Odisha FC Need Draw To Clinch IWL Title; Team Appeals Fans For Support At Kalinga Stadium

Bhubaneswar: It’s judgment day in the Indian Women’s League (IWL) 2023-24, with Odisha FC in pole position to be crowned champions.

Sitting atop the standings with 28 points, Odisha women need just a draw against Kickstart FC at Kalinga Stadium here on Sunday afternoon to seal the title.

Gokulam FC, with 26 points in their kitty, are also in the race, but fate is not in their hands.

Gokulam, who face East Bengal in their final game at home — Kochi’s EMS Stadium – not only must to win, they also need Odisha to end on the losing side against Kickstart.

Victory for Gokulam and a draw for Odisha FC on the final day will result in both teams finishing on 29 points. However, Odisha will pip Gokulam in that case on the strength of their head-to-head results this season. While Odisha FC secured a 2-0 victory in their first meeting against Gokulam, the Kerala outfit emerged 2-1 winners in the return fixture.

Odisha FC coach Crispin Chettri said his wards were looking to win the championship in style.

“We will go into the match with a positive mindset and our clear objective is to push for victory. Kickstart FC are a good team but I am confidence in my team’s ability to rise to the occasion,” said Crispin.

Both Crispin and team member Karthika Angamuthu spoke of the importance of fans’ support throughout the season and urged them to come together one last time to lift their spirits.