(Football news) Odisha FC defeated SC East Bengal 2-1 in the Indian Super League which keeps them in the hunt for the top four as they progressed to the sixth place on the table. The Kalinga Warriors got an early lead through Jonathas (23’) but Antonio Perosevic (64’) levelled the score in the second half. Javier Hernandez (75’) scored the winner for Odisha FC, which means his side are just one point behind 5th place Mumbai City FC but have played a game more.
The game started off brightly for Odisha FC who piled pressure on SC East Bengal and were rewarded with a goal from Jonathas. Javier Hernandez crossed the ball from the right flank and gave the assist to the 32 year old who finished from close range. Hira Mondal had an opportunity to equalise for SC East Bengal just before half-time but failed to hit the target. The Kalinga Warriors retained their lead at half-time with opportunities few and far between for their opponents.
The game restarted on an uneventful note as both teams looked out of ideas in the final third. Antonio Perosevic had an opportunity to equalise two minutes before the hour mark after volleying a long ball which didn’t hit the target. However, the 29 year old Croatian redeemed himself a few minutes later after his low finish into the bottom right corner hit the back of the net. SC East Bengal’s joy was short lived as Odisha FC regained their advantage ten minutes later with Javier Hernandez on the scoresheet. The Spaniard received a pass from Jonathas and his shot took a slight deflection and went into the net.
The action wasn’t done yet as Javi almost scored another just a few minutes later but SC East Bengal’s Mondal made a goal-line clearance to ensure his team still had a fighting chance. With four minutes of added time added by the fourth official, the Red & Gold Brigade couldn’t find an equaliser which meant that Odisha FC clinched three important points. The Kalinga Warriors will face Mumbai City FC in their next match on Sunday, 13th February at the Fatorda Stadium while SC East Bengal will take on Kerala Blasters on Monday, 14th February at Tilak Maidan.
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