Odisha FC vs Mohun Bagan: Three Key Battles to influence AFC Cup tie

Mohun Bagan and Odisha FC will square off at the Kalinga Stadium on September 19.

Odisha FC and Mohun Bagan Super Giant are set to compete against each other in the AFC Cup encounter on September 19, 2023, at the Kalinga Stadium. This highly-anticipated encounter signifies the commencement of their campaign in Group D of South Zone.

Odisha FC has secured their position in the group stages of the 2023-24 AFC Cup by triumphing in the Super Cup 2023, defeating Gokulam Kerala in the playoffs. Conversely, Mohun Bagan SG staged an impressive comeback after being a goal down to defeat Abahani Dhaka in the AFC Cup playoff, following their earlier victory against Machhindra FC from Nepal in the preliminary stages.

Before this crucial encounter, let us examine the key players who possess the potential to significantly influence the outcome of the game.

3. Roy Krishna vs Anwar Ali

The recent addition of talismanic forward Roy Krishna to Odisha FC will undeniably pose a significant threat to their opponents in every match. Krishna is a highly esteemed Fijian football player who has built a reputable name for himself with his exceptional talents as a forward. Krishna gained prominence during his time playing for the Wellington Phoenix in the A-League, where he established himself as the club's all-time leading goal-scorer. His outstanding performances in the A-League earned him several accolades, including the prestigious Johnny Warren Medal for being the league's best player.

Countering him would be Anwar Ali, a player who has in recent years showcased remarkable reliability as a central defender. He has established himself as a notable presence in the national team as well, consistently delivering exceptional performances.

Beyond mere proficiency in defense, Ali demonstrates adeptness in strategic anticipation, enabling him to intercept passes and execute crucial tackles to effectively thwart adversary advances. Making his debut in the AFC Cup for Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Ali effortlessly showcased his worth, contributing with a splendid header to secure the lead and following it up with another exceptional headed flick for his side's third goal.

2. Amrinder Singh vs Hugo Boumous

The captain of Odisha FC will surely aim for a winning start to their AFC Cup campaign. The club is making its debut in the prestigious tournament. Amrinder Singh is an accomplished Indian goalkeeper, recognized for his outstanding performances in both domestic and international football. He also played a huge part in Odisha FC’s first qualification for the playoffs in the ISL.

Amrinder is known for his excellent shot-stopping abilities. He has quick reflexes and the agility needed to make crucial saves in one-on-one situations. He also has superb goal-stopping abilities from distance. When it comes to positioning, we can say Amrinder has truly mastered that skill.

Hugo Boumous is a highly skilled French-Moroccan midfielder who has demonstrated his exceptional footballing abilities across various leagues. Boumous rose to prominence in the realm of Indian football while representing FC Goa in the prestigious Indian Super League (ISL). His remarkable proficiency in dribbling, astute vision, and impressive playmaking skills positioned him as a pivotal figure within FC Goa's midfield.

He made his debut for Mohun Bagan during the inaugural match of the 2021–22 season against Kerala Blasters on 19th November, where he showcased his talent by netting two goals in a commendable 4–2 victory. With his midfield brilliance, Boumous consistently exhibits a proactive and innovative style of play, contributing significantly to creating goal-scoring opportunities for the team.

1. Diego Mauricio vs Anirudh Thapa

Diego Mauricio has displayed remarkable performances since joining Odisha FC. He was also honored with the Golden Boot in the ISL 2022–23 season. Mauricio possesses the skills to exploit narrow spaces and consistently find the back of the net. The Brazilian forward's physicality and positioning are standout attributes, proving to be a constant challenge for opposing defenders and disrupting their defensive structure. Mauricio is well-regarded for his exceptional goal-scoring ability, showcasing a natural talent to convert opportunities with precision, whether it be accurate strikes, headers, or swift reactions inside the penalty area.

Anirudh Thapa, after completing a prosperous period of seven years with Chennaiyin FC, made a notable transfer to Mohun Bagan Super Giant. Renowned for his exceptional passing prowess and game awareness, Thapa has emerged as a pivotal playmaker in midfield over the years. His unrivaled ability to execute both short and long-range passes with precision adds immense value to his team's offensive strategy.

Furthermore, his exceptional vision and adeptness in distributing the ball effectively facilitates the fluent buildup play of his team. Thapa's remarkable ball control skills deserve recognition, as he showcases the capability to receive the ball even under intense pressure while ensuring possession retention. Such qualities truly establish him as a formidable presence in the midfield and a persistent threat to opponents, capable of altering the course of the match at his team's best moments.