ISL 2023-24: Odisha FC vs Mohun Bagan Match Report & Highlights

7:15 PM: Hello everyone and welcome to Khel Now’s LIVE COVERAGE of the Odisha FC vs Mohun Bagan match in the Indian Super League (ISL 2023-24) semi-finals. The kick-off is just 15 minutes away! I am your host Atawaris Warsi and will keep you company through what promises a fascinating evening of football. Please wait for 30 Seconds for the Live blog to load.

ISL 2023-24: Odisha FC vs Mohun Bagan – Build-up

Odisha FC are set to host Mohun Bagan in the first leg of their 2023-24 Indian Super League (ISL) semi-final at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar on Tuesday (April 23). Coming off their thrilling win over Kerala Blasters, the Juggernauts need to further improve their performance quality to oust the reigning ISL Shield champions – who will look for their first win over Odisha this season.

Having slipped up in the ISL Shield race towards the end of the season, Odisha FC only have the playoffs title to play for. Sergio Lobera saw his side lose in the Super Cup final earlier this year and also bow out of the AFC Cup knockout rounds. He needs to ensure that his side makes home advantage count and be a thorn in the Mariners’ side again.

Odisha have to be much more ruthless and defensively more compact than they were against Kerala if they aim to outwit Mohun Bagan. Knowing that the second leg is in front of a daunting Salt Lake Stadium crowd and how a draw or loss can be equally as bad, Odisha have to play incisive attacking football and build up a major lead with a dominant win.

Mohun Bagan are flying high on confidence after winning their inaugural ISL Shield by piping Mumbai City to the title. However, Antonio Habas will be determined to win his third ISL playoffs title in his career and ensure that the Mariners are the undisputed champions of India at the end of the season. The Spaniard needs to get his contingent rallied up and focused on the matches ahead for a fitting end to the 2023-24 season.

Mohun Bagan have to produce a clinical performance and be at their defensive best to get a positive result from the Kalinga Stadium. While Habas will hope they can replicate something similar to the 5-2 battering of Odisha FC at the AFC Cup group stages, a slender win or even a draw can be an acceptable result. A loss, however, can make things really tricky for the Mariners and mellow down the confidence levels at the worst time.

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