Kozhikode, Apr 24 : Bengaluru FC’s bid to win the 2023 Super Cup title faces its ultimate challenge when they take on Odisha FC in the final at the EMS Stadium here on Tuesday.
Bengaluru, who qualified for the summit clash after a 2-0 win over Jamshedpur FC, will face Clifford Miranda’s Juggernauts, who defeated NorthEast United FC 3-1 in the second semifinal encounter.
“We’ve worked extremely hard to get to this stage and everyone knows what’s at stake. Losing the ISL final did hurt, but this team has come through a lot of obstacles and achieved some great things this season, and we want to achieve more on Tuesday,” Grayson told reporters on the eve of the final.
The Englishman maintained that his Blues, who have made it to a third summit clash of the season, after the Durand Cup and Indian Super League finals, are determined to be on the winning side.
“I have always said that I’m not here to have a holiday. I’m here to win football matches. All of us here are winners and want to win as many football matches and competitions as possible. I see the game on Tuesday as an opportunity for us to do just that, and we are looking forward to it,” Grayson added.
Bengaluru will look to continue their good form against the Juggernauts, having won five of the eight meetings between the two sides. Roy Krishna, who has contributed to two of six goals the Blues have scored in the tournament, was also on the scoresheet when the two teams last met at the Kanteerava Stadium at ISL in January with the Blues winning 3-1.
Odisha, meanwhile, will bank on the partnership of Nandhakumar Sekar (4 goals) and Diego Mauricio (3 goals). Bengaluru, who have conceded the least goals of any side in the competition (2), are up against an Odisha side that have scored nine times this term – setting up an exciting encounter for the neutral.
“I think it’s got all the ingredients of a great game. It would be massive for us to win this tournament and possibly make it to the AFC Cup. This club has been used to playing in tournaments of such magnitude and it’s another opportunity for us to test ourselves in another competition with different teams and playing styles,” Grayson opined.
The narrative pits an entertaining clash which is set to kick-off at 7 PM on Tuesday, and will be telecast live on FanCode and Sony Sports 2. Tickets for the game can be availed on bookmyshow.com. (UNI)