In a highly anticipated showdown, Odisha FC and Kerala Blasters FC are set to clash in the first match of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 playoffs at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Friday. Both teams are entering the knockouts with identical forms, having lost thrice, drawn once, and won once in their previous five games.
The Juggernauts secured the fourth spot in the points table with 39 points, while Kerala Blasters FC finished fifth with 33 points. This one-legged playoff fixture holds immense importance for both teams, as a victory would propel them directly into the ISL semifinals, where Mumbai City FC and Mohun Bagan Super Giant await.
The clash between Odisha FC and Kerala Blasters FC will see seasoned tacticians Sergio Lobera and Ivan Vukomanovic strategizing to lead their teams to victory in the crucial 90 minutes ahead.
In their head-to-head record, Kerala Blasters FC holds the edge with 9 wins compared to Odisha FC’s 6, with 7 draws in 22 matches played.
Both head coaches have expressed their thoughts ahead of the crucial playoff match, with Lobera highlighting his satisfaction with the season so far and Vukomanovic emphasizing the shift in mentality required for knockout games.
Football fans can catch all the action as Odisha FC takes on Kerala Blasters FC at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, with the match scheduled for a 7:30 pm kick-off. The game will be broadcasted on Sports 18SD and HD, and can also be live streamed on JioCinema.