Odisha FC have made impressive strides over the past two seasons. After securing their first-ever playoff berth and lifting their first silverware in the 2023-24 season, they achieved a record-breaking finish in the ISL, amassing 39 points and reaching the semi-finals under head coach Sergio Lobera.

With minimal changes to the squad, Odisha FC are primed to build on last season's achievements and make a serious push for the ISL title. The core of the team remains strong, offering continuity and stability, which should enhance their prospects for the upcoming season.

At the Kalinga Stadium, Odisha FC were unstoppable under Lobera, turning their home ground into an impenetrable fortress with a remarkable unbeaten run across 13 matches. Lobera, who has extended his contract for another two seasons, will be keen to sustain that home dominance as the club targets even greater heights this season.

Season Outcome
2019-20 6th position
2020-21 11th position (Bottom of the table)
2021-22 7th position
2022-23 6th position (ISL Playoffs)
2023-24 4th position (ISL semi-finals)

While the Odisha FC reserves competed in the Durand Cup, Lobera's first-team squad focused on a rigorous preseason, culminating in the Bandodkar Trophy in Goa. The Kalinga Warriors delivered a series of standout performances, defeating Brisbane Roar, Defensa y Justicia, and Chennaiyin FC, showcasing their potential for the season ahead.

Although they narrowly missed out on the trophy, losing to FC Goa in a penalty shootout in the final, Odisha FC's preseason displays signal their readiness to take on the challenges of the ISL and firmly establish themselves among the league’s elite.

Team composition and Transfer dealings

Odisha FC have retained their core group of foreign players, including key figures Roy Krishna and Carlos Delgado, while Ahmed Jahouh, Mourtada Fall, and Diego Mauricio continue under existing contracts.

The squad gains a significant boost with the addition of Hugo Boumous, who reunites with coach Lobera after their successful collaborations at FC Goa and Mumbai City FC.

On the domestic front, the Kalinga Warriors have signed Rahim Ali, Rohit Kumar, and Raynier Fernandes, and extended Amey Ranawade's loan deal for another season.

Notable departures include Hitesh Sharma, who has joined Mumbai City FC on loan, and Princeton Rebello.

Transfers In

Rahim Ali (Joined from Chennaiyin FC) Details
Jeremy Zohminghlua (Joined from Hyderabad FC) Details
Narendra Naik (Joined from Reliance Foundation Young Champs) Details
Subham Bhattacharya (Joined from Reliance Foundation Young Champs) Details
Raynier Fernandes (On loan from FC Goa) Details
Hugo Boumous (Joined from Mohun Bagan SG) Details
Amey Ranawade (On Loan from Mumbai City FC) Details
Rohit Kumar (Joined from Bengaluru FC) Details

Transfers Out

Laldinliana Renthlei (Joined Chennaiyin FC) Details
Hitesh Sharma (Out on loan) Details
Lalthuammawia Ralte (End of Contract) Details
Vignesh Dakshinamurthy (End of Loan) Details
Aniket Jadhav (End of Contract) Details
Michael Soosairaj (End of Contract) Details
Pranjal Bhumij (End of Contract) Details
Cy Goddard (End of Contract) Details
Princeton Rebello (End of Contract) Details
Sahil Panwar (End of Contract) Details

Key Players

Hugo Boumous

While Roy Krishna, Ahmed Jahouh, and Carlos Delgado were standout players for Odisha FC last season, the spotlight now turns to Hugo Boumous. After being largely absent from the ISL last season, the Moroccan midfielder has reunited with his former coach at Odisha FC and is poised to make a strong comeback.

The midfielder has made a great impression in the pre-season, netting goals in both the semi-final and final of the Bandodkar Trophy.

With his exceptional vision, ability to dismantle defences, and refined technical skills, Boumous is primed to be the major attraction for Odisha FC this season.

Amey Ranawade

Ranawade, a key favourite of the coach, will remain at Odisha FC on loan for a second successive season.

The right-back was instrumental last season, delivering solid performances both defensively and offensively. He topped the assist chart among defenders with six assists, ranking joint fifth overall.

Ranawade is set to once again showcase his signature overlapping runs down the right flank, adding width to the attack, while Ahmed Jahouh slots in between the centre-backs to provide balance.

Coach

Sergio Lobera

Renowned for his attacking flair and strategic acumen, Sergio Lobera made a significant impact in his first season with Odisha FC, leading the Kalinga Warriors to the semi-finals in the ISL for the first time in history and reaching the Super Cup final, though the trophy eluded him.

Also Read: Our main target is the ISL: Lobera, Delgado, Ali outline their season goals

The addition of Hugo Boumous touted as one of the finest attacking midfielders in the league, will enable Lobera to refine his strategies and formations with greater ease. Heading into his second season with a newly strengthened squad, Lobera is determined to elevate his team’s performance and challenge formidable teams like Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Mumbai City FC for the championship.

Fixtures

Odisha FC boasted an exceptional home record last season, remaining unbeaten at the Kalinga Stadium. Lobera's men will seek to capitalize on this strong home form at the start of the new campaign, with four of their first five fixtures scheduled to be played at home.

December presents a tougher challenge for Odisha FC as they face Bengaluru FC, Mumbai City FC, and East Bengal FC within just 12 days. They will close out the year with an away fixture against the newly-promoted Mohammedan SC.

Take a look at their full fixtures here. 

Related tags:

Odisha FC2024-2025