ISL 2021-22: Odisha FC beat SC East Bengal, keep semifinal hopes alive

By
Jayujyoti Mullick
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0
Odisha FC
Odisha FC players celebrate beating SC East Bengal, keeps semi-final hopes alive in Indian Super League 2021-22. (Twiter)

Goa: Odisha FC defend a strong challenge from SC East Bengal. The Kalinga Warriors  record a 2-1 win in the 2021-22 Indian Super League (ISL) at the Tilak Maidan Stadium.

The result kept Kino Garcia’s lads in the hunt for the top-four places elevating to the sixth place in the league table. From the early stages of the match, Odisha FC put a lot of pressure. They were finally rewarded with an early goal from Jonathas (23″). Javier Hernandez provided with the cross. Hernandez made room on the right flank and served the ball on a platter for the striker. Jonathas tapped in from close range.

Gaping for an equaliser, Hira Mondal attempted just before halftime. However, his left-footed strike went wayward. Kalinga Warriors retained their one-goal lead in the first-half.

The second-half saw more of an inactive gameplay from both the sides. Neither of them was intended to find inspiration in the final third.

Just two minutes before the hour mark, the creamiest chance to score the equaliser fell to Antonio Perosevic. The forward found a long ball from deep behind the defensive line. However, his volley had too much elevation. Nevertheless, the Croatian made no mistake from a similar opportunity a few minutes later. Perosevic(64′) scored the equaliser with a low finish into the bottom right corner.

Nevertheless, Odisha FC regained lead later through Javier Hernandez (75′). The 32 year-old Spaniard received a lay-off from Jonathas and turned from scorer to provider. The right-footed shot from the midfielder took a light deflection before throttling into the back of the net.

Javi would have scored another but Mondal managed to make a goal-line clearance. Javi was denied of the goal a few minutes after his leading score. The Red & Gold Brigade got four minutes of added time to find the leveller. But it eventually did not arrive, allowing Odisha to bag the three points.

Odisha FC faces the reigning champions Mumbai City FC in their next at the PJN Stadium. SC East Bengal plays an in-form Kerala Blasters FC at the Tilak Maidan Stadium.

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