Bhubaneswar: Odisha FC staged a remarkable comeback to secure a 2-2 draw against Chennaiyin FC on Thursday at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai.
The goals for Odisha FC came from Dori in the 80th minute and an own goal by Chennaiyin’s M. Nawaz in the 90+7th minute. For Chennaiyin FC, W. Gil found the net twice, scoring in the 48th and 53rd minutes.
The match also marked Rahul KP’s debut for Odisha FC. However, Puitia and Hugo received their fourth yellow cards, ruling them out of the next match.
The home team started on the front foot, adopting a direct approach that tested Odisha FC’s defense early. Carlos Delgado made a crucial tackle in the 18th minute to deny a clear chance.
Odisha FC gradually grew into the game, with new signing Rahul KP impressing alongside Hugo Boumous, constantly threatening the opposition box.
The pace picked up late in the half, with both sides trading attacks. Odisha’s composed build-ups clashed with Chennaiyin’s direct play, but neither team could break the deadlock. The first half ended 0-0, setting up an exciting second half.
The second half began with a bang as Wilmar Jordan Gil scored in the 47th minute, giving Chennaiyin FC the lead. Six minutes later, Gil struck again with a precise right-footed finish, doubling the hosts’ advantage.
Odisha FC pressed forward in search of a comeback. Diego Mauricio had a close-range effort in the 62nd minute, but it was blocked by Chennaiyin’s solid defense after a fine cross from Amey Ranawade.
The Kalinga Warriors found a lifeline in the 80th minute when Mauricio’s shot deflected off Dori and into the net. The match reached its dramatic climax in stoppage time as Rahul KP’s bicycle kick, after a Diego Mauricio attempt, deflected off goalkeeper Nawaz to secure a last-gasp equalizer.
With the 2-2 draw, Odisha FC now sits in 7th place with 21 points and will face Kerala Blasters FC on January 13, 2025.
