Odisha FC ends league phase on a high as playoff fate remains uncertain
Odisha FC secured a commanding 3-2 victory over Jamshedpur FC in their final league phase match at the JRD Tata Sports Complex on Wednesday. The win took the Kalinga warriors to 33 points, temporarily in sixth position on the table. However, their playoff hopes now rest on Mumbai City's results in their two remaining matches.
From the get go, Odisha FC showed determination, playing aggressive football and creating a string of chances. In the second minute of the match, Isak's left-footed shot from the left side of the box was saved by the host side goalkeeper. Moments later, another opportunity came their way as Rahul KP found Dorielton, who laid the ball off for Isak, but his strike was again denied by the keeper.
The Kalinga Warriors were relentless, and their efforts paid off in the 21st minute. A swift counter-attack led to a perfect pass from Hugo Boumous to Dorielton, whose right-footed strike from the center of the box found the bottom left corner to give Odisha FC the lead.
In the 26th minute, a set-piece by Hugo Boumous found Rahul KP, whose powerful shot was parried away by Amrinder for a corner. Two minutes later, Isak delivered a great cross into the box for Hugo, who attempted to set up Dorielton, but the ball was cleared before the final shot could be made.
Odisha FC continued to pile the pressure on, and in the 37th minute, Hugo doubled the eastern outfit's lead. Another quick counter saw Hugo calmly finish past the hosts' keeper to double the lead. Amrinder, however, made a brilliant save moments later, denying Jamshedpur's Murray from distance.
The second half saw more attacking flair from Odisha, with Rahim Ali coming close in the 51st minute. Hugo played a brilliant pass to Rahim, but the latter's shot was saved by Albino. Odisha's third goal came in the 53rd minute, following a well-executed one-two between Rahul KP and Hugo from a quick corner. Hugo's left-footed grounder slithered past everyone to put Odisha FC firmly in control at 3-0.
In the 58th minute, a header from Murray found Eze in acres of space, but Amrinder closed the angle well and made a crucial block to deny the defender's effort from close range.
Despite Odisha FC's dominance, Jamshedpur FC made a late push in the final stages. In the 84th minute, they scored their first goal, reducing the deficit to 3-1 and in the 90+1 minute, a second goal for Jamshedpur arrived, this time from a header by Eze, assisted by Muhammed Uvais. The header found the bottom right corner, but it proved too little too late as Odisha FC held on to their 3-2 victory.
Despite the win, Odisha FC will wait on other results, with their playoff hopes now dependent on the outcome of Mumbai City's matches against Kerala Blasters and Mumbai City. Even a single point for Mumbai City will end Odisha FC's hopes and send the Islanders through.
Odisha FC ends league phase on a high as playoff fate remains uncertain
Odisha FC secured a commanding 3-2 victory over Jamshedpur FC in their final league phase match at the JRD Tata Sports Complex on Wednesday. The win took the Kalinga warriors to 33 points, temporarily in sixth position on the table. However, their playoff hopes now rest on Mumbai City's results in their two remaining matches.
From the get go, Odisha FC showed determination, playing aggressive football and creating a string of chances. In the second minute of the match, Isak's left-footed shot from the left side of the box was saved by the host side goalkeeper. Moments later, another opportunity came their way as Rahul KP found Dorielton, who laid the ball off for Isak, but his strike was again denied by the keeper.
The Kalinga Warriors were relentless, and their efforts paid off in the 21st minute. A swift counter-attack led to a perfect pass from Hugo Boumous to Dorielton, whose right-footed strike from the center of the box found the bottom left corner to give Odisha FC the lead.
In the 26th minute, a set-piece by Hugo Boumous found Rahul KP, whose powerful shot was parried away by Amrinder for a corner. Two minutes later, Isak delivered a great cross into the box for Hugo, who attempted to set up Dorielton, but the ball was cleared before the final shot could be made.
Odisha FC continued to pile the pressure on, and in the 37th minute, Hugo doubled the eastern outfit's lead. Another quick counter saw Hugo calmly finish past the hosts' keeper to double the lead. Amrinder, however, made a brilliant save moments later, denying Jamshedpur's Murray from distance.
The second half saw more attacking flair from Odisha, with Rahim Ali coming close in the 51st minute. Hugo played a brilliant pass to Rahim, but the latter's shot was saved by Albino. Odisha's third goal came in the 53rd minute, following a well-executed one-two between Rahul KP and Hugo from a quick corner. Hugo's left-footed grounder slithered past everyone to put Odisha FC firmly in control at 3-0.
In the 58th minute, a header from Murray found Eze in acres of space, but Amrinder closed the angle well and made a crucial block to deny the defender's effort from close range.
Despite Odisha FC's dominance, Jamshedpur FC made a late push in the final stages. In the 84th minute, they scored their first goal, reducing the deficit to 3-1 and in the 90+1 minute, a second goal for Jamshedpur arrived, this time from a header by Eze, assisted by Muhammed Uvais. The header found the bottom right corner, but it proved too little too late as Odisha FC held on to their 3-2 victory.
Despite the win, Odisha FC will wait on other results, with their playoff hopes now dependent on the outcome of Mumbai City's matches against Kerala Blasters and Mumbai City. Even a single point for Mumbai City will end Odisha FC's hopes and send the Islanders through.
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