ISL 2022-23: Odisha FC Qualify To The Playoffs

Odisha FC scripted history as they qualified to the playoffs of the Indian Super League (ISL) for the first time. The Juggernauts became the 6^th and the final team to qualify for the playoffs of ISL 2022-23 after Bengaluru FC defeated FC Goa 3-1.

With 9 wins and 3 draws in 20 games, Josep Gombau’s side huffed and puffed to make it to the playoffs, after some help from the Blues. Qualifications were in their hands itself but Odisha FC ended up losing 0-2 to Jamshedpur FC.

Diego Mauricio has been impressive for Odisha FC in ISL 2022-23

Diego Mauricio has been one of the top performers for Odisha FC in ISL 2022-23. He is the joint-leading goal-scorer of ISL 2022-23, with 12 goals under his belt. If the Juggernauts are to advance to the next stages of the tournament, then Diego Mauricio has to activate his beast mode.

Odisha FC displayed great nerves under pressure in ISL 2022-23

One of the most praiseworthy wins of Odisha FC was their 4-2 win against East Bengal FC ON 18^th November 2022. At the half-time mark, Odisha FC were 0-2 down at the Salt Lake Stadium and had their backs against the walls. But they displayed top-notch resilience and fired 4 goals in the 2^nd half to unbelievably stage a comeback and win the game 4-2.

This has essentially been the template of Odisha FC. Josep Gombau’s men embody the never-say-die attitude in sports and are known for their epic comebacks. One of the other major wins through a comeback was their 2-1 win against Kerala Blasters FC on 23^rd October 2022.

It was their first win at home at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneshwar. Come to the playoffs and Odisha FC would be hoping to play more consistently and put pressure on the opposition from the word go.

In 20 matches, the Bhubaneshwar-based side has scored 30 goals in the league stages of ISL 2022-23 and is 5^th overall in terms of most goals by a team in this edition of the ISL.

Odisha FC Squad

 Lalthuammawia Ralte, Dylan da Silva, Narender Gahlot, Nikhil Prabhu, Carlos Delgado, Osama Malik, Shubham Sarangi, Sebastian Thangmuansang, Y. Denechandra Meitei, Sahil Panwar, Lalruatthara, Paul Ramfangzuava, Raynier Fernandes, Saul Crespo, Thoiba Singh Moirangthem, Tankadhar Bag, Victor Rodriguez, Isaac Vanmalsawma, Pedro Martin, Diego Mauricio, Nandakumar Sekhar, Akshunna Tyagi, Jerry Mawihmingthanga, Isak Vanlalruatfela Ralte, Michael Soosairaj

Also read: ISL 2022-23: History Of ISL Match Between Chennaiyin FC & NorthEast United FC Head To Head, Most Goals