Odisha FC have secured their place in the semi-finals of the Bhausaheb Bandodkar Memorial Trophy with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Chennaiyin FC on Wednesday evening. The match, held under the floodlights at the PJN Stadium in Fatorda, was a tactical showdown that kept fans on the edge of their seats as the two east coast teams battled for Group B supremacy.
The only goal of the game came in the 38th minute, courtesy of Brazilian forward Diego Mauricio, who calmly converted a penalty to give Odisha FC the lead. The spot-kick was awarded after Chennaiyin FC’s defence was caught off-guard by a clever through ball from Hugo Boumous, which led to Roy Krishna being brought down inside the box. Mauricio’s composed finish was enough to separate the two sides in a tightly contested encounter.
The first half was marked by contrasting playing styles, with Odisha FC, under the guidance of Sergio Lobera, displaying a brand of football reminiscent of the famous tiki-taka. Their short, swift passing sequences kept Chennaiyin FC chasing shadows at times, as they controlled possession and dictated the tempo of the game.
In contrast, Owen Coyle’s Chennaiyin FC opted for a more direct approach, relying heavily on crosses into the box to try and unsettle Odisha’s defence.
Chennaiyin FC’s goalkeeper, Samik Mitra, was called into action early on, producing a stunning save to deny Hugo Boumous a goal that would have put Odisha ahead even earlier. Mitra’s heroics in goal were a highlight for Chennaiyin, but they were unable to keep out Mauricio’s penalty, which ultimately proved decisive.
The second half saw Chennaiyin FC adopt a more aggressive approach as they searched for an equalizer. Coyle made strategic substitutions, introducing Vincy Barretto and Irfan Yadwad to inject pace and fresh legs into the attack. Chennaiyin’s renewed energy led to several close calls, including a golden opportunity for Barretto, whose shot went agonizingly wide, leaving Chennaiyin fans holding their breath.
Despite Chennaiyin’s best efforts, Odisha FC’s defence, marshaled by experienced defenders, stood resolute. The defensive unit absorbed pressure well, frustrating Chennaiyin’s forwards and ensuring that their lead remained intact until the final whistle.
As the match concluded, Odisha FC celebrated their progression to the semi-finals, a testament to their tactical discipline and ability to execute their game plan effectively against one of the stronger Indian Super League (ISL) sides. Sergio Lobera, known for his tactical acumen, will be particularly pleased with his team’s performance as they managed to outmaneuver and outlast a formidable Chennaiyin FC side in this pre-season competition.
For Odisha FC, this victory not only secures their place in the semi-finals but also provides a significant confidence boost ahead of the upcoming ISL season. The win against Chennaiyin FC will give Lobera’s men the belief that they can compete with the best and potentially claim silverware in the months to come.
As Odisha FC look ahead to the semi-finals, they will be keen to maintain their momentum and continue their quest to lift the Bhausaheb Bandodkar Memorial Trophy. With their sights set on the final, the team now has a golden opportunity to fine-tune their strategies and solidify their position as serious contenders in the domestic football scene.
