Kolkata: Odisha FC suffered a narrow 3-2 defeat against Bangladesh’s Bashundhara Kings in the second group stage game of the AFC Cup 2023-24 at the Kings Arena, Dhaka on Monday. Diego opened the scoring for the Juggernauts in the 23rd minute, but Miguel Figueira equalised in the 39th minute. Dorielton Gomes scored the second and third goals for the home side in the 45th and 54th minutes respectively, while Jerry Lalrinzuala found the net for the visitors in the 66th minute.
FT | 🇧🇩 Bashundhara Kings 3️⃣-2️⃣ Odisha FC 🇮🇳
The Kings bounce back from opening-day defeat to register their first three points in Group D!#AFCCup | #BDKvOFC pic.twitter.com/2Q6HvLr03t
— #AFCCup (@AFCCup) October 2, 2023
The action started early in the 3rd minute when Cy displayed skillful footwork on the left flank, delivering a brilliant cross that was cleared away by a Bashundhara Kings defender. In the 5th minute, Amrinder made an excellent save to deny Bashundhara Kings an early lead.
Odisha FC opened the scoring in the 23rd minute through a combination of Dinliana and Jerry Mawia on the right flank. Dinliana flicked the ball to Diego, who capitalized on the opportunity and found the back of the net.
However, Bashundhara Kings equalized in the 39th minute when Miguel Figueira Damasceno scored a goal. Just before halftime, in the 45th minute, Dorielton Gomes Nascimento headed the ball into the net, giving Bashundhara Kings a 2-1 lead.
⏰ HT | 🇧🇩 Bashundhara Kings 2️⃣-1️⃣ Odisha FC 🇮🇳
The Kings turn things around as the referee blows the half-time whistle!
Can Odisha compose themselves and claw themselves back?
Watch Live 📺 https://t.co/HPs7YiKLgQ#AFCCup | #BDKvOFC pic.twitter.com/nrQpWR6ISl
— #AFCCup (@AFCCup) October 2, 2023
In the second half, Odisha FC’s coach Sergio Lobera made a double substitution, bringing on Roy Krishna and Jerry Lalrinzuala for Sahil and Princeton. Bashundhara Kings extended their lead in the 54th minute through Dorielton again.
In the 58th minute, Kalinga Warriors had a golden opportunity as Roy headed Jahouh’s free-kick, but his header struck the post before reaching Jerry Mawia, who was in an awkward position to head it out resulting in a goal-kick.
Odisha FC made a stylish comeback in the 66th minute as Cy’s cross was parried away by the Bashundhara keeper, only for Jerry Lalrinzuala to score with a fine finish. In the 85th minute, the visitors missed a golden opportunity when Jerry Lalrinzuala delivered a superb cross, finding Roy at the far post, but his header hit the woodwork.
⚽️ GOAL | 🇧🇩 Bashundhara Kings 3️⃣-2️⃣ Odisha FC 🇮🇳
Jerry Lalrinzuala pulls one back for Odisha and we have an intriguing final 20 minutes in Dhaka!
Watch Live 📺 https://t.co/HPs7YiKLgQ#AFCCup | #BDKvOFC pic.twitter.com/Bfi5s7lTYX
— #AFCCup (@AFCCup) October 2, 2023
Odisha FC will aim to bounce back on October 24, 2023, when they face Maziya S&RC at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar.
