In the recently conducted AFC Cup 2023-24 Inter-Zone Semi-Final draw at the AFC Football House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Odisha FC was drawn against the ASEAN Zone Champions. This draws Odisha FC into a crucial phase of the competition, marking a significant milestone in their maiden continental appearance.
The Kalinga Warriors, as Odisha FC is affectionately known, secured their place in the AFC Cup South Zone by emerging as champions from a group containing their ISL counterparts Mohun Bagan Super Giant. Their decisive victory over Bashundhara Kings (Bangladesh) during the final matchday of Group D earlier this month propelled them into the knockout stages.
Odisha FC aim for a memorable maiden AFC Cup 2023-24 campaign:
The opponent for Odisha FC in the semi-final is yet to be determined, as four teams remain in contention in the ASEAN Zone. The semi-final matchups feature Central Coast Mariners FC (Australia) against Phnom Penh Crown FC (Cambodia), and Macarthur FC (Australia) taking on Sabah FC (Malaysia). The outcome of these fixtures will decide the ASEAN Zone Champions, with the winner set to face Odisha FC in the two-legged Inter-Zone Semi-Final.
The AFC Cup journey for Odisha FC will unfold with the ASEAN Zone Champion hosting the first leg on either March 6 or 7, 2024. Subsequently, Odisha FC will host the return leg on March 13 or 14 at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.
The significance of these matches extends beyond regional competition, as success in the Inter Zone Semi-Final could propel Odisha FC to face either Central Zone Champions, FC Abdysh-Ata Kant (Kyrgyz Republic), or East Zone Champions, Taichung Futuro FC (Chinese Taipei), in the Inter Zone Final in April 2024.
A victory in the Inter Zone Final will catapult the team into the ultimate showdown—the AFC Cup 2023-24 Final. This climactic encounter, scheduled for May 5, 2024, will determine the continental champion, pitting the East Zone or Central Zone victor against the formidable West Zone Champion.
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