Odisha FC vs Central Coast Mariners: Three key battles to determine AFC Cup challenge

It is an uphill battle for Odisha FC after a huge first-leg loss in the AFC Cup.

Odisha FC welcomes Australia’s Central Coast Mariners at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneshwar, Odisha on 14 March 2024 for the second leg of their 2023-24 AFC Cup inter-zonal semi-final fixture. The first leg saw the Indian Super League (ISL) outfit being outplayed all over the ground, leading to a 4-0 win for the A-League side, giving them a huge advantage going into their away game.

Odisha FC have a huge task going into the battle which will require some flamboyant display from their players in every unit. Each player needs to take additional responsibility and give a tough fight till the end. The manner of the defeat was demoralizing for Odisha FC and investigating the reasons made it clear that it was down to superior individual quality in the Central Coast Mariners squad.

With the exit from continental football staring them in the face, the Kalinga Warriors would surely want to prove the critics wrong and pull out a magical performance at home. It falls on Odisha FC’s players to play for the badge as they represent the country.

Let’s look at the three key battles that will also be crucial in deciding the outcome of the second-leg tie.

3. Vignesh Dakshinamurthy vs Mikael Doka

Mikael Doka was simply unstoppable in the first leg as he scored two goals and provided one assist in a masterful performance. Odisha FC defenders had no answers to the questions posed by the winger who caused problems aplenty with every forward run with the ball.

Vignesh Dakshinamurthy is likely to start for Odisha FC in the left-back position, coming face-to-face with Doka. The defender has physicality working in his favor but must remain vigilant to read Doka’s speedy runs in behind. The full-back must have a strong skillful performance, to stay on top of the opposition forwards and help his team defend well.

2. Mourtada Fall vs Ryan Edmondson

Mourtada Fall did not deliver the strong performance that one would expect from him in the first leg. While that could be said about most Odisha FC players from the 4-0 defeat, the center-back usually steps up when it is needed the most. Needless to say, Fall needs to impose himself more when both teams meet once again.

The centre-back will come up against a striker like Ryan Edmondson who deserves to start for Central Coast Mariners after impacting the proceedings from the bench. The forward assisted Storm Roux’s goal and combined well with the midfielders in the build-up. He was unlucky not to score one for himself.  

1. Diego Mauricio vs Daniel Hall

Diego Mauricio looked like the only player who was mentally ready to take the fight to the Central Coast Mariners in the first leg. Odisha FC had only one shot on target, courtesy of the Brazilian who worked hard but did not receive the service that he thrives on. 

Daniel Hall had a comfortable outing in the first leg. The center-back organized the defense well, was ready for any danger, and kept Odisha attackers silent. His partnership with Brian Kaltack was solid. It will take an inspired individual brilliance from someone like Mauricio to drill a hole in their wall. Fans of the Kalinga Warriors need key players from their lineup to make the most of their opportunities and use the home advantage to good effect.

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