The AFC Cup Inter-Zonal semifinal is set to witness an enthralling face-off as Odisha FC, representing the Indian Super League, squares off against Australia’s Central Coast Mariners this Thursday. The Indian side faces a challenging task, having had limited time to adjust to the Australian environment and recover from their recent match in Chennai, which could affect their performance.
Odisha FC’s head coach, Sergio Lobera, has openly criticized the ISL for its inflexibility regarding the scheduling, emphasizing that his team’s participation in the AFC Cup is a matter of pride not only for the club but for the entire league and nation. Despite the hurdles, Odisha FC’s path to the knockout stages has been impressive, highlighting their fighting spirit and tactical prowess.
Odisha FC underdogs against Central Coast Mariners
Their opponents, Central Coast Mariners, have shown exceptional form in both the AFC Cup and the A-League, positioning them as strong contenders in the upcoming match. The Mariners have seamlessly advanced through the competition stages, demonstrating their strength and consistency as a team. hey are currently second in the A-League, three points behind leaders Wellington Phoenix.
This upcoming match is anticipated to be a showcase of key talents from both teams, with players like Diego Mauricio and Roy Krishna from Odisha, and Angel Torres and Ronald Barcellos from Central Coast, expected to make significant impacts. The encounter is set to be a captivating display of football, underscoring the teams’ strategic acumen, individual player skills, and the sheer determination to advance in the AFC Cup.
For Odisha, Krishna has scored 14 and Mauricio 13 in all competitions this season. In addition, Fall has eight goals in all competitions as well. Lobera is an attack-minded head coach, and there’s no reason to believe his side will set up in any other way. So having game-changers across the pitch is critical.
When, where and how to watch
The match will kick off at 1:30 PM IST, and will be available to stream on the Fancode App and Sports 18HD.
