AFC Cup: Three key battles to watch out for Odisha FC vs Bashundhara Kings tie

Mauricio has scored three goals in the group stage so far.

Odisha FC faces Bashundhara Kings in their most important game of the 2023-24 AFC Cup campaign on 11 December 2023. The final game of the group stage will decide which of the two teams finish as group winners and advance into the knockout stages of the continental competition. There are huge stakes on the line and the sides will hope that their high-profile players can turn up on the day.

The Kalinga Warriors have to record a win at all costs to leapfrog the Bangladeshi outfit. Interestingly, Odisha FC lost the reverse fixture and neither of the two ISL clubs have been able to defeat Bashundhara Kings in the group stage as of yet.

As the highly anticipated fixture with major stakes on the line gets closer, here is a look at the three key battles that will play a huge role in deciding the outcome:

Diego Mauricio vs Boburbek Yuldashov

Diego Mauricio is the most threatening player in Odisha FC’s attack. He has already scored three goals in the AFC Cup group stages, including one in the previous game against Mohun Bagan SG in a 5-2 win. The striker relies on his strength and speed to dominate defenders and can score from long range too.

However, he will find an able adversary in Boburbek Yuldashov. The centre-back is a difficult player to navigate past due to his reading of the game and physicality. It will be an interesting battle between Mauricio and Yuldashov. The winner of this duel will help their respective club massively.

Carlos Delgado vs Dorielton

Carlos Delgado is the leader at the back for Odisha FC. He plays a crucial role in commanding the defensive line and maintaining the shape of the back four. His reading of the game and composure while in possession of the ball comes in handy for the Kalinga Warriors. His job will be to contain someone like Dorielton when both teams face each other.

Bashundhara Kings’ Dorielton is in a rich vein of form. The striker leads the forward line well and contributes immensely to the attack with his hold-up play. He is a lethal finisher and must not be allowed any time and space inside the penalty area by Odisha FC defenders. 

Ahmed Jahouh vs Miguel Figueira

Ahmed Jahouh is enjoying a brilliant patch of form. His performances lately have been outstanding for Odisha FC. The midfielder delivered a flawless performance against Jamshedpur FC and scored a brace against Mohun Bagan in the ISL. However, his fitness will be a slight concern for Odisha FC ahead of the game.

On the other hand, Bashundhara Kings have Miguel Figueira who loves to influence a game from the midfield. He plays in the No.10 role and loves to score goals and provide assists. As Jahouh plays a dual role of creating scoring chances from deep and protecting the backline, he will come up against Figueira several times during the game. Whoever wins the battle of the midfield will likely end up on the winning side as well. 

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