The race for the ISL play-off spots in the 2019/2020 season is getting hotter every match day as Odisha did themselves huge favors by making a comeback win against NorthEast United on Friday.

The match played at the Kalinga Stadium saw Martin Chaves hold of his marker to score first for NorthEast United. The goal came unexpectedly against the run of play as Federico Gallego fed the Uruguayan striker the ball from a set-piece that was taken quickly.

Odisha kept on the pressure all through the first half, but the visitors were able to keep up compact at the back to go into the break with the lead.

However, the tide turned quickly in the second half as the home side took the game by the scruff of the neck.

Manuel Onwu, who had since the start of the game been impressive scored just a minute after the restart as he smartly converted Nandhakumar Sekar cross into the box

The game went on with signs of a stalemate showing glaringly, but Manuel Onwu was again involved in Martin Pete Guedes’s 72nd-minute winner.

This time, Xisco pulled in a cross which Onwu headed on, and Guedes scraped in a goal that eventually was the game winner.

The result means that Odisha are now in fifth on the Indian Super League log as they are two points away from the last playoff spots after their second win in 5 games.

NorthEast United is still as miserable as ever in terms of form as they have only drawn 2 games and lost three in the last 5 sitting in 9th with 13 points.

In the I-league, it was a dramatic game between Mohun Bagan and NEROCA FC with 8 goals and one red card was recorded.

Bagan, who were the home side, won the first half 5-2 before adding a late goal in the second half.

Written by: Daniel Idowu Ademiju