Having already created history by qualifying for AFC Women's Champions League a month ago by ensuring a top-of-the-group finish in preliminary stage, Odisha FC Women will hope for a head start to their group-stage campaign when they take on Japan's Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies at Thong Nhat Stadium in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, on Sunday afternoon.
The Japanese club comes into the encounter on the back of three wins from last five outings in their national women's league (WE League), boasting a potent attacking lineup led by the likes of Mei Shimada, Satoko Fujisaki, Yuzuho Shiokoshi, Fuka Tsunoda, and Seike. The Red Diamonds Ladies are also the defending champions of WE League and they will pose a formidable challenge.
However, Odisha FC Women, the present Indian Women's League (ISL) champions representing India on the prestigious continental stage, are confident about their chances against the formidable all-Japanese side which has many national team players in the squad. Having secured a spot in the group stage with a 4-1 victory over Singapore's Lion City Sailors and a 2-1 win against Jordan's Etihad Club in the preliminary stage of the continental competition, Odisha surely are no pushovers in this contest.
Despite an injury setback in the second match, Lynda Kom's consecutive goals were the highlights along with Shreya Hooda's stellar performance under the crosspiece. However, midfielder Grace Hauhnar will miss the action on Sunday as she is serving a five-match ban due to the red card received during the match against Etihad Club.
Admiring the Japanese champions, Odisha head coach Crispin Chettri said during the pre-match interaction on Saturday, "The opponent team is very strong, they are champions. We come into this tournament with an open mind, ready to learn and grow - as individuals, as a team, and for Indian football as a whole. We are glad to be here and take away valuable knowledge from this experience."
Goalkeeper Hooda echoed her excitement ahead of the game, saying, "I'm very happy to be part of this tournament, especially as the first Indian women's team to participate. We feel proud to be here, and we are well-prepared. Our focus is on taking it one game at a time. It feels good to face such a high-calibre team like Urawa. We are all set for the game."
