Bhubaneswar: Odisha FC Women suffered a 1-3 home defeat to East Bengal FC in the Indian Women’s League encounter on Sunday here at Kalinga Stadium. Despite creating huge early chances, Odisha FC failed to capitalise, with Jennifer Kankam Yeboah scoring their only goal in the 74th minute.
The match began with Odisha FC playing aggressively. In the first minute, Eliane's through ball for Neha found Lynda in front of goal, but her attempt went over the bar. A few minutes later, Pyari’s header off Neha's cross was off target. However, it was East Bengal FC who struck first in the 7th minute after capitalising on a defensive lapse by Odisha.
Odisha FC continued to push forward, with Eliane attempting a long-range shot in the 23rd minute, which was off target. In the 31st minute, East Bengal doubled their lead, and five minutes later, they were awarded a penalty, which they converted to make it 3-0.
The second half saw Odisha FC become more aggressive, with Eliane’s shot in the 55th minute going straight to the East Bengal keeper. Goalkeeper Shreya Hooda made a crucial save in the 61st minute to keep Odisha in the game.
The Kalinga Warriors finally got on the scoresheet in the 74th minute when Jennifer Kankam Yeboah scored. Despite late chances, including an 82nd-minute header from Eliane and a miss from Jasoda in the 84th minute, Odisha FC couldn’t find another goal.
The loss leaves Odisha FC with much to improve, ahead of their next match against Gokulam Kerala FC on 15th March at home turf.
