Mariners advance to Inter-Zone final despite goalless draw

The starting squad in the AFC Cup interzone semi-final

The Central Coast Mariners have secured their spot in the AFC Cup 2023-24 Inter-Zone final after a 0-0 stalemate with Odisha FC at Kalinga Stadium in India on Thursday, March 14, sealing a 4-0 victory on aggregate against the Indian Super League team.

Despite a missed penalty by Mikael Doka in the first half, the Mariners’ substantial lead from the first leg in Gosford ensured their progression.

Next month, the Mariners will go head-to-head with Kyrgyz Republic’s Abdysh-Ata Kant in the Inter-Zone final, following the latter’s successful campaign against Taichung Futuro from Chinese Taipei.

The first leg of the final is scheduled to take place in Bishkek on April 17, with the return match set for Gosford a week later, promising an exciting clash as the Mariners aim for glory on the international stage.