Odisha FC 2024-25: A Season of Struggle, Spark, and a Glimpse of Hope


Odisha FC's 2024-25 Indian Super League (ISL) campaign was a season full of unlikely results, amid highs and lows, leaving fans with a bittersweet feeling of what could have been. However, the Kalinga Warriors now return to their nest with renewed hope and determination as they begin preparations for the Super Cup. 

Having previously lifted the coveted trophy in the 2022-23 season, the team is eager to bounce back after last year's heart-wrenching defeat in the final against East Bengal FC. This time, Odisha FC is more focused to go a step further.

Under the leadership of head coach Sergio Lobera, the Kalinga Warriors entered the ISL 2024-25 season as one of the favourites. However, their journey soon became a roller coaster of inconsistency, with moments of brilliance juxtaposed against frustrating setbacks. Despite finishing 7th in the league table — just shy of the playoffs — the season revealed a lot about the team's strengths and areas for improvement.

Offensive Brilliance and Defensive Resilience:

The season showed moments of exceptional offensive display. The team's 6-0 away win against Hyderabad FC stands as a testament to its attacking prowess and was a key result in OFC's positioning as the league's top-scoring sides. Furthermore, a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory against Bengaluru FC, achieving the first-ever league double over the southern outfit, showcased the team's ability to come from behind.

Odisha FC's defence showed glimpses of strength but was marred by inconsistency. The central defensive partnership of Carlos Delgado and Mourtada Fall provided stability, proving crucial in defending slender leads. Goalkeeper Amrinder Singh also delivered standout performances, notably in the game against Mohun Bagan SG, where his exceptional saves prevented numerous goal-scoring opportunities, even though Odisha succumbed to a late defeat.

Challenges and Key Moments:

The season was defined more by challenges than achievements. The team's struggles against lower-ranked opposition resulted in the loss of 19 crucial points, pointing to a lack of consistency. Additionally, the string of draws and inability to finish games proved costly. 

Disciplinary issues, too, played a major part in the team's struggles. Sending-offs in crucial games for Ahmed Jahouh and Mourtada Fall set the team's momentum back, costing vital points in the play-off race. 

While the season-ending injury to talismanic forward Roy Krishna gave the team a headache, the timely acquisition of Dorielton Gomes and Rahul KP helped salvage some points for the Kalinga Warriors.

Individual Achievements and Emerging Talent:

Several players achieved notable milestones throughout the season. Carlos Delgado completed a century of appearances for the club, Amrinder Singh recorded his 50th clean sheet in ISL, while Ahmed Jahouh also marked his 100th appearance in the ISL. In addition, the emergence of Thoiba as a consistent performer led to his first call-up to the Indian national team, a significant achievement for the young player.

As they set their sights on the Super Cup, the Kalinga Warriors are determined to build on the lessons learned from a difficult season, hoping that the next challenge will bring the success their performances have hinted at. Odisha FC is poised to prove that the setbacks of this season were merely stepping stones toward something greater.

Up Next: Odisha FC vs Punjab FC | Kalinga Super Cup 2025
Date: 21 April 2025
Time: 8 PM IST
Venue: Kalinga Stadium