ISL 2024-25: Odisha FC Season Review

The Juggernauts failed to make the playoffs for the first time since the 2021-22 season.

Odisha FC had a troubling end to the season in the 2024-25 Indian Super League as they finished seventh in the league standings, which eliminated them from securing a berth in the playoffs. After an overwhelming record last season where they progressed to the semifinals, a lot of expectations were placed on head coach Sergio Lobera and his men.

Even though they kept on toiling towards securing their place in the 2024-25 ISL playoffs till the end, they fell short as they missed out by just three points. The team from Bhubaneswar started their season with two back-to-back defeats, one against Chennaiyin FC and the other against Punjab FC, while only tasting their first victory in the match against Jamshedpur FC in their second home game.

At the end of the league stage, Odisha FC accumulated 33 points in 24 league matches.

Fact Sheet for Odisha FC

• League Position – 7th
• Total Matches Played – 24
• Won – 8
• Drawn – 9 
• Lost – 7
• GF – 44
• GA – 37
• Points – 33

Top Performers in the ISL 

Diego Mauricio

The Brazilian center-forward, Diego Mauricio has time and again proved to be Odisha FC’s mainstay at the frontline. After losing Roy Krishna for the season, there was a huge pressure on the veteran to keep the team moving at crucial stages of the matches. Although Odisha FC didn’t qualify for the playoffs, Mauricio’s performances for this season won’t go unnoticed. 

In 22 appearances, Mauricio scored nine goals, which is highest by any Odisha FC player in the league this season. He even registered six assists during his run on the pitch. Interestingly, his best performance came against Hyderabad FC where they defeated them by a 6-0 scoreline, with Mauricio scoring a goal and providing two assists. 

Hugo Boumous 

Hugo Boumous played a pivotal role in Odisha FC’s progress in the current season. While making 21 appearances for his side, Boumous provided seven assists and scored six goals. It was the second most goal contribution by any Odisha FC player in the season. 

The Moroccan midfielder proved his importance in just their third match of the season where his influence helped Odisha FC register their first win. He provided two assists and helped his team register a well-deserved victory against Jamshedpur FC by a 2-1 scoreline.

Boumous has also created 47 chances in the whole season for his side, which is also the most by any player in his side. His stats in the season also includes, 40 key passes, 34 successful dribbles, 88 recoveries, 4 inceptions and 7 clearances. 

Under-performer of the season

Amrinder Singh 

Odisha FC’s skipper Amrinder Singh had a below average outing this season. The goalkeeper, who has also represented the nation in 13 matches, couldn’t create the much needed impact with his side in this season. 

With just four clean sheets in 24 games, Odisha FC holds the 11th position in the league, underlining Amrinder’s substandard performances during the 2024-25 ISL season. Compared to last year, Amrinder’s game has drifted downwards, not just by stats, even the impact he used to have on the game was rarely seen in his current outings. 

With an average of three saves per game, Amrinder has 68% saves to his name in their recently concluded season. In total, he has 82 saves, 14 punches, 19 catches and 37 clearances under his performance list. Moving ahead, Amrinder’s form will be key for Odisha FC’s success in the coming tournaments. 

Top Performances 

Hyderabad FC 0-6 Odisha FC 

Odisha FC 4-2 Bengaluru FC 

Bengaluru FC 2-3 Odisha FC

Manager’s Report Card

Odisha FC’s head coach Sergio Lobera has been playing a major role in the club’s progress in the last two years. Undoubtedly, the performances of the players have improved after he joined the club in May 2023. Unfortunately, Odisha couldn’t make it to the playoffs for the first time since the 2021-22 season. 

Tactically, the Spaniard is best known for creating an environment which keeps the team together and the dressing room very positive. At times, it looked like the team lacked inputs which could have put them forward in a few encounters.   

Lobera, who is mostly known for his attacking style of play, even expressed his disappointment whenever his players kept their game under par that resulted in a draw or a loss. With the Super Cup matches scheduled ahead and Odisha FC playing it on their home turf, Lobera will now look to achieve his first title with the club. 

Lessons Learned

Not just one, Odisha FC must have learned quite a few lessons from their draws and defeats this season. The most vital point will be their intent on the field, which was lacking time and again, which resulted in the team dropping crucial points in the league. 

Although Odisha FC proved their brilliance in the midfield, their game at the backline remained more under par, compared to their moves at the front end. While Roy Krishna’s unavailability proved to be their biggest disadvantage, the club could have nurtured some young talents for the upcoming season. 

Their two draws against the bottom side Mohammedan SC impacted their progress to the next round of the tournament. While facing such opponents, Odisha FC need to keep their heads high and play like a champion team and dominate opponents. Earning points against lesser opposition will reduce the pressure to win in the big games. 

Fans View

Over the years, Odisha FC have gained some loyal fans, who keep supporting the team in every situation. Although, they would have disliked to watch their team end the season at the seventh position in the points table, still they will come in numbers to support their home side in the upcoming matches. 

A state which once failed to create any footballing culture, is now progressing towards creating one with their regular involvement in the game and praise for the supporters at every point of time. They also had their moment in the season as well when Odisha FC defeated Bengaluru FC and ended with a draw against Mohun Bagan in their home games. 

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.