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Odisha FC’s 2023-24 AFC Cup group stage campaign begins on Tuesday, September 19 as Sergio Lobera’s men will face Mohun Bagan Super Giant at home for a 7:30pm IST kick-off.
The Kalinga Warriors were last in competitive action against Gokulam Kerala FC in Calicut as both teams fought for a place in the AFC Cup group stage.
After securing a debut in one of Asia’s elite competitions, Sergio Lobera will be keen on starting strong against the Durand Cup 2023-24 winners.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant comes into this game after a title-winning Durand Cup 2023-24 campaign as they beat archrivals East Bengal FC in the finals at the Saltlake Stadium in Kolkata.
The Mariners reached the finals after coming from behind courtesy of Jason Cummings and Armando Sadiku against the Gaurs.
In the Durand Cup finals despite being down to 10 men, Mohun Bagan SG’s Dimitri Petratos drew first blood in the 71st minute which was enough for the Mariners to secure the win. Anirudh Thapa was brandished with a second yellow right at the hour mark.
Mohun Bagan SG will miss out on the services of Ashique Kuruniyan as the winger suffered a knee injury while on national team duty.
Sergio Lobera and the Odisha FC squad flew to Thailand for a three-week pre-season preparatory camp. Along the course of the pre-season tour, the Kalinga Warriors played four friendlies and were unbeaten till the end.
Coming back to Bhubaneswar, the squad has been busy preparing for the club’s debut in the AFC Cup. Cy Goddard was the last player to arrive and join the squad but the Spanish tactician is hopeful that Cy will be up for selection tonight.
The Kalinga Warriors will be motivated going into this game considering the fact they will be playing in front of home support. Sergio Lobera expressed at the pre-match press conference that the squad is not under pressure and is excited to play in front of the fans.
Odisha FC’s clash with Juan Ferrando’s side will be broadcasted live on Sports 18 and live-streamed on FanCode.
