Odisha FC will finally kick off their Indian Super League 2025–26 campaign when they host newly promoted Inter Kashi FC at the Kalinga Stadium on Tuesday, February 24.
The match, scheduled for a 19:30 IST kick-off, will be streamed live on FanCode and telecast on Sony Sports TEN 2. For Odisha FC, the fixture marks the start of their season after their opening match against Punjab FC on February 16 was postponed. Inter Kashi, meanwhile, have already made their league debut, holding AIFF Super Cup champions FC Goa to a 1-1 draw last week a result that underlined their readiness to compete at the top level despite stepping into the ISL for the first time.
Odisha enter the match with the advantage of home conditions but without competitive minutes in the new campaign. Head coach TG Purushottaman has made it clear that the focus remains on performance rather than short-term outcomes.
“We are not focussed on the results. We are concentrating on the performances; the results will come automatically. We will stick to our strengths and look to exploit their weakness. We will take the challenges however they come,” Purushottaman said ahead of the encounter.
The statement reflects a measured approach, particularly in a shortened league format where margins are thin and consistency often determines qualification pathways. Without the benefit of an opening fixture, Odisha will rely heavily on their preparation and internal cohesion to set the tone for the season.
Captain Carlos Delgado echoed the importance of unity and clarity within the squad. “The most important thing is to stay together, be compact, ambitious, and enjoy the training. We don’t have much time, so we must become a strong and united team quickly. We will fight and give everything to win,” he said.
The compressed nature of the ISL season demands immediate synchronisation. Teams that take too long to settle often find themselves chasing the table. For Odisha, establishing rhythm from the first whistle will be crucial, particularly against a side that has already experienced the tempo and intensity of ISL competition.
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Inter Kashi arrive in Bhubaneswar with confidence following their draw against FC Goa. Securing a point against an established side in their league debut sends a clear signal that the promoted club is not approaching the season with caution alone but with competitive intent.
Head coach Antonio López Habas emphasised development and adaptability as key pillars of Inter Kashi’s campaign. “The fundamental plan for us is to build the team in this category and grow every single day. The target is always the next match, now it is Odisha. We are not the favourites to win the league, but we want to be competitive throughout the season. My model of play depends on the players I have. A coach cannot say, ‘This is my system and it will never change’. You must adapt to the qualities and conditions of your players. That is my philosophy,” Habas stated.
His comments underline a pragmatic approach prioritising structure, flexibility, and incremental growth rather than imposing rigid tactical frameworks. For a team transitioning into the ISL environment, that adaptability could prove decisive.
Forward Alfred Planas also stressed the importance of execution and mindset. “We have to do things well from the first moment because the league is very short. But there is no pressure. This is Inter Kashi’s first time in the ISL, and if we follow the coach’s ideas and execute our plans properly, we will be competitive in every game. We must focus only on the things that depend on us,” he said.
The two teams have met once before, during the AIFF Super Cup 2024, where Odisha FC secured a 3-0 victory through goals from Lalthathanga, Diego Maurício and Puitea. However, that fixture predates Inter Kashi’s ISL promotion and structural evolution, limiting its predictive value.
From a tactical standpoint, Odisha are likely to emphasise compactness and structured build-up play, as suggested by their leadership’s messaging. Inter Kashi, buoyed by their opening performance, may seek to remain disciplined while capitalising on transition moments.
The Kalinga Stadium has historically been a challenging venue for visiting sides, and Odisha will aim to leverage home support to assert early control. At the same time, Inter Kashi’s early-season resilience suggests they will not be overwhelmed by the occasion.
With one side beginning its campaign and the other attempting to build on a positive start, Tuesday’s encounter offers contrasting narratives. For Odisha FC, it is about ignition. For Inter Kashi, it is about continuation.
