Panjim: ATK Mohun Bagan had to share a point with a determined Odisha FC as matchday 18 of the Hero Indian Super League came to an end with a one-all draw.
Odisha FC had opened the scoring fairly early in the match. Jerry’s cross was met by Tlang at the end of the post and gave Odisha the lead under 5 minutes.
However, after a couple of minutes, a tackle on Hugo Boumous gave ATKMB the opportunity to equalise. Joni Kauko converted the penalty to make the scoreline 1-1.
Odisha had the chance to lead once again pretty soon when Aridai was fouled inside the box but Amrinder saved the spot kick from Javi Hernandez. Misfortune continued to haunt the Kalinga Warriors as Hernandez was soon replaced by Daniel Lalhlimpuia because of a probable injury.
The second half was fairly quiet for both the teams till the injury time when ATKMB talisman Roy Krishna, who was introduced in the second half by coach Juan Ferrando, saw a second yellow card for a foul on Nandha and was sent off. But Bagan held off Odisha FC with their ten men team for that brief period of time.
ATKMB are in the third position with high hope of qualification after today’s match while Odisha’s hopes of qualification for playoffs are practically over.
Mohun Bagan will face Chhetri-led Bengaluru FC for their next encounter of this season’s Indian Super League. Odisha’s next match is against Jamshedpur FC, who are in a comfortable 2nd position after playing just 16 matches.
