Odisha FC staged a remarkable comeback to defeat East Bengal FC 2-1 in an electrifying clash at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, solidifying their position at the summit of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 standings.
This victory propels Odisha FC to 35 points from 17 games, creating a crucial gap between themselves and second-placed Mumbai City FC in the race for the league title.
The match began with an unprecedented surge from East Bengal FC, as winger Vishnu Puthiya stunned the home crowd by scoring the season’s fastest goal in just 32 seconds. Puthiya’s incredible solo effort, marked by a dazzling run and a precise finish, initially put East Bengal FC in the driving seat. However, the early lead was not enough to deter a resilient Odisha FC side.
Despite the initial shock, Odisha FC, under the moniker ‘The Juggernauts’, quickly regrouped and began to assert their dominance. The formidable partnership of Roy Krishna and Diego Mauricio upfront began to trouble the East Bengal defense, with Mauricio, in particular, proving to be a constant threat.
Mauricio’s persistence paid off in the 38th minute when he earned a penalty after being fouled by East Bengal’s Mohammad Rakip. Demonstrating composure and precision, Mauricio converted the penalty, leveling the scores with his seventh goal of the campaign and his third from the penalty spot this season.
The second half saw Odisha FC continue to apply pressure, leading to the decisive moment in the 61st minute. Ahmed Jahouh, known for his playmaking abilities, delivered a perfect corner kick to Princeton Rebello, who flicked the ball into the net, giving Odisha FC the lead and ultimately securing the victory. Jahouh’s assist tied him with Roy Krishna as the second-most prolific assist provider in ISL history, highlighting the team’s collective strength and tactical acumen.
This victory not only avenged Odisha FC’s previous draws against FC Goa and Mohun Bagan Super Giant but also redefined their championship credentials. As the ISL 2023-24 season progresses, Odisha FC’s determination and ability to overcome adversity will be key factors in their pursuit of the coveted title.
For East Bengal FC, this match serves as a reminder of the fine margins in football, as they look to bounce back from their seventh loss of the campaign.
