All posts tagged: Odisha FC women

Odisha FC to kick off their campaign against Gokulam Kerala

Odisha FC to kick off their campaign against Gokulam Kerala

The 2024-25 Indian Women’s League (IWL) season is set to kick off with a thrilling encounter between defending champions Odisha FC Women (OFCW) and Gokulam Kerala FC on January 10, 2025, at EMS Stadium in Kozhikode, Kerala. The match promises to be a high-stakes battle between two of the league’s top contenders, with both teams looking to make an early statement. Odisha FC Women enter the season as the defending champions, having dominated the 2023-24 IWL season with 31 points from 12 matches. Under the guidance of Coach Crispin Chettri, the team secured 10 wins and one draw, dethroning Gokulam Kerala FC, who finished second with 29 points. Despite losing a few key players, Odisha FC remains a formidable force, thanks to the arrival of several promising young talents. Coach Chettri shared his thoughts on preparing for the season, saying, “This year, we have a very young side with only a few players remaining from last season. But we are growing as a team every day, and we are confident we can defend our title.” …

Odisha FC aim for redemption against Ho Chi Minh City Women’s FC

After suffering a heavy 17-0 defeat to Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies on Sunday, Odisha FC Women’s team will be eager to regroup and put forth a stronger showing in their next match against the host Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City Women’s FC tomorrow. The match against Urawa Red Diamonds, the reigning AFC Women’s Club Championship winners and two-time champions of Japan’s WE League, was a tough learning experience for the Odisha side. The Japanese team showed their quality from the first whistle, but despite the scoreline, Odisha FC showed some resilience. Now, Odisha FC will turn their attention to their second Group C fixture against the local team, Ho Chi Minh City Women’s FC, who come into the game riding high after a strong second-half display saw them defeat Chinese Taipei’s Taichung Blue Whale 3-1 on October 6. After a slow start to the match, HCM City found their rhythm in the second half, turning up the pressure and securing an important win on home soil. “I know the last match was tough, not …

Odisha FC Hit by Key Player Absences Ahead of AFC Women’s Champions League Opener

Odisha FC Women are gearing up for their AFC Women’s Champions League campaign but face significant challenges ahead of their opening group-stage match against Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds. The squad will be without some key players, which could impact their chances on the continental stage. One of the most notable absences is Cameroon defender Elaine, who is unable to participate due to unresolved International Transfer Certificate (ITC) issues. A dispute between the Real Federación Española de Fútbol (RFEF) and the Federação Portuguesa de Futebol (FPF) over player ownership has delayed her clearance. Her presence would have been crucial for Odisha’s defense against Urawa’s formidable attack. Additionally, forward Grace has been hit with a five-match ban by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), stemming from a red card incident during the prelims against Lion City Sailors. The loss of Grace, a key figure in Odisha’s attacking setup, adds to the team’s woes. The team’s attacking strength has taken another hit, with star striker Pyari Xaxa sidelined after suffering a minor injury in a bike accident just before …

Odisha FC set to play in inaugural AFC Women’s Champions League

Odisha FC, winners of the Indian Women’s League (IWL), will take part in the inaugural edition of the AFC Women’s Champions League this year, the All India Football Federation announced today. The continental tournament will kick off in August 2024. “AFC confirms India’s participation in the inaugural AFC Women’s Champions League 2024-25. India will be represented by its top tier IWL winners Odisha FC,” the AIFF wrote on X. The Bhubaneswar-based side of the Odisha FC franchise, which also own the men’s side in the Indian Super League (ISL), won 10 of its 12 games to finish at the top of the IWL league table with 31 points. Exciting News !!! AFC confirms India’s participation in the inaugural AFC Women’s Champions League 2024/25. India will be represented by its top tier IWL winner @OdishaFCW The new format Women’s Champions League will feature 20 nations competition, having premilinary round… pic.twitter.com/SdDpkA1Kyu — Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) May 7, 2024 The Women’s Champions League will begin with a preliminary stage in late August. The first stage will be …

FIFA congratulates Odisha FC Women for winning Indian Women’s League

Odisha FC has received a congratulatory letter from FIFA for clinching the Indian Women’s League (IWL) 2023-24 title. Gianni Infantino (FIFA President) congratulated Odisha FC for their great achievement, in a letter addressed to Mr. Kalyan Chaubey (AIFF President). The Odisha FC Women’s Team has secured their spot in the AFC Women’s Champions League next season, marking a significant milestone in their journey to success. The club’s dominant performance in the IWL 2023-24, marked by 10 victories and just one loss, underscores their status as the league’s leading force. In a letter addressed to AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey, FIFA President Gianni Infantino wrote,” By means of this letter, I am pleased to congratulate the new champions of India, Odisha FC Women!” “Their constant efforts and results throughout the season have paid off, resulting in this important title. Congratulations to each and every member of the team and the club for this great achievement,” the letter read further. FIFA President also thanked AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey for his support and work for the women’s development. “While …

How Crispin Chettri’s Odisha FC broke monopoly and won IWL

These recent months have been nothing short of glorious for the Eastern Dragons. From securing their first major title in the Southern part of India to triumphantly claiming the league title on home turf, the team has been basking in glory. For the past few years, the Indian Women’s League had been under the monopoly of Gokulam Kerala, clinching the title three consecutive times. While occasional competition arose from teams like Sethu FC, the landscape saw a significant shift with the introduction of the Odisha FC Women’s Team. Taking the reins after guiding Sethu FC to a second-place finish, Crispin Chettri assumed leadership, and in just the second year of its establishment, the Juggernauts asserted their dominance in the IWL. “It has been a great learning for me in Women’s football,” the maestro started talking. “Sethu was a good platform for me to learn and understand about women’s football. I think the most challenging and most satisfying for me was when I did when we were runners up with Sethu FC because I was completely …