Goa : Odisha FC suffer a huge blow in their quest for semi-finals qualification. A 1-1 draw with FC Goa at the Athletic Stadium in Bambolim kept The Kalingas at a bay from the semis.
The match started with plenty of end-to-end stuff by both the teams. The Gaurs controlled much of the possession. FC Goa struggled to translate those into scoring opportunities. At the first quarter, Airan Cabrera got some space behind OFC defence. Cabrera ended up elevating a hit shot above the crossbar. On the other end, a brave goalkeeping from Naveen Kumar stopped Liridon Krasniqi to have a great opportunity of scoring.
After the break, Aridai Cabrera asked for a penalty against a potential handball but with no avail. The striker got his shot behind the goalkeeper but it was blocked by the defender, seemingly with the hand. Right at the hour mark, the Kalinga Warriors gained a penalty as Alberto Noguera tripped Javier Hernandez inside the box. Jonathas (61′) sent his spot-kick into the top left corner for the breakthrough goal.
Derrick Pereira made several changes as the match headed into the last stage of the match, pushing for the equaliser. The added four minutes which saw a pressurizing Gaurs, looking for that elusive equaliser. Finally Alexander Romario Jesuraj (90+5′) scored a header in the final minute of the added time.
Both the team share a point after a 1️⃣-1️⃣ draw at the Athletic Stadium, Bambolim between @FCGoaOfficial and @OdishaFC! 🤜🤛
Watch the recap, ICYMI! 📽️#FCGOFC #HeroISL #LetsFootball #ISLRecap pic.twitter.com/F5SXVKcVXy
— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) February 1, 2022
The result prevent OFC from rising to fifth place in the points table, level on points with Bengaluru FC and Kerala Blasters FC. As for Gaurs, the winless run extended to five games this season.
Odisha FC will play bottom-placed SC East Bengal at the Tilak Maidan Stadium. FC Goa has a nine-day rest period before they face Chennaiyin FC at the same venue.
