New Delhi [India], September 19 (ANI): Punjab FC (PFC) is gearing up to host Odisha FC for their first home game of the Indian Super League (ISL) season this Friday at the iconic Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi. The match is set to kick-off at 7:30 PM, promising an exciting evening of football.

Punjab FC had an electrifying start to their season with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Kerala Blasters in Kochi. The win was sealed by Filip Mrzljak’s dramatic 95th-minute goal, showcasing the team’s resilience and determination. On the other hand, Odisha FC faced a tough challenge in their opener, succumbing to a narrow 2-3 defeat against Chennaiyin FC at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneshwar.

Ahead of their first home game, PFC head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis expressed his enthusiasm about playing on home turf. “We are thrilled to be playing at home tomorrow. Our season has started on a high note, and we aim to maintain this momentum. Odisha FC is a formidable team, coached by an experienced and tactically astute manager,” Dilmperis stated, as per a release from PFC.

However, Punjab FC will be without Luka Majcen, who sustained an injury in the first match. “We hope Luka recovers quickly and rejoins the team. He is a fighter and would have been with us if possible,” the coach remarked, highlighting Majcen’s importance to the squad both on and off the field.

Filip Mrzljak, who scored the decisive goal against Kerala Blasters, shared his thoughts during the pre-match press conference. “It has been a fantastic start for me personally and for the team. The ISL is more challenging than I anticipated, and the matches will only get tougher from here. We have trained well and expect a tough match against Odisha tomorrow,” Mrzljak said.

Last season saw Odisha FC triumph over Punjab FC in New Delhi with a narrow 1-0 victory, thanks to Roy Krishna’s decisive goal. This season, Roy Krishna remains a key attacking threat for Odisha, supported by dynamic midfielder Ahmed Jahouh, new signing Hugo Boumous, and talented Indian players like Isak Vanlalruatfela, Raynier Fernandes, and Jerry Mawihmingthanga.

As Punjab FC prepares for their home debut, fans can expect an intense and competitive match that highlights the skill and strategy of both teams in the ISL.