AFC Cup: Three key battles to watch out for Mohun Bagan vs Odisha FC tie

Dimitri Petratos has scored three goals in the group stage so far.

Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Odisha FC are set to face each other again in the 2023-24 AFC Cup. The penultimate Group D clash will be vital in deciding the group winner that will advance into the next round of the continental tournament. There are huge stakes on the line ahead of the fixture which is set to take place at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata on 27 November 2023.

Both Indian Super League (ISL) clubs are entering the contest with contrasting results in their previous AFC Cup matches. While Odisha FC secured a 3-2 win against Maziya S&RC, Mohun Bagan suffered a humiliating 2-1 defeat against Bashundhara Kings of Bangladesh. 

As the stakes are so high, Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Odisha FC will be hoping that their star players deliver a good performance to produce a favourable result. On that note, here is a look at the three key battles:

Dimitri Petratos vs Carlos Delgado

Dimitri Petratos scored a brace when Mohun Bagan demolished Odisha FC by 4-0 earlier in the AFC Cup. The striker has three goals in the group stages for the Mariners and will be hungry for more. Responsibilities of stopping him will fall on the shoulders of Carlos Delgado in Odisha FC’s defence.

The centre-back is the leader at the back. His reading of the game is immense, which helps OFC thwart opposition attacks. He will aim to keep Petratos in check and not allow him an inch inside the penalty box. 

Hector Yuste vs Diego Mauricio

Odisha FC’s Diego Mauricio can win games single-handedly. The lethal Brazilian forward has scored twice up to this point in the AFC Cup. He was on the score sheet against Maziya S&RC in the previous game, helping the club come back and record a 3-2 win.

Keeping Diego Mauricio at bay is not an easy task. Therefore, someone experienced like Hector Yuste will be the ideal individual to perform that duty for MBSG on 27 November. Both players have a strong physicality and it will be interesting who comes out on top in this key battle.  

Sahal Abdul Samad vs Ahmed Jahouh

The battle of the midfield is often the most important in a football game. Whichever team controls the midfield, usually goes on to win the game. For Mohun Bagan, Sahal Abdul Samad plays a vital role in creating from the midfield. He makes runs into the box to get on the end of scoring chances too. He scored in the reverse fixture and will aim to make a goal contribution once again.

Ahmed Jahouh will play a similar role but one that is slightly deeper for Odisha FC. His ball distribution is second to none and can hurt any opposition. The midfielder provides cover to the defence out of possession and influences the attacking gameplay with his creativity plus vision. It will be an intense battle between both midfielders.

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