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Odisha FC will clash with Kerala Blasters in the first game of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 playoffs at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Friday (19 April).
Odisha (22-11) finished at fourth position in the points table with 39 points. They are coming into this game on the back of a 3-0 loss to Northeast United. Meanwhile, Kerala (22-10) finished fifth with 33 points under their belt.
Both teams have been in a similar form in the last five games, losing three, while drawing and winning once. A win in this game would help one of the teams reach ISL semi-finals. Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Mumbai City FC have already qualified for the last four as the two table-toppers.
The last meeting between both teams took place on Feb. 2, 2024 in Kalinga Stadium.
Dimitrios Diamantako opened the account for the Kerala Blasters in the 10th minute after tapping in a cross from Nihal Sudheesh. An exciting football match ensued, as Odisha created multiple chances for an equalizer, but failed to convert them.
Kerala Blasters defended admirably amid an attacking onslaught from Odisha. At the half-time, Kerala held a lead of 1-0.
Roy Krishna, terrific form in the second half, equalised in the 53rd minute with a header off a cross from Jahouh. Four minutes later, Amey Ranawade delivered the ball from the right flank, and Krishna was again perfect with his header to give Odisha a 2-1 lead.
Despite multiple attempts, Kerala couldn't score and equalizer, and the match endedf 2-1 in favor of Odisha. The Juggernauts maintained 62% possession and had 81% pass accuracy.
On that note, let's check out the head-to-head record of the two teams in ISL history.
ISL 2023-24: Odisha FC vs Kerala Blasters Head-to-Head Stats
Overall, 22 games have been played by the two teams against each other in the ISL. Kerala have emerged victorious in nine of them, while Odisha have won six.
Seven games have finished in draws, with a total of 29 goals scored by both teams.
In the last five meetings, Kerala have a slight edge with three wins. In this season, the teams have split the wins 1-1 and this playoff clash promises to be an intriguing affair.
