AFC Cup: Three key battles to watch out for Maziya S&RC vs Odisha FC tie

Published at :November 7, 2023 at 2:01 AM

Modified at :November 7, 2023 at 2:02 AM

In the last clash between the two sides, Odisha won by five goals

Maziya S&RC is set to face Odisha FC in the 2023-24 AFC Cup on 7 November 2023. The Group D clash is expected to be full of entertainment as the last meeting between the clubs saw the Indian Super League outfit win by a 6-1 score line.

It was a one-sided contest between the sides but things may be different in the upcoming game. Maziya S&RC have one win and two defeats from their three games in Group D, having lost to Mohun Bagan SG and Odisha FC after winning against Bashundhara Kings in the opening fixture.

The Kalinga Warriors decimated the outfit from the Maldives. They enter the fixture on 7 November as favourites yet again. However, the hosts will hope to learn from the previous game and cause an upset when the sides take to the pitch. On that note, here is a look at the three key battles that will play a major role in deciding the outcome of Maziya S&RC versus Odisha FC in the AFC Cup:

3. Tomoki Wada vs Mourtada Fall

Serigne Mourtada Fall in action vs FC Goa (Courtesy: ISL media)

Mourtada Fall was simply sensational in the last meeting between the two clubs. The centre-back was defensively solid and also scored a brace in an outstanding performance. He will be once again the man to watch out for from Odisha FC’s ranks.

Maziya S&RC will rely on Tomoki Wada in attack to find a way and score against a strong OFC defence. He will be closely marked by Fall and will have to work extremely hard to get the better of the strong centre-back.

2. Hamza Mohamed vs Amey Ranawade

Amey Ranawade of Odisha FC against Kerala Blasters FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi (Courtesy: ISL media)

Hamza Mohamed was arguably the best performer from Maziya S&RC in their defeat to Odisha FC last time around. The attacker played with confidence and showed a lot of aggression without the ball. He will be crucial to the club’s attacking intent. He can cause a lot of problems with his wing play and crossing ability.

Amey Ranawade will be the favourite to start on the same flank as Hamza Mohamed. Their duel will be exciting to watch. Both players have the pace to afford and physicality to dominate the other individual. Whoever comes out on top will definitely help their side produce a positive result.

1. Branimir Jocic vs Diego Mauricio

Diego Mauricio Machado De Brito celebrating a goal (Courtesy: ISL media)

Odisha FC relies on Diego Mauricio for goals and he leads the attacking line by example. The Brazilian forward did not score in the last meeting but will hope to find the net in the upcoming contest. He has scored three goals and provided two assists in eight appearances across all competitions already this season.

The responsibility of stopping him from scoring will fall on Branimir Jocic. The centre-back scored Maziya’s solitary goal in the reverse fixture. His main duty is to prevent the opposition from scoring and he will aim to closely mark Mauricio to limit his influence on the game on Thursday.