-minute header to salvage a point. Currently sitting ninth in the standings with two points, Odisha will be eager to secure their first victory of the season.
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Head coach TG Purushothaman believes his team must show greater attacking intent if they are to turn competitive performances into wins. While he acknowledged improvements in defensive organisation, Purushothaman stressed that Odisha must become more decisive in the final third to convert opportunities.
Defender Thoiba Singh Moirangthem also expects a challenging contest against the league leaders. According to the centre-back, facing Mohun Bagan will test both Odisha’s midfield and defence, but the players are prepared for the challenge and view the match as an opportunity to prove themselves.
Later in the evening, attention shifts to Jamshedpur, where Jamshedpur FC will host newcomers Inter Kashi FC. The Men of Steel have enjoyed a remarkable start to the season, winning their first three matches and collecting nine points, leaving them second in the table behind Mohun Bagan only on goal difference.
Jamshedpur’s most recent victory came in dramatic fashion when they defeated East Bengal FC 2–1 in Kolkata. After trailing early in the match, the visitors staged a comeback with goals from Stephen Eze and Rei Tachikawa to secure all three points. Head coach Owen Coyle has credited the team’s discipline and work ethic for their strong start.
Coyle explained that success in football is not always about scoring multiple goals but about maintaining organisation, working hard, and ensuring results. He also cautioned his players against complacency, noting that overconfidence could prove costly against a determined Inter Kashi side.
Inter Kashi Looking to Build Momentum
Inter Kashi, making their debut in the ISL this season, have made a promising start to life in the league. The newcomers are currently sixth in the standings with five points, having secured two draws and one victory in their first three matches. Their breakthrough win came in an impressive performance against Kerala Blasters FC in Kochi, where they claimed their first-ever ISL victory.
Head coach Antonio Habas acknowledged that adapting to the pace and pressure of the ISL has been a challenge for the newly promoted side. However, Habas believes his squad is gradually finding its rhythm in the league.
He praised the professionalism and commitment of his players, highlighting the team’s defensive organisation and strong work ethic. According to Habas, Inter Kashi possess a young and determined squad capable of competing against established teams in the league.
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With Mohun Bagan and Jamshedpur both aiming to maintain their winning runs, Friday’s fixtures could play an important role in shaping the early stages of the ISL title race. Mohun Bagan will look to solidify their position at the top of the table, while Jamshedpur aim to continue their unbeaten start and potentially move into first place depending on results.
At the same time, Odisha FC and Inter Kashi will be determined to disrupt the ambitions of the league’s front runners. With four teams entering these matches with contrasting objectives, fans can expect an exciting evening of football in the Indian Super League.
