Football
ISL 2021-22: Jonathas the star as Odisha FC did a double over SC East Bengal
Odisha's crucial win over SC East Bengal keeps their playoffs hope alive
Odisha FC fended off a strong challenge from SC East Bengal to record a 2-1 win in the 2021-22 Hero Indian Super League (ISL) at the Tilak Maidan Stadium. The result keeps the outfit in the hunt for the top-four places by elevating them to sixth place.
Jonathas (23') gave the Kalinga Warriors an early lead that lasted until Antonio Perosevic (64') scored the equaliser in the second half. Javier Hernandez (75') regained the lead for OFC with a precise finish which proved to be the winner in the end.
In the early stages of the match, Odisha FC piled a lot of pressure and was finally rewarded with an early goal from Jonathas. The cross for the goal was provided by Javier Hernandez who made room on the right flank and served the ball on a platter for the striker who tapped in from close range.
Looking for the equaliser, Hira Mondal took an attempt just before halftime but his left-footed strike went wayward. The first half ended with the Kalinga Warriors retaining their one-goal advantage. The restart saw more sluggish gameplay as neither side was able to find inspiration in the final third.
The best chance to score the equaliser fell to Antonio Perosevic two minutes before the hour mark. A long ball from deep saw the forward find room behind the defensive line but his volley had too much elevation. However, the Croatian made no mistake from a similar opportunity a few minutes later and scored the equaliser with a low finish into the bottom right corner.
Nevertheless, Odisha FC regained the lead ten minutes later through Javier Hernandez. The midfielder received a lay-off from Jonathas who turned from scorer to provider. The right-footed shot from the Spaniard took a slight deflection before swerving into the back of the net.
Javi looked to have scored another a few minutes later but Mondal managed to make a goal-line clearance to deny him the goal. The Red & Gold Brigade had four minutes of added time to find the leveller for the second time which eventually did not arrive, allowing OFC to bag the three points.
Odisha FC faces the reigning champions Mumbai City FC in their next at the PJN Stadium on Sunday whereas SC East Bengal plays an in-form Kerala Blasters FC at the Tilak Maidan Stadium on Monday.
Live Updates
- 7 Feb 2022 3:21 PM GMT
COUPLE OF CHANGES
63' Raju, Amarjit and Sota comes in place of Sourav, Luwang and Sidoel for SCEB. Also, Krasniqi comes in place of Aridai for OFC.
SCEB 0-1 OFC
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- 7 Feb 2022 3:18 PM GMT
60' Good play from SCEB in the final third. Marcelo gets the ball inside the box and goes for a strike with the turn but Arshdeep grabbed the ball easily.
SCEB 0-1 OFC
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- 7 Feb 2022 3:16 PM GMT
58' Good effort from Perosevic but his strike couldn't find the nets.
SCEB 0-1 OFC
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- 7 Feb 2022 3:12 PM GMT
54' Aridai tries to set one up for Jerry but Sankar Roy runs forward and grabs the ball to deny the opportunity.
SCEB 0-1 OFC
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- 7 Feb 2022 3:07 PM GMT
GOOD EFFORT
49' Powerful strike from Sidoel from a freekick but missed the target by some inches.
SCEB 0-1 OFC
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- 7 Feb 2022 3:02 PM GMT
SECOND HALF
45' Game resumes after the lemon break.
SCEB 0-1 OFC
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- 7 Feb 2022 2:47 PM GMT
HALFTIME
45 + 2' Game ends for the first half.
SCEB 0-1 OFC
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- 7 Feb 2022 2:47 PM GMT
45 + 1' Good effort from Hira as he cuts inside and goes for a strike but couldn't find the target.
SCEB 0-1 OFC
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- 7 Feb 2022 2:46 PM GMT
INJURY TIME
45' 2 minutes added after the end of regulated time.
SCEB 0-1 OFC
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