Bhubaneswar: It was heartbreak for Odisha FC in the Kalinga Super Cup 2024, as an extra-time goal by East Bengal’s Cleiton Silva in the 111th minute destroyed their dream of lifting the coveted trophy.
Just over a year later, Odisha FC have an opportunity to make amends in front of their home crowd in this year’s edition of the tournament at Kalinga Stadium here.
Having failed to qualify for the playoffs in ISL 2024-25, Odisha FC will be even more motivated in the Kalinga Super Cup 2025. An added incentive for the champions will be the prize of earning a berth in AFC Champions League 2 (ACL2) playoffs.
In their mission to go one better this time, Odisha FC will open their campaign against Punjab FC in the round of 16 on Monday night.
Odisha FC will have scores to settle as they could not get the better of Punjab FC in ISL. The Kalinga Warriors lost 1-2 on the road and managed a 1-1 draw in the return encounter at home.
If Odisha cross the opening hurdle, they will face the winners of the Bengaluru FC versus Inter Kashi match.
ODISHA FC SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Amrinder Singh, Anuj Kumar, Manas Dubey
Defenders: Narender Gahlot, Amey Ranawade, Carlos Delgado (Spain), Mawihmingthanga Jerry, Jerry Lalrinzuala, Saviour Gama, Haobam Ricky Meetei, Subham Bhattacharya, Narendra Naik, Tankadhar Bag
Midfielders: Rohit Kumar, Lalhathanga Khawlhring (Puitea), Hugo Adnan Boumous (France), Raynier Fernandes, Serigne Mourtada Fall (Senegal), Moirangthem Thoiba Singh, Ashangbam Aphaoba Singh
Forwards: Diego Mauricio (Brazil), Rahim Ali, Isak Vanlalruatfela, Rahul Kannoly Praveen, Dorielton Gomes Nascimento (Brazil).
