Bhubaneswar: The Kalinga Warriors will host Mohammedan SC at the Kalinga Stadium here on Friday. In their final home game of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season. The Odisha FC are aiming for a playoff spot and need to secure all three points after a heartbreaking 1-0 defeat to Mohun Bagan SG in Kolkata.
Currently sitting 7th with 29 points, Odisha FC’s playoff dreams are still alive but depend on winning their last two league games and other favorable results. However, the Sergio Lobera team will face a tough challenge in this match, with key players like Fall, Ahmed Jahouh, and Hugo Boumous missing due to suspensions.
Odisha FC's previous encounter with Mohammedan SC ended in a goalless draw, and the Kalinga Warriors will be looking to convert this home advantage into a win. Mohammedan SC has struggled this season and sits at the bottom of the table with just 11 points, coming off a 2-0 defeat to Jamshedpur FC.
In his pre-match interview, Lobera discussed the absence of key players, stating, “We are going to miss some players, but we have a squad now. I believe in my players, and we’ll focus on those available.”
Despite the pressure, Lobera remains optimistic, urging his team to focus on the present. “We need to focus on ourselves and win the next two games. In football, anything can happen.”
Rahim Ali, speaking on behalf of the players, echoed the sentiment. “The energy and attitude in the last match were good. We’ll keep doing the same and hope to get the result.”
Rahim also appealed to the fans, saying, “We’ll give our all in the final home game (in the league stage). We need your support to secure the three points.”
