Bhubaneswar: After the disappointing start, Odisha FC proceeded to New Delhi for its first away match of the campaign against Punjab FC on Friday at JLN Stadium. In the opening match at home, Odisha FC suffered defeat from Chennaiyin FC by 2-3 goals at Kalinga Stadium.
Punjab FC made a winning start to their league campaign over Kerala Blasters FC 2-1 in Kochi. Punjab FC will continue playing their home games at Delhi’s JLN Stadium this season. The Punjab outfit are looking for their first win over Odisha FC, who did the double over the former last season.
It was a tight contest between the sides at the JLN last season, with Roy Krishna’s solitary goal giving OFC an important 1-0 win.
In the Pre-match Press Meet Lobera said the team’s focus will be on avoiding the mistakes of the first match. “When you lose one game, the focus should be on improving in the next. We are ready for the challenge.”
However, Lobera said that every game should be approached in a different manner, and praised Punjab FC for their opening week performance. “They are doing well and will compete at the highest level, but we have to focus on ourselves. If we don’t give our 100%, we won’t be able to put up a strong challenge against any team.”
Now in his sixth season at OFC, forward Jerry M said it’s been an honour to have been part of the squad all these years, and aims to be called up for the national team soon.
