AFC Cup: Odisha FC bow out after losing to Central Coast Mariners on aggregate
Odisha FC played out a goalless draw in the second leg of the Inter-Zone Playoff semi-final.

India Super League (ISL) side Odisha FC’s campaign in the AFC Cup came to an end after they held Central Coast Mariners to a goalless draw in the second leg, resulting in a 4-0 aggregate defeat in the Inter-Zone Playoff Semi-final at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Thursday.
#OFCvCCM ends in a stalemate and the #KalingaWarriors exit the #AFCCup 2023/24.#OdishaFC #IndianFootball pic.twitter.com/s3w0vzUF1c
— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) March 14, 2024
The Kalinga Warriors entered the second leg with a daunting challenge on their hands after succumbing to a heavy 4-0 defeat in the first leg in Australia.
Sergio Lobera’s side needed a remarkable comeback in the second half, but the composed defense of the opposition restricted their chances to do so.
As expected, the Mariners started the game aggressively, dominating ball possession and not giving any room for Odisha FC to counterattack. Mark Jackson’s side attempted 17 shots, but Odisha FC maintained a tidy defensive line to ensure they didn’t concede further in the second leg.
Central Coast Mariners came closest in the 26th minute, but Mikael Doka, who scored twice in the first leg, hit the frame of the post from the penalty spot.
The Kalinga Warriors had some lively attempts in the second half, but they couldn’t make the most of them. Despite some valiant efforts from their defensive line, the attacking force of Odisha FC failed to penetrate the Mariners' defense or test their goalkeeper, Danny Vukovic.
The Kalinga Warriors will now go into the break before taking on Bengaluru FC on March 30 at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium.
Central Coast Mariners will now face Kyrgyzstan Top Liga side FK Abdish-Ata Kant in the Inter-Zonal Final.