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After winning two back-to-back games against Bengaluru FC and SC East Bengal, Odisha FC succumbed to a 1-2 defeat against Kerala Blasters last Sunday. However, the spirits in the Kalinga Warriors’ camp are high and they are all set to take on the Guwahati-based NorthEast United FC on Friday. Odisha FC has got six points from three matches while NorthEast United FC has managed only four with one win and one draw from four games.
Nikhil Raj’s maiden ISL goal on debut was the highlight for Odisha FC in the previous game. After a score of 0-0 at half-time, Kerala Blasters had dominated the second half. However, the Juggernauts know how to approach the game against the Highlanders and Coach Kiko Ramirez’s boys will come out all guns blazing on Friday.
Jonathas De Jesus had to miss out on the last game but now when he comes back it will be a deadly combination for any opposition. Odisha FC will bank on the skills of players like Javi Hernandez, Hector Rodas, and Aridai Cabrera to deliver the goods in the next game. A lot remains to be seen when it comes to the Indian players in the side. Young Mizo lad Isaka Ralte has impressed one and all with his performance and custodian Kamaljit Singh has been good under the bars.
“It’s true that we didn’t start very well but at the end of the first half we had clear chances and also at the beginning of the second half to take the lead but we couldn’t convert it. In the best moment of the match for the team, we conceded a goal because we’re not focussed and they beat us with a through ball. For the second goal there must be some fair play. If it’s a bouncing ball you must act in a different way,” Coach Kiko had commented after the loss against Kerala Blasters.
In the previous season, the two teams had met on two occasions with NorthEast United FC winning the second leg by 3-1 goals while the first match had ended in a draw. With stats in favour of the opponents, Odisha FC will try to leave the history behind and get back to winning ways against Khalid Jamil’s team.
