Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Fc women team will start the group stage campaign against Japan's Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies in the AFC Women's Champions at Thong Nhat Stadium in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on Sunday.

Urawa come into this fixture with three wins from their last five outings in their national league (WE League), boasting a potent attacking lineup led by the likes of Shimada, Fujisaki, Shiokoshi, Tsunoda, and Seike . They present a formidable challenge, especially in the final third.

However, Odisha FC is confident about recent victories, having secured a spot in the group stage with a 4-1 win over Singapore's Lion City Sailors and a 2-1 triumph against Jordan's Etihad Club. Despite an injury in the second game, Lynda Kom's consecutive goals were a highlight, along with Shreya's stellar performance between the sticks. Grace will miss the game due to a five-match ban from the red card.

Odisha FC Women’s head coach Crispin Chettri in the pre match Press meet on Saturday expressed “his admiration for the Japanese champions, stating, "The opponent team is very strong, they are champions. We come into this tournament with an open mind, ready to learn and grow. As individuals, as a team, and for Indian football as a whole. We are glad to be here and take away valuable knowledge from this experience."

Goalkeeper Shreya Hooda echoed the excitement, saying, "I’m very happy to be part of this tournament, especially as the first Indian women’s team to participate. We feel proud to be here, and we are well-prepared. Our focus is on taking it one game at a time. It feels good to face such a high-profile team like Urawa. We are all set for tomorrow’s game."

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