NIA |
Updated: February 23, 2026 22:50 IST
Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India]February 23 (ANI): Odisha FC will host newly promoted Inter Kashi FC in their first match of the Indian Super League 2025-26, to be played at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar on Tuesday, February 24.
Odisha FC will play their first home match of the season after their first match against Punjab FC on February 16 was postponed, according to a statement.
Meanwhile, Inter Kashi showed immense resilience by earning a 1-1 draw against AIFF Super Cup champions FC Goa in their league debut last week.
Speaking ahead of their first match of the season, Odisha FC head coach TG Purushottaman said: “We are not focused on results. We are concentrating on performances; results will come automatically. We will stick to our strengths and look to exploit their weaknesses. We will accept challenges as they come.”
Speaking about the team’s goals this season, Odisha FC captain Carlos Delgado said: “The most important thing is to stay together, be compact, ambitious and enjoy training. We don’t have much time, so we must quickly become a strong and united team. We will fight and give everything to win.”
Both the teams met once in the 2024 AIFF Super Cup where Odisha emerged victorious 3-0 with Lalthathanga, Diego Mauricio and Puitea scoring the goals.
Talking about tomorrow’s match, Inter Kashi coach Antonio López Habas said: “The fundamental plan for us is to build the team in this category and grow every day. The goal is always the next match, now it is Odisha. We are not the favorites to win the league, but we want to be competitive throughout the season. My game model depends on the players I have. A coach cannot say: ‘This is my system and it will never change’. No! You must adapt to the qualities and conditions of your team’s players. That It’s my philosophy.
“We have to do things right from the first moment because the league is very short. But there is no pressure. It is the first time that Inter Kashi is in the ISL and if we follow the coach’s ideas and execute our plans correctly, we will be competitive in every game. We must focus only on the things that depend on us,” said Inter Kashi striker Alfred Planas.
Odisha FC will look to start their campaign with a good performance at home, while Inter Kashi FC will be keen to build on the positive start to their season. (ANI)
