Bhubaneswar: The Kalinga Warriors saw their playoff hopes take a hit as a resilient Punjab FC held them to a 1-1 draw at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar. Despite a second-half equaliser from Isak Vanlalruatfela, Sergio Lobera's men are now dependent on other results going their way to stand a chance for the playoffs.
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Odisha started the game on the front foot, eager for a win to boost their playoff chances. Early on, Saviour Gama and Rahul KP showed signs of intent, but Punjab's defence held firm. Punjab goalkeeper Ravi Kumar was called into action early, saving a couple of shots from Odisha players.
Though Odisha enjoyed more of the posession and defended well, disaster struck just before halftime. The talking point of the match would be Rahul KP's sending off for a challenge, leaving Odisha down to 10 players. Shortly after, Punjab capitalized, with Petros Giakoumakis scoring into the top corner to give Punjab the lead.
Odisha didn’t back down in the second half, and their efforts paid off. In the 51st minute, Isak Vanlalruatfela made it 1-1 with a calm left-footed shot, assisted by Diego Maurício. Odisha kept pushing for the winner, with Isak working hard defensively and setting up a final chance in injury time, but Hugo’s shot was saved by Ravi Kumar.
The draw leaves Odisha FC in 7th place with 26 points, and their hopes of making the playoffs are now hanging by a thread. They will face Hyderabad FC next on February 14, 2025, at home, hoping to bounce back and keep their playoff dreams alive.
