AFC Cup 2023-24: Stalemate sees Odisha FC's continental dream come to an end

The Mariners danced into the Inter-zone final of the AFC Cup, winning this clash 4-0 on aggregate.

Central Coast Mariners confirmed their place in the Inter-Zone final of the  AFC Cup™ 2023-24 on Thursday as Mark Jackson’s side drew 0-0 with Odisha FC in Kalinga Stadium to complete a 4-0 aggregate win over the Indian Super League outfit.

Mikael Doka missed a first half penalty for the A-League side but it mattered little as the Australians had gone into the second leg with a comfortable 4-0 cushion from the first leg in Gosford last week.

Mariners will face Abdysh-Ata Kant from Kyrgyz Republic in the Inter-Zone final next month after Islam Ahmedov’s team completed their win over Taichung Futuro from Chinese Taipei on Wednesday.

The first leg of the Inter-Zone final will be held in Bishkek on April 17 with the return in Gosford one week later.

Central Coast travelled to India in confident mood after their comprehensive win in the first meeting between the teams and Jackson’s side made a bright start.

Watch: Fight between Odisha FC and Central Coast Mariners players

Ronald Barcellos sought to capitalise on an early mistake by the Odisha defence but his shot from 20 yards out thumped back off the chest of goalkeeper Amrinder Singh, who blocked Angel Torres’ close range effort moments later.

The visitors were soon given the opportunity to open the scoring when Ryan Edmondson was brought down by Carlos Delgado as he burst between the Spaniard and Mourtada Fall, prompting referee Majed Al Shamrani to point to the spot.

But Doka, who converted a penalty in the first leg, failed to take advantage, thumping his shot off the goalkeeper’s left post having sent Amrinder the wrong way.

Mariners controlled possession in stifling conditions but lacked the domination they showed one week earlier, but it was still the Australian side who looked more likely to score.

Odisha defender Fall had to take evasive action to head Max Balard’s free-kick wide under pressure from Edmondson while the Englishman mishit his 61st minute volley into the side-netting when in a position to score.

With the game in the final quarter, Christian Theoharous had his low shot turned around the post by Amrinder having been fed in the penalty area by Doka while substitute Miguel Di Pizio’s late effort was deflected wide as Mariners eased through.

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