Odisha FC looking for elusive win as Kickstart FC visit
After enduring a tough four-match losing streak, Odisha FC will be looking for a win to salvage its campaign against the visiting Kickstart FC at the Kalinga Stadium on Tuesday in their Indian Women’s League (IWL) 2024-25 encounter.
Odisha FC clinched the title on the final day last season against the same opposition, in a commanding 6-0 win. However, the teams meet in different circumstances this time. The defending champions secured 11 points from their first six games, but have lost four on the trot since. With relegation now a looming concern, Odisha FC cannot afford any more slip-ups as they fight to stay in the top flight.
The Kalinga Warriors have a much-changed squad since last season. However, key injuries have hindered their progress, leaving them struggling to maintain consistency.
On the other hand, Kickstart FC will be traveling to Bhubaneswar with their own set of challenges. The Bengaluru-based side has had a tough start to the season, with just two wins so far, leaving them below Odisha FC with 10 points. In the reverse fixture in Bengaluru earlier this season, Kickstart FC took a 70th-minute lead, but a late equaliser from Lynda Kom denied them their first victory of the season.
Odisha FC head coach Crispin Chettri addressed the media ahead of the crucial match, admitting the team is in a difficult phase. "For tomorrow's match, our aim is not just to concede a goal. We are focusing on playing good football and we can’t change things overnight. Our main focus is to not concede early and maintain defensive stability," he said.
Reflecting on the team’s recent struggles, Chettri acknowledged the psychological toll of consecutive defeats on the players. "When you lose games in a row, sometimes it affects the players' mindset and confidence. But thanks to the team, they never lose hope. They are creating chances to score, and I believe it’s just a matter of time before they perform better. Right now, our only focus is to not concede goals," he added.
One of the players who has shown resilience during this tough period is young forward Razia, who spoke to the media about her decision to pursue football full-time. “I dropped my semester to pursue IWL. I really don’t regret that decision. Initially, I was torn between my studies and football, but I followed my heart and chose football. I’m happy to be with Odisha FC,” Razia shared.
Acknowledging the team’s struggles, she said, “In football, sometimes things don’t go as planned. I’m learning every day under the guidance of the head coach and technical staff. Although our performance has dipped, I believe in my learning process and am training to improve every day. This has been a good decision in my life.”
Match Details:
Odisha FC vs Kickstart FC
1st March 2025 | Tuesday | 3:30 PM IST | Kalinga Stadium, Bhubneswar | Live on ssen.co
Odisha FC looking for elusive win as Kickstart FC visit
After enduring a tough four-match losing streak, Odisha FC will be looking for a win to salvage its campaign against the visiting Kickstart FC at the Kalinga Stadium on Tuesday in their Indian Women’s League (IWL) 2024-25 encounter.
Odisha FC clinched the title on the final day last season against the same opposition, in a commanding 6-0 win. However, the teams meet in different circumstances this time. The defending champions secured 11 points from their first six games, but have lost four on the trot since. With relegation now a looming concern, Odisha FC cannot afford any more slip-ups as they fight to stay in the top flight.
The Kalinga Warriors have a much-changed squad since last season. However, key injuries have hindered their progress, leaving them struggling to maintain consistency.
On the other hand, Kickstart FC will be traveling to Bhubaneswar with their own set of challenges. The Bengaluru-based side has had a tough start to the season, with just two wins so far, leaving them below Odisha FC with 10 points. In the reverse fixture in Bengaluru earlier this season, Kickstart FC took a 70th-minute lead, but a late equaliser from Lynda Kom denied them their first victory of the season.
Odisha FC head coach Crispin Chettri addressed the media ahead of the crucial match, admitting the team is in a difficult phase. "For tomorrow's match, our aim is not just to concede a goal. We are focusing on playing good football and we can’t change things overnight. Our main focus is to not concede early and maintain defensive stability," he said.
Reflecting on the team’s recent struggles, Chettri acknowledged the psychological toll of consecutive defeats on the players. "When you lose games in a row, sometimes it affects the players' mindset and confidence. But thanks to the team, they never lose hope. They are creating chances to score, and I believe it’s just a matter of time before they perform better. Right now, our only focus is to not concede goals," he added.
One of the players who has shown resilience during this tough period is young forward Razia, who spoke to the media about her decision to pursue football full-time. “I dropped my semester to pursue IWL. I really don’t regret that decision. Initially, I was torn between my studies and football, but I followed my heart and chose football. I’m happy to be with Odisha FC,” Razia shared.
Acknowledging the team’s struggles, she said, “In football, sometimes things don’t go as planned. I’m learning every day under the guidance of the head coach and technical staff. Although our performance has dipped, I believe in my learning process and am training to improve every day. This has been a good decision in my life.”
Match Details:
Odisha FC vs Kickstart FC
1st March 2025 | Tuesday | 3:30 PM IST | Kalinga Stadium, Bhubneswar | Live on ssen.co
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