ISL Media Team

KOLKATA: A tactical evening awaits as Mohun Bagan Super Giant host Odisha FC in a crucial match of AFC Cup.

Mohun Bagan Super Giant will host Odisha FC in the reverse fixture of the AFC Cup at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on November 27.

On September 19, when both sides last met in the continental event, Odisha FC faced a heavy 4-0 defeat at their home. Mourtada Fall’s red card seemed to be the defining factor, as Dimitri Petratos, Sahal Abdul Samad, and Liston Colaco put their names on the scoresheet to hand the Juggernauts a big margin defeat. But this time, Sergio Lobera’s men will be eyeing revenge, while the Mariners will be in search of next-round qualification.

The scenes are completely different for both teams, as Odisha FC clinched the maximum points in their last two AFC Cup games, whereas Mohun Bagan Super Giant failed to get a win. Also, injury problems could be a matter of anxiety for Juan Ferrando, as Petratos, Manvir Singh, Anwar Ali, and Ashique Kuruniyan will be unavailable for the game.

Mohn Bagan Super Giant shared spoils against Bashundhara Kings despite taking the lead twice in their home game before narrowly losing to them in an away fixture. Losing points now makes the qualification a little complicated for them, as they lost Group D’s top spot to Bashundhara Kings. But the Mariners will be determined to get back on the winning track by securing all three points against Odisha FC, as their eyes are fixed on the qualification.

On the other hand, Odisha FC defeated Maziya S&RC in both home and away fixtures in high-scoring thrillers. In the last two AFC Cup games, they scored nine goals, which will motivate them before facing the Mariners. With back-to-back wins, Odisha FC have also found their momentum after facing two initial defeats, which placed them just behind Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the points table.

Odisha FC head coach Sergio Lobera praised his opponent during the pre-match press conference and also shared that his team is very excited to face Mohun Bagan Super Giant. Speaking in this context, Lobera said,

“I think that we are very excited about this.”

“I think they have a very good team, even during injuries and suspensions. Hopefully, we can play against them with 11 players. Because in the first game, it was difficult for us in the second half. We competed very well against them with 11 players in the first half. And in the second half with 10 players it was very difficult for us. I told you before, is a good opportunity for us to show everyone we are ready for this kind of challenge,” he added.

Form Guide:

Mohun Bagan Super Giant - W W D L (AFC Cup)

Mohun Bagan Super Giant started their campaign well with two wins against Odisha FC and Maziya S&RC. Dropping points against Bashundhara Kings may have broken their momentum, but the Mariners will be eyeing a win against their fellow ISL outfit, Odisha FC.

Odisha FC – L L W W (AFC Cup)

Odisha FC recovered from their opening defeats with back-to-back wins against Maziya S&RC. Lobera’s men will look to continue their form to qualify for the next round.

Key Players

Mohun Bagan Super Giant

Jason Cummings

In the absence of his fellow striking partner Petratos, all eyes will be on Cummings for the Odisha FC match. Since joining the Mariners this season, Cummings has been in good form, showing his goalscoring abilities. The Aussie striker, who already scored two goals in the tournament, is going to lead his team’s attacking line in the crucial game.

Odisha FC

Diego Mauricio

The Brazilian show-stealer never fails to entertain with his goalscoring prowess. Diego Mauricio, who proved himself as the matchwinner for his club, is also in good form, scoring two goals in the tournament.

Head-to-Head Record

Both teams have faced each other eight times before, with Mohun Baga Super Giant winning five, but three of them ended in draws. In their last face-off, Mohun Bagan SG emerged as the winner with a 4-0 scoreline.

Match Timings and Telecast Details

Match: Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs Odisha FC

Date: September 27, 2023

Venue: Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata

Kick-off time: 7:30 pm IST

Online streaming: Sports18 1 and Fancode app