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ISL 2025-26: Odisha FC Hosts Inter Kashi in Crucial Home Opener

Odisha FC is set to host newly-promoted Inter Kashi FC in their first home match of the ISL 2025-26 season at Bhubaneswar's Kalinga Stadium. Odisha's head coach, TG Purushottaman, emphasizes a focus on performance over immediate results ahead of the clash. Inter Kashi's coach, Antonio López Habas, outlines a philosophy of adaptability and building the team day by day in their debut top-flight season. The match is a replay of a 2024 Super Cup fixture where Odisha secured a 3-0 victory.

Key Points: Odisha FC vs Inter Kashi: ISL 2025-26 Match Preview

  • Odisha's first home match of season
  • Inter Kashi's resilient league debut
  • Coaches outline team philosophies
  • Historic Super Cup meeting
3 min read

ISL 2025-26: Odisha to host Inter Kashi in their first match of season

Preview of the ISL 2025-26 match as Odisha FC hosts newly-promoted Inter Kashi FC at Kalinga Stadium. Get coach insights and team updates.

"We are not focused on the results. We are concentrating on the performances; the results will come automatically. - TG Purushottaman"

Bhubaneswar, Feb 23

Odisha FC will host newly-promoted Inter Kashi FC in their first match of Indian Super League 2025-26, which will be played at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, on Tuesday. This will be Odisha's first match of the season at home after their opening fixture against Punjab FC on February 16 was postponed.

Meanwhile, Inter Kashi showed immense resilience to secure a 1-1 draw against AIFF Super Cup champions FC Goa in their league debut last week and will be hoping to build on their fine start.

Speaking ahead of their first match of the season, Odisha FC head coach TG Purushottaman said, "We are not focused 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 weaknesses. We will take the challenges however they come."

Speaking about the team's goals this season, Odisha FC captain Carlos Delgado said, "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."

Both teams have met each other once in the AIFF Super Cup 2024, when Odisha emerged victorious 3-0 with Lalthathanga, Diego Maurício, and Puitea scoring the goals.

Discussing Tuesday's match, Inter Kashi Head Coach, Antonio López Habas, said, "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. No! You must adapt to the qualities and conditions of your players. That is my philosophy.

"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", said Inter Kashi forward Alfred Planas.

Odisha FC will aim to ignite their campaign with a strong home performance, while Inter Kashi FC will be eager to build on the positive start to their season.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Inter Kashi's draw against Goa was seriously impressive for a debut. Habas is a smart coach with that adaptable philosophy. But playing at Odisha's home is a different challenge altogether. Should be a fascinating tactical battle.
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Priya S
As an Odia, I'm so excited for this home match! The atmosphere at Kalinga is electric. Hope the team plays with the same spirit as last season. But a respectful note to the management: we need to see more consistency. Last season had too many ups and downs. Let's start with a solid win! 🙏
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Vikram M
Interesting to see a new team like Inter Kashi. It's good for the league to have fresh faces from different regions. Their coach Habas talks sense – you can't force one system, you have to build around your players. Hope they put up a good fight.
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Rohit P
Odisha should win this comfortably on paper, especially after that 3-0 Super Cup win. But ISL is different. Inter Kashi seems spirited. Captain Delgado's point about becoming a united team quickly is key. The season is a marathon, not a sprint. All the best to both teams!
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Kavya N
Love seeing the growth of Indian football! New teams, new cities. Bhubaneswar has become a proper football hub. Hoping for an entertaining match with lots of goals. Odisha's attack vs. Inter Kashi's resilience will be the clash to watch.

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