ISL 2023-24 Semi-Final: Three keys to success for Odisha FC and Mohun Bagan Super Giant

Odisha FC and Mohun Bagan lock horns in an exciting semi-final clash in the ISL.

Grab your seats and get ready for the upcoming clash between the top Indian clubs as they lock horns for the much-anticipated semi-final clashes of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 which is about to begin from April 23, 2024, with the match between Odisha FC and Mohun Bagan Super Giant.

Both teams have faced each other four times in the ongoing ISL season and the result has remained in equal proportion on both sides. While Mohun Bagan has managed to win one contest, Odisha FC outclassed them in another and the other two have ended in a draw. 

When we talk about the upcoming ISL semi-final match, there needs to be some tactical and strategic developments in both sides to tackle the pressure on the field, in the thrilling contest. 

Here is a look at the three keys to success for both Odisha FC and Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the first ISL semi-final. 

Odisha FC 

Being more aggressive from the beginning of the game

Although Odisha FC have shown commanding progress in the ongoing ISL season and have gone on to defeat some of the top teams in the league, they have generally suffered a setback from the beginning of the contests. 

They generally progress with time and bring their best in the game, mostly in the second half of the match, when they start attacking. When you are playing against Mohun Bagan, you need to be at your best from the very beginning, or else they will just take the game away from your end in a fraction of a second.   

More support for Jahouh in the midfield 

Ahmed Jahouh has been Odisha’s best player on the field, this ISL season. His tactical movement during games and crucial passes to find the right man to get the ball into the final third has been Odisha’s reason for success in the current season. 

But every time, one player can’t help you build the same moment in every game. Opponents will surely check his move to keep the threat away from their end. In such a situation, the other midfielders, like Puitea, Jerry, and Princeton Rebello need to level up their game to keep the game moving. 

Putting Mauricio in the starting XI if he is fit 

In the knockout game, there were questions about Diego Mauricio’s inclusion in the team, as he wasn’t in the starting eleven of the match. As the game progressed, his inclusion as a substitute proved to be a huge turning point in the game. He scored the equalizer that helped Odisha to get back the moment and then go on to win the match. 

It was noticed that Mauricio had his thigh strapped tightly which stated that there was some injury concern for the striker. However, if he is fit, coach Sergio Lobera should get him on the field from the very beginning of the match, which will be beneficial for the Kalinga Warriors.  

Mohun Bagan Super Giant

More clinical with the finishing attempts

After the international break, Mohun Bagan have lifted their game to a different level and completely looked undefeatable against any opponent. Their midfield progress and strikers at the front have been clinical with their performances. 

The only headache for the Kolkata side is their finishing touches. Even after scoring plenty of goals, they miss out on several occasions and end up cursing their finishing touches. Once the off-targets are turned into goals, this team will be unstoppable and will go on to lift the title as well after the ISL Shield.

Avoiding unnecessary fouls during the game

An aggressive approach has been Mohun Bagan’s mantra in the last couple of matches in the ISL. They try getting into the box of the opponent from the very beginning of the match and have looked quite dominant in most of the matches. 

While being aggressive, there are certain areas they should look to take control. One such is the unnecessary fouls by their players. They received six yellow and one red in their last match against Mumbai City FC. In these high-intensity matches, regular fouls might get them into trouble and affect their game in the long run. 

Denying any space to Odisha’s forwards

Odisha’s forwards, mostly Roy Krishna, Diego Mauricio, and Iska Vanlalruatfela have been their key at the front end. If they are silenced by proper game awareness and tactical approaches, that will affect Odisha’s move on the field. 

For this, mostly Mohun Bagan’s midfielders will be the key. They should look to control Odisha’s wingers, who will not be able to get the ball passed to the forwards. And once they keep Odisha FC forwards’ game under control, there will be no threat for the Mariners at any point in the ISL semi-final.

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