The Kalinga Warriors return to AFC Cup action against Maziya S&RC in Maldives this afternoon, with the clubs second away trip of the competition.
Sergio Lobera’s Odisha FC got back to winning ways with two consecutive wins at home against Bengaluru FC and NorthEast United FC and the boss is looking to replicate something similar in Maldives.
Odisha FC beat Maziya 6-1 at home when both these sides last met in Bhubaneswar.
Mourtada Fall was unavailable for the last two league games for Odisha FC as he missed out on the games against Bengaluru FC and NorthEast United FC.
The boss provided an update on the Senegalese’s situation, “Fall had some problems but hopefully, we can recover the player as soon as possible. I don’t think it is very serious and hopefully, he will be available for the next game.”
The clean sheet against the Highlanders will act as a big confidence booster for the Kalinga Warriors going into the game this afternoon. The Odisha FC backline which included captain Carlos Delgado, Narender Gahlot, Amey Ranawade, and Jerry Lalrinzuala put on an impressive defensive display in the last game.
Amrinder Singh will be motivated as well to clinch his first clean sheet in the AFC Cup based on his performance in the last game against NorthEast United FC.
The club from Maldives has established itself as one of the top teams from that region. They earned promotion to the Dhivehi Premier League in 2006, won the league thrice, and the Maldives FA Cup twice.
Maziya will be looking to shrug off the loss against Odisha FC in the reverse fixture and come out all guns blazing when they take on Sergio Lobera’s side in front of their home support.
The match will be broadcast on Sports18 and live-streamed on FanCode. Kick-off is scheduled at 15:30 IST and 15:00 MVT.