After qualifying for the knockout stages in their maiden appearance, Odisha FC will face the winners of the ASEAN Zone playoffs in the Inter Zone Semifinal. The ISL club will face either Central Coast Mariners FC (Australia), Phnom Penh Crown FC (Cambodia), Macarthur FC (Australia) or Sabah FC (Malaysia) in their clash.
The Kalinga Warriors defeated Bangladeshi side Bashundhara Kings to qualify for the knockout stages after winning Group D, emerging as the winners of the South Zone.
Odisha FC face uphill battle in AFC Cup Inter Zone playoff
All four teams in the ASEAN Zone playoffs present a tough challenge for Odisha FC, who are debuting in continental football. But under Sergio Lobera, they have shown remarkable composure to do well both domestically and in the AFC Cup.
If they can win the Inter Zone Semifinal, they will qualify for the Inter Zone final, which will then lead to the AFC Cup final. However, considering the quality of teams involved, it will be a very tough challenge.
The first leg of the Inter Zone Semifinal will be hosted by the ASEAN Zone champion on March 6 or 7. The return leg of the fixture will be played at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on March 13 or 14.
It will now be interesting to see whether Odisha FC invests in their squad during the January transfer window ahead of the massive fixture, so that they can have a better chance at qualifying.
