Gokulam Kerala FC vs Odisha FC: Three Key Battles

The one-off fixture to decide India’s direct entrant into the group stages of the AFC Cup.

The 2021-22 I-League champions Gokulam Kerala FC are set to face 2023 Hero Super Cup winners Odisha FC in a one-off playoff fixture on 29 April 2023 at the EMS Corporation Stadium in Kozhikode. The winner of this contest will take part in the 2023-24 AFC Cup group stages and get a chance to represent India on the continental stage.

Earlier, Mumbai City FC beat Jamshedpur FC in a playoff fixture to secure a direct berth in the AFC Champions League. In the other qualifying fixture for the AFC Cup preliminary stage, 2021-22 ISL winners Hyderabad FC are set to face 2022-23 ISL winners ATK Mohun Bagan. The outcome of these fixtures will fill the three Asian slots available to Indian clubs.

Focusing on the clash between the Kalinga Warriors and the Malabarians, there are plenty of key clashes that one must look out for when the teams step on the pitch on Saturday. Here is a look at the three key battles that could have an impact on the eventual outcome of the fixture.

Samuel Mensah Koney vs Carlos Delgado

Gokulam Kerala FC will hope that Samuel Mensah Koney can find the back of the net during the club’s clash with Odisha FC. The tall striker is good in a target-man role and can be dangerous inside the box in aerial duels. 

Carlos Delgado will be vital in keeping the Ghanaian striker in check. The centre-back was incredibly calm in pressure situations during the 2023 Super Cup that OFC won in the end. It will be interesting to see how the OFC centre-back pairing of Osama Malik and Delgado deal with Koney and Sergio Mendigutxia, who can be a good option from the bench considering his fitness.

Omar Ramos vs Victor Rodriguez

Omar Ramos is a vital player in the midfield for Gokulam Kerala FC. The Spaniard helps in initiating turnover of possession of the ball and keeps the ball moving from attack to defence fluently. The former Leganes player will aim to dominate the midfield but will face a stern challenge from an in-form Victor Rodriguez.

The Odisha FC midfielder was in exceptional form at the 2023 Super Cup, scoring a vital goal against Hyderabad FC in a 2-1 win in the group stage. Victor Rodriguez was crucial in winning the midfield battles for OFC in the Super Cup. The Spaniard can hurt GKFC and unlock their defence easily if he gets too much space in the goalmouth area.

Aminou Bouba vs Diego Mauricio

One of the most important battles during Gokulam Kerala FC and Odisha FC’s playoff fixture is between Aminou Bouba and Diego Mauricio. The latter won the Best Player award at the Super Cup with five goals, including a brace in the final. His performance in the final may decide the eventual outcome for OFC.

Aminou Bouba of GKFC needs to bring his A-game against Odisha FC on Saturday. He’ll need to command his backline well and monitor Mauricio’s movement, who likes to venture out on the flanks if there is no quality delivery of the ball in the middle.