Odisha FC is set to face Australian club Central Coast Mariners in the first leg of the AFC Cup Inter-Zonal semifinal on Thursday. The Indian Super League side will be facing a tough challenge, having played a match in Chennai on Sunday night and having limited time to adjust to the atmospheric conditions and time difference in Australia.
Head coach Sergio Lobera expressed frustration over the lack of flexibility from the ISL, stating that Odisha FC represents not only themselves but also the league and the country in Asian competition. Despite requesting a date change for their match against Chennaiyin, their appeals were denied. This has resulted in Odisha FC having minimal time for preparation in Australia before the game.
