Odisha FC eye much-needed win against Mohammedan SC in ISL 2025-26

The Juggernauts have never won against Mohammedan SC in ISL history.

After a string of games away from home, Odisha FC will now return to their home, the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneshwar, to face relegation-threatened Mohammedan SC on April 17, 2026, at 19:30 IST in the Indian Super League 2025-26.

While both teams are coming off a terrible run of results, Odisha FC has relatively fewer challenges than the visitors Mohammedan, who are at the bottom of the ISL table with no points and seven straight defeats in eight games.

The Stakes:

Odisha FC:

Odisha FC is coming off two poor losses in which they lost points against FC Goa and Mumbai City FC. TG Purushothaman would be disappointed with the results because his team performed effectively in both games but were unable to gain anything out of them, particularly the Goa game.

In the last game against FC Goa, Odisha controlled possession and had more shots than the Gaurs, but a lack of clinical finishing in the final third cost the Juggernauts the game. While Bob Jackson made several incredible saves, Purushothaman’s team should have scored at least once before they conceded. If they had scored first, the outcome of the game may have been quite different.

While there are still a few concerns about the defense, their success versus Mohammedan will depend on their ability to convert chances rather than closing doors at the back. TG Purushothaman will be seeking to come out on top against a confidence-less Mohammedan and secure the team’s second win of the 2025/26 ISL season.

Mohammedan SC:

It is fair to assume that nothing is going well for Mohammedan SC at the moment. Off the field, they are currently under a transfer ban and are unable to register new players. On the field, despite having a young bunch of players that work hard, results have been a concern for Mehrajuddin Wadoo. 

They are currently at the bottom of the standings, with zero points from seven games. They lost their previous game despite playing some great football. The aggressive play of the team with Adison and Lalthankima in the final 30 odd minutes of the game would give Wadoo confidence and optimism heading into this game.

Playing against a side with only one foreigner, young Mohammedan SC players would try their best to capitalize on this occasion and record their first point of the season, if not all three. Wadoo would emphasize to his players the necessity of remaining focused throughout the game and not switching off at any given moment.

Team News:

Rahul KP’s availability for Odisha FC is uncertain as he was forced to be substituted early in the previous game due to injury.

Mehrajuddin Wadoo’s Mohammedan SC will most likely be missing Zodingliana Ralte, who suffered an injury in the previous game against Inter Kashi FC.

Head-to-Head

Matches Played – 2

Odisha FC wins – 0

Mohammedan SC wins – 0

Draws – 2

Predicted Lineups:

Odisha FC (4-3-3):

Amrinder Singh (GK); Subham Bhattacharya, Carlos Delgado, Thoiba Singh, Zuidika; Puitea, Rohit Kumar, Lalrinfela; Isak Vanlalruatfela, Rahim Ali, VP Suhair.

Mohammedan SC (4-2-3-1):

Padam Chhetri (GK), Hira Mondal, Gaurav Bora, Dinesh Meitei, Sajad Parray; Amarjit Singh, Lalngaihsaka; Lalthankima, Lalremsanga Fanai, Adison Singh; Md Fardin Ali Molla.

Players to watchout:

Odisha FC – Isak Vanlalruatfela

It’s safe to say that Isak’s performance in the 2025–2026 ISL season has been disappointing thus far. The winger, known for his skill and direct approach from the flanks, has been off-color this season, with Rahim Ali and Rahul KP contributing to most of the goals.

There would be no better opportunity for Isak to return to form and score than against a defensively inept Mohammedan SC, who have demonstrated this season that they are prone to giving up a lot of opportunities from the right side of their defense.

With Rahul KP’s availability dubious Purushothaman would rely on Isak to score goals and earn all three points.

Mohammedan SC – Padam Chhetri

For a team at the bottom of the table with no points and looking for their first point/win of the season, it is critical that they maintain things tight at the back and keep a clean sheet. Even if the attackers fail to score and win all three, a clean sheet would earn them one point.

Padam Chhetri, the goalie, will have to play an important part in maintaining the clean sheet. In the young squad they have, Chhetri is one who has ample experience and have shown how well he can perform at ISL level with his performances last year. 

It would be essential for the goalkeeper to step up and save everything Odisha throws at him, much like how Bob Jackson did for the Gaurs in the last encounter. If Chhetri can step up and save the odd opportunities that Mohammedan concedes, they will be close to earning their first point of the season.

Telecast details:

The match between Odisha FC and Mohammedan SC will take place on April 17, 2026.

The match kicks off at 19:30 PM IST. The match will be shown live on Sony Ten 2 and Sony Ten 2 HD and will be available to stream on Fancode.

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