Football
Odisha to play for pride as qualification only mathematical possibility
The final group game is a must-win encounter for the Kalinga warriors for any chance to qualify.
Odisha FC heads into their final group game of the AFC Women’s Champions League against Taichung Blue Whale with only slim hopes of qualifying for the next round.
After suffering a heavy defeat in their opening game against Urawa Red Diamonds and a second loss to Ho Chi Minh City Women’s FC, the Kalinga Warriors find themselves in a must-win situation.
However, even a victory might not be enough to secure their place in the next stage, as their fate is no longer entirely in their hands.
Odisha FC will need other results to go their way, as only the two best third-placed teams from the group stages advance to the knockout rounds.
In the pre-match press conference, Coach Crispin Chhetri reflected on the tournament so far, stating that it "has been a great learning experience for the team," emphasizing the growth the players have experienced, despite the challenges faced.
Their opponents, Taichung Blue Whale, also come into the match winless from their two encounters and will be equally desperate for a victory, making it a crucial clash for both teams with their tournament survival on the line.
The match is scheduled for 12th October 2024, at 1:30 pm IST, at the Thong Nhat Stadium in Vietnam, and will be broadcast live on FanCode.