Mikael doka

Central Coast Mariners FC: Odisha FC face an uphill task as they take on Australian side Central Coast Mariners FC in the AFC Cup 2023-24 inter-zonal semi-final second Leg at the Kalinga Stadium on Thursday.

Given the current scenario in the two-legged encounter, Sergio Lobera’s men are certainly staring at elimination from the competition. In the first leg, played at the Central Coast Stadium in New South Wales last Thursday, the home team were a runaway 4-0 winners. To stay in the competition, Odisha FC will first have to wipe out the deficit before aiming to make further inroads.

But then, Lobera is a thorough professional who believes nothing is impossible in a game of football. He is cautiously optimistic, as he is completely aware of the rivals’ strength.