Odisha FC inch closer to seal playoff spot, see off NorthEast United: ISL 2022-23 – Joseph Gombau’s Juggernauts are one step closer to securing their playoff spot after they picked a victory against the rock-bottom side, NorthEast United FC. The final score was 3-1 for Odisha FC. Nanda Kumar, Voctor, and Diego Mauricio troubled the scorers for the home side, while, Wilmar Jordan had the consolation for the visitors.
The Kalinga Worriers created some early chances as Nandhakumar Sekar crosses from the right flank and Aaron Evans had an easy job clearing it but misses. Pedro martin at the back post didn’t anticipate the ball to come toward him and he failed to hit the target. In the 34th minute, the next chance came for Odisha FC as they got a free kick in a promising position. They tried to play it quickly as Saul Crespo played Pedro Martin cheekily but Pedro’s effort went wide and the effort went in vain.
In the 36th minute, the Juggernauts carved out their first clear chance of the game as Nandhakumar took the ball brilliantly and drove into the box from the front. They were a one-goal lead in the first half.
The Highlanders came very close to scoring an equalizer in the 57th minute of the game as Parthib ran on the right flank and likely attempted to cross but mishits and Amrinder Singh had to readjust as the ball lands to his left, he ran and punched it away for a corner.
Josep Gombau made a triple substitution in the 58th minute of the game as he brought Shubham Sarangi, Victor Rodriguez, and Isaac Chhakchhuak for Narender Gahlot, Pedro Martin, and Raynier Fernandes.
In the 65th minute, Victor Rodriguez showed no hesitation in placing the ball in a beautiful tactic from the tight angle and putting the hosts in front.
Diego Mauricio scored for the Eastern Dragons in the 84th minute, as the Brazilian striker tried to go to the right of the keeper, Amrinder Singh, and the visitor’s goalkeeper almost got his hand but was beaten by the pace as the ball went through his hand for a goal. OFC scored its third goal of the game.
NEUFC’s only goal came from a penalty in the 90th minute, as Wilmar Gil got first to a loopy delivery and Shubham Sarangi got rusty. He failed and brought Wilmar Gil down.
OFC will take on Jamshedpur FC in their final game of the league stage at the Kalinga Stadium on the 22nd of February 2023, the game will kick-off at 7.30 pm
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