Odisha FC face a tough task against resurgent East Bengal when the two sides meet for the much awaited Kalinga Super Cup 2024 final. Carles Cuadrat’s men will look to end their wait for major trophy since winning the Federation Cup in 2012. On the other hand, Odisha FC will look to win the Super Cup for a second successive season.
East Bengal vs Odisha FC Preview
East Bengal have certainly been on the right track throughout the last few months, reaching their second final after losing in the Durand Cup at the hands of arch rivals Mohun Bagan Super Giant. Carles Cuadrat’s men have certainly shown resilience since them, beating the same opponents in group stages to qualify for the final. It was a momentous occasion for Carlos Cuadrat’s team as they made it through to the semi-finals, where they thrashed Jamshedpur in another close-fought encounter. Now, they head into the final of this year’s edition.
“We are feeling very good. We have been fighting for results for a long time. It’s very important for us to be in another final. We couldn’t win the first one (Durand Cup), so we’ll try our best to get the result in this one,” Cuadrat said ahead of the game.
Odisha FC will be aiming to repeat their success from last season, having made it to the final of the Kalinga Super Cup for the second time in a row. The fact that they will be playing at their home stadium, where they have a huge fan base, will add more importance to their chances of winning the cup. Their coach Sergio Lobera is no stranger to this contest, having previously lifted the trophy with FC Goa in 2019. They have been unbeaten in their last 15 matches in all competitions with 13 wins to their name.
“We have a big game in front of us. We have the responsibility to keep the trophy here. We are excited about this opportunity and the most important thing is to enjoy this final. It’s a big game for everyone – the players, coaches, staff and supporters,” said Lobera ahead of the game.
East Bengal vs Odisha FC Probable XI
East Bengal FC: Prabhsukhan Gill (GK), Nishu Kumar, Lalchungnunga, Hijazi Maher, Jose Antonio Pardo, Saul Crespo, Souvik Chakrabarti, Javier Siverio, Vishnu PV, Nandhakumar Sekar, Cleiton Silva.
Odisha FC: L Ralte, Amey Ranawade, Mortada Fall, Carlos Delgado, Jerry Lalrinzuala, Puitea, Ahmed Jahouh, Cy Goddard, Isak Vanlalruatfela, Roy Krishna, Diego Mauricio.
Editors pick
