Punjab FC (PFC) is gearing up to host Odisha FC for their inaugural home game of the season tomorrow in the Indian Super League (ISL). The match will be held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in the national capital, marking the second consecutive season that this venue will be PFC’s home ground. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM.
Punjab FC start their campaign with a win
Punjab FC began their new season with a last minute goal, winning 2-1 over Kerala Blasters in Kochi, highlighted by Filip Mrzljak’s dramatic 95th-minute goal. On the other side, Odisha FC fell to Chennaiyin FC 2-3 in their season opener at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneshwar.
Coach Panagiotis Dilmperis on Home Advantage
Ahead of their first home game, PFC Head Coach Panagiotis Dilmperis expressed enthusiasm about playing at home. In the press conference, he said, “We’re thrilled to be back at our home ground. After a strong start to the season, we aim to build on that momentum. Odisha is a formidable team, led by a tactically astute manager. We’ve prepared well and are looking forward to the match.”
Injury concerns: Luka Majcen’s absence
PFC will be without Luka Majcen, who is sidelined due to an injury sustained in the first match. Coach Dilmperis remarked, “We hope Luka recovers swiftly. He’s a fighter and would have been with us if possible, both on and off the field.”
Filip Mrzljak’s optimism and Anticipations
Midfielder Filip Mrzljak shared his thoughts at the pre-match press conference: “Personally and as a team, we’ve had a great start. The ISL is proving tougher than anticipated, and future matches will be even more challenging. We’ve trained hard and are ready for a competitive game against Odisha.”
Odisha FC’s past Performance and key players
Last season, Odisha FC triumphed over Punjab FC with a 1-0 win in New Delhi, thanks to a goal from Roy Krishna. The Fijian striker, along with dynamic midfielder Ahmed Jahouh, new signing Hugo Boumous, and Indian players Isak Vanlalruatfela, Raynier Fernandes, and Jerry Mawihmingthanga, will be central to Odisha’s attack.
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