In a thrilling encounter at the Kalinga Stadium, seasoned football talents Roy Krishna and Mourtada Fall shone brightly, leading Odisha FC to a hard-fought victory over East Bengal FC with a scoreline of 2-1. This match was a crucial fixture in the ongoing 2024-25 season of the Indian Super League (ISL), showcasing the prowess and depth of both teams, as well as highlighting areas needing improvement, especially for the struggling East Bengal FC, which now finds itself in an undesirable losing streak.
Under the floodlights of the Kalinga Stadium, the game kicked off with intensity, as Odisha FC aimed to build on their early-season momentum. Just 22 minutes into the match, the thunderous cheers of the crowd were a testament to Roy Krishna’s masterful display of skill and tactical play. Krishna, known for his incredible precision and agility, took advantage of a pinpoint delivery from Isak Vanlalruatfela, a promising young talent showcasing his potential on the left flank. Krishna’s deft touch and calculated movement allowed him to breach East Bengal’s defense, leaving their goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Singh Gill with no chance as he slotted the ball into the bottom right corner.
East Bengal FC, struggling yet determined, looked for avenues to bounce back. However, it wasn’t until the first-half added time that they found their footing. Odisha’s Thoiba Singh, perhaps momentarily faltering under pressure, mistakenly handled the ball within his penalty area. This blunder paved the way for Dimitrios Diamantakos, East Bengal’s lead striker, to step up and face Amrinder Singh, Odisha’s vigilant goalkeeper. With composure and skill, Diamantakos ended his scoring drought by confidently placing the ball into the net from the penalty spot, equalizing the match right before the half-time whistle.
The second half resumed with Odisha eager to reclaim their lead. Sergio Lobera, their astute head coach, called upon his experienced stalwarts to shift the game’s dynamics once more.
. It was through a well-coordinated set play that Odisha managed to turn the tides. Ahmed Jahouh, recognized for his precision with the ball, set up a free-kick from a challenging angle on the right-flank. Mourtada Fall, a defender with a keen eye for goal, perfectly timed his run and met Jahouh’s delivery with a powerful header in the 69th minute, restoring Odisha’s advantage.
As the clock ticked down, matters became increasingly intense for East Bengal FC. The situation took a turn for the worse when Provat Lakra received his second yellow card in the 76th minute, leaving East Bengal to fend for themselves with just ten men on the field. Despite their efforts to mount a comeback, the reduced numbers proved insurmountable against a well-drilled Odisha FC squad who ensured there were no further slip-ups.
The effects of this defeat were significant. East Bengal FC now holds the dubious distinction of becoming only the second team in ISL history to endure six consecutive losses at the start of a season, mirrored previously by NorthEast United FC in the 2022-23 season. For Odisha FC, this victory marked their second win of the season, an encouraging sign as they prepare for their next challenge against Mumbai City FC on October 27.
East Bengal FC, meanwhile, must regroup and strategize ahead of their highly anticipated Kolkata Derby against Mohammedan SC on November 9. This interval could offer the team a much-needed opportunity to recalibrate and break their streak of misfortune under the guidance of their new head coach, Oscar Bruzon, who is still working to instill a fresh approach and winning mentality within the squad.
As the 2024-25 ISL season progresses, teams, coaches, and fans eagerly anticipate how the league will unfold, with each match proving pivotal in shaping the narrative of this competitive and vibrant Indian football league. Odisha FC’s victory at the Kalinga Stadium has not only solidified their status as contenders this season but has also reignited discussions on how teams can adapt and thrive amid the ever-present challenges of top-flight football.
