Odisha FC secured a thrilling 2-1 victory over Jamshedpur FC in an exciting match of the Indian Super League (ISL) in Bhubaneswar on Saturday. Goals from Diego Mauricio and Mourtada Fall propelled Odisha to victory, despite Fall’s unfortunate own goal that provided a consolation for Jamshedpur.
A Strong Start from Jamshedpur
The match kicked off with Jamshedpur FC asserting their dominance early on. Within the fifth minute, they almost took the lead. Javi Hernandez delivered a precise free-kick that found Stephen Eze. Eze flicked the ball to Pratik Chaudhari, whose shot was brilliantly saved by Odisha’s goalkeeper, Amrinder Singh.
Odisha Breaks the Deadlock
Odisha FC responded quickly to the early pressure. They got their first real chance in the 10th minute but couldn’t capitalize. However, the deadlock finally broke in the 20th minute. Isak displayed his exceptional dribbling skills, maneuvering through Jamshedpur’s defense to find Hugo Boumous inside the box. Boumous then laid the ball off to Mauricio, whose shot took a slight deflection off Eze before finding the back of the net. The home crowd erupted in celebration as Odisha took a crucial 1-0 lead.
Fall Adds a Second Goal
As the first half drew to a close, Odisha extended their lead. In the 42nd minute, Mourtada Fall scored a second goal for his team. Boumous delivered a corner from the right side, and Fall headed it straight into the net. This marked Fall’s 18th goal in the ISL, with all of them coming from headers, showcasing his aerial prowess.
Jamshedpur’s Resurgence
The second half began with Jamshedpur FC looking to turn the tide. Just two minutes after the restart, Javi Hernandez attempted a surprise overhead kick from a corner. Unfortunately, his shot went off-target and failed to trouble Amrinder.
Missed Chances for Odisha
Odisha FC nearly increased their lead in the 54th minute. Boumous skillfully dribbled past Pratik and delivered a cross to Mauricio on the left. Mauricio’s attempt was saved by Albino Gomes, but the rebound fell to Amey Ranawade. Ranawade, however, was unlucky as his shot was shoulder-blocked out by Aniket Jadhav.
Jamshedpur Finds the Net
In the 62nd minute, Jamshedpur FC finally managed to find the back of the net, but not in the way they had hoped. Mourtada Fall, who had already made a significant impact for Odisha, inadvertently headed the ball into his own net. This unfortunate error gave Jamshedpur a glimmer of hope, bringing the score to 2-1.
Final Minutes and Conclusion
As the match progressed, Jamshedpur pressed for an equalizer, but Odisha’s defense held firm. Despite a few tense moments, Odisha managed to maintain their lead. The match concluded with Odisha FC emerging victorious, securing all three points in a hard-fought battle.
Summary of the Match
Odisha FC’s win was crucial in the context of the ISL 2024-25 season. With goals from Diego Mauricio and Mourtada Fall, they showcased their attacking talent while also highlighting the importance of solid defense. Jamshedpur FC, despite their loss, displayed moments of brilliance and determination, especially in their early game strategy and their response after falling behind.
This match not only added three points to Odisha’s tally but also set the tone for an exciting season ahead in the Indian Super League. Fans can look forward to more thrilling encounters as teams battle for supremacy in this competitive league. Stay updated with the latest from IPL365.
