| Odisha vs Inter Kashi | |
| MATCH | ISL |
| DATE | 17 - 10 - 2026 |
| TIME | 05.00 PM IST |
| STADIUM | Ekana |
Inter Kashi vs Odisha FC Preview: Vaz Pinto Targets First Win in ISL 2026-27
Inter Kashi will aim to secure their first victory of the 2026-27 Indian Super League (ISL) season when they face Odisha FC in the second match of Matchweek 2 at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Balewadi, Pune. Both teams suffered defeats in their opening fixtures and will be eager to get their campaigns back on track.
With Carlos Vaz Pinto leading Inter Kashi and T. G. Purushothaman in charge of Odisha FC, the encounter promises to be a competitive battle between two sides looking to collect their first points of the season.
Inter Kashi Preview
Inter Kashi began their ISL campaign with a 2-0 defeat against Kerala Blasters. Goals from Vibin and Andre Green helped the Tuskers claim all three points, leaving the Varanasi-based club disappointed despite showing some promising attacking moments.
Inter Kashi created opportunities and recorded three shots on target, but their inability to convert chances proved costly. They will need greater efficiency in the final third if they hope to overcome Odisha FC.
Playing home matches away from Varanasi presents an additional challenge for the club. Despite the difficulties surrounding their preparations, Inter Kashi have assembled an Indian-focused squad for the 2026-27 season and will look to establish themselves in the top flight.
Head coach Carlos Vaz Pinto brings valuable experience from his previous spell with Sreenidi Deccan. Although his team lost their opening game, their performance offered some encouragement ahead of this fixture.
Experienced goalkeeper Albino Gomes, along with Pratik Chaudhari and Nischal Chandan, will be important in strengthening the defensive unit. Meanwhile, captain Passi, Rosenberg Gabriel and Manvir Singh will be expected to provide attacking impetus and help the team find the net.
Inter Kashi will need to combine defensive discipline with better finishing to earn a positive result.
Odisha FC Preview
Odisha FC will also be looking to bounce back after losing their opening match of the 2026-27 ISL season against Punjab FC. The Juggernauts struggled to get their campaign off to a winning start and will be determined to respond positively in Pune.
Under the guidance of experienced coach T. G. Purushothaman, Odisha FC have put together a squad featuring several notable additions, including Stephen Eze, Hrithik Tiwari and Everton. These players could prove important as the club looks to improve its performances throughout the campaign.
The Juggernauts face a demanding start to the season, with two away fixtures before returning to Bhubaneswar for their first home game. Securing points against Inter Kashi would provide a valuable boost ahead of their upcoming challenges.
Odisha FC will look to make better use of their attacking opportunities while maintaining a compact defensive structure. Their experience and squad depth could give them an advantage, but they must avoid the mistakes that contributed to their opening defeat.
Against an Inter Kashi side equally desperate for points, Odisha FC will need to remain focused throughout the match.
Team News
Both teams will be playing their second match of the ISL 2026-27 season. Odisha FC are expected to have a fully fit squad, although final availability will depend on the latest team assessments.
Inter Kashi will hope their key players are ready to feature as they seek to improve on their opening performance. Confirmed starting lineups and any late fitness updates should be checked closer to kick-off.
Key Players to Watch
Inter Kashi: Albino Gomes, Pratik Chaudhari, Rosenberg Gabriel and Manvir Singh could play important roles in the team's defensive stability and attacking efforts.
Odisha FC: Stephen Eze, Hrithik Tiwari and Everton are among the players to watch as the Juggernauts look to deliver a stronger performance.
Match Prediction
Both teams enter this fixture under pressure after losing their opening matches. Inter Kashi will be eager to make the most of their opportunities, while Odisha FC will hope their squad quality and experience help them secure their first points.
The contest could be closely fought, with defensive organisation and finishing likely to determine the outcome.
Prediction: Inter Kashi 1-1 Odisha FC
A draw looks like a plausible outcome, although either side could claim victory if they make better use of their scoring chances.
Conclusion
Inter Kashi and Odisha FC will both be determined to register their first points of the 2026-27 Indian Super League season. With both teams looking to recover from opening defeats, the match in Pune could deliver an entertaining contest. Inter Kashi will aim to turn promising performances into goals, while Odisha FC will seek a response under T. G. Purushothaman.