Kolkata: The Juggernauts defeated Gokulam Kerala 3-1 in a dramatic match in which AFC Cup 2023-24 qualifying was in concern. Diego Mauricio was the hero for Odisha FC, scoring all three goals and bringing his team to a position in the prestigious competition’s group stages.
53' MAURÍCIO HAT-TRICK!⚽⚽⚽
The @OdishaFC talisman fires an unstoppable penalty home to restore his side's two-goal lead 💪
GKFC 1️⃣-3️⃣ OFC
📺 @SonySportsNetwk 2 and @FanCode#GKFCOFC ⚔️ #HeroClubPlayoffs 🏆 #IndianFootball ⚽ pic.twitter.com/uTiveC5snn
— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) April 29, 2023
The Eastern Dragons got out to a fast start, winning a pair of early corners but failing to convert them into goals. The defence of Gokulam Kerala stayed composed. Despite this, Odisha regained possession, and in the 18th minute, Mauricio scored his first goal of the game. Nandha displayed good awareness to leave the ball for Victor, who found Mauricio with a slide rule pass. The striker placed the ball inside the net with ease.
In the 32nd minute, Mauricio got the ball outside the box and attack his way inside before smashing the ball past the helpless Vibin. Gokulam Kerala, on the other hand, did not give up and managed to cut the score shortly before halftime when Farshad Noor headed home a cross from Tahir Zaman.
The second half began with Mauricio being pulled down inside the box, leading in a penalty that he easily converted, giving him his hat-trick and Odisha FC a two-goal lead. Gokulam Kerala attempted to stage a comeback, but Mendi missed a header from Zaman’s cross in the 80th minute.
🇮🇳 WE DARE TO DREAM 🇮🇳#OdishaFC #OFCInAsia pic.twitter.com/U0UMHRc1o5
— Odisha FC (@OdishaFC) April 29, 2023
The final whistle blew, as Odisha FC emerged victorious with a 3-1 score courtesy of Diego Mauricio’s excellent effort. Odisha FC secured their participation in the AFC Cup 2023-24 group stages with this victory, and Mauricio solidified his standing as one of India’s greatest scorers.
