Bhubaneswar, February 27: With their playoff aspirations hanging in the balance, Odisha FC will be desperate to secure maximum points when they face Mohammedan SC in a crucial Indian Super League (ISL) encounter on Friday.
The Juggernauts have hit a rough patch in recent weeks, managing just one victory in their last five outings (W1, D2, L2). This slump has seen them slip to seventh place in the standings with 29 points from 22 matches. They are three points behind sixth-placed Mumbai City FC (32 points) with a game in hand.
Odisha FC needs to win and rely on favorable results from Mumbai City FC and NorthEast United FC to keep their playoff hopes alive. Their competition for a top-six finish includes East Bengal FC (27 points from 22 matches) and Kerala Blasters FC (24 points from 21 games).
Odisha FC’s Home Form and Attacking Strength
Despite their struggles, Odisha FC have remained unbeaten in their last three home games (W1, D2). A win on Friday would give them back-to-back home victories for the first time since their four-match winning streak between February and April 2024.However, their last outing in the ISL ended in disappointment, a 0-1 loss to Mohun Bagan, where they failed to find the net. They will be keen to avoid consecutive goalless games, a scenario they have not faced since early 2023.
Odisha FC’s attack remains one of the most potent in the league, with 41 goals this season—the second-highest tally among all teams. Key to their offensive play will be Isak Vanlalruatfela, who has contributed three goals and four assists, and star forward Diego Mauricio, who has nine goals and six assists. Mauricio has also been dominant in the attacking third, registering 95 touches inside the opposition box this season.
“As a team, we want to believe until the end, keep fighting, and hopefully qualify for the playoffs. We also want to make our fans happy and put a smile on their faces,” said Odisha FC’s head coach, Sergio Lobera.
Mohammedan SC’s Struggles and Desperate Bid for a Turnaround
Meanwhile, debutants Mohammedan SC have endured a torrid campaign, languishing at the bottom of the table with just 11 points from 21 matches. They have lost all their last five games, and another defeat would mark their longest losing streak in ISL history.Despite their poor form, Mohammedan SC can draw some hope from their two victories this season—both of which came on the road against Chennaiyin FC and Bengaluru FC. With their survival hopes dim, they will be looking to cause an upset against Odisha FC.
“We have been preparing well in the last few days for this match. Our recent performances haven’t been great, but we always try to give our best for the club. This is a game we want to win,” said Mohammedan SC’s assistant coach, Mehrajuddin Wadoo.
As Odisha FC battle to keep their playoff dreams alive and Mohammedan SC fights to salvage pride, Friday’s clash promises to be an intense contest with high stakes for both teams.
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