Odisha FC Recruit Hitesh, Get Pungte On Loan As They Prepare To Resume ISL Campaign

Bhubaneswar: Odisha FC, looking to brush off their disappointing loss in the Kalinga Super Cup final, roped in a couple of players as they prepare for upcoming challenges in ISL.

The Juggernauts on Wednesday announced the signing of central midfielder Hitesh Sharma on a two-and-a-half-year deal.

Jalandhar-born Hitesh, a Tata Football Academy graduate, played four seasons for Hyderabad FC, making 50 appearances in the ISL.

Odisha also brought on board Pungte Lapung on loan from Dempo SC till the end of the season.

Lapung, a promising 21-year-old forward, hails from Arunachal Pradesh.

Odisha FC have three crucial matches coming up in a span of eight days as they face Kerala Blasters (February 2) and FC Goa (February 9) with an away game against Hyderabad FC sandwiched on February 5.

Odisha FC are currently in third place with a tally of 24 points from 12 games. They have won 7, lost 3 and drawn 2 so far.