Ten-man Odisha FC salvage a point in Mumbai

25 Oct, 2024 (Odisha Tazanews) Odisha :-> Odisha FC shared the points with the Islanders in a 1-1 draw on Sunday at the Mumbai Football Arena. Roy Krishna put Odisha ahead in the 14th minute, while Nikolas Karelis equalised for Mumbai in the 23rd. Odisha’s captain cum custodian, Amrinder Singh, earned the Player of the Match award for his outstanding series of saves that kept his team in the game.

In the early minutes of the match, Odisha FC created an opening as Jahouh’s free-kick from deep found Fall, who directed a header into the box. Rahim struck on the rebound, but his shot went off-target. In the 7th minute, Roy had an attempt at goal from close range but could not hit the target. In the 14th minute, Odisha FC seized control as Roy Krishna intercepted a misplaced pass from Valpuia to Phurba Lachenpa, confidently putting Odisha in the lead. MCFC 0 -1 OFC

Amrinder made a crucial save in the 21st minute, confidently collecting a fierce cross whipped in by Chhangte from the right side of the penalty area. In the 23rd minute, Nikolas Karelis scored a brilliant goal to bring the Islanders level and equalised the scoreline. MCFC1-1 OFC In the 62nd minute, Jahouh made a crucial block to deny Chhangte’s shot, and in the 69th, Amrinder pulled off a brilliant save against Jon Toral’s strike, keeping the game level. In the 80th minute, Ahmed Jahouh received a second yellow card for a mistimed challenge on Jon Toral, reducing the Kalinga Warriors to 10-men.

Despite the pressure, Amrinder produced another brilliant save in the 85th minute, stopping a powerful shot from a MCFC player. In the stoppage time, Yoell Van Nieff sent in a corner from the left, but Carlos Delgado managed a strong clearance with a header. With this hard-fought draw, Odisha FC travel to Guwahati for their next match against NorthEast United FC, scheduled for November 3, 2024, with kickoff at 5:00 PM IST.