Under the floodlights at the Kalinga Stadium, Odisha FC capitalized on their seasoned stars to secure a crucial 2-1 win over East Bengal FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season matchup on Tuesday. Amidst excitement and tension, prolific scorers Roy Krishna and Mourtada Fall emerged as the linchpins of Odisha’s victory, adding to the on-field drama that saw them clinch their second victory of the season while pushing East Bengal into a grim streak of six consecutive defeats.
The match commenced with palpable anticipation, as Odisha FC looked to leverage their home ground advantage. It took only 22 minutes for Roy Krishna, one of ISL’s celebrated forwards, to break the deadlock. The Fijian maestro, who holds a formidable record against East Bengal, added another chapter to his glorious career by slotting home a precise goal, capitalizing on a deft delivery from youngster Isak Vanlalruatfela. Positioned impeccably, Krishna nimbly navigated the opposition’s defensive line to find the bottom right corner of the net, outpacing the vigilant watch of East Bengal’s goalkeeper, Prabhsukhan Singh Gill.
Odisha’s initial lead, while ecstatic, was temporary as a misadventure in their own penalty area reshaped the dynamics right before halftime. Thoiba Singh’s unfortunate handball incident in the defensive zone gave the visitors a lifeline. An opportunistic Dimitrios Diamantakos stepped up, unfazed by his scoreless run in the previous five ISL encounters, and confidently converted the penalty, curling it into the bottom right corner past Odisha’s goalkeeper Amrinder Singh, sending the teams into the break on level terms at 1-1.
Heading into the second half, Odisha FC needed to regroup and strategize to reclaim dominance on the pitch. The narrative continued to unfold with strategic brilliance as Ahmed Jahouh and Mourtada Fall orchestrated the next decisive move.
. Utilizing a well-placed free-kick from the right flank, Jahouh’s pinpoint delivery reached Fall, who majestically headed the ball past East Bengal’s defense, restoring Odisha’s lead with precision in the 69th minute.
The contest thickened as East Bengal FC found themselves grappling with another setback—Provat Lakra’s ejection after receiving a second yellow card for a challenging tackle on Jahouh. Down to ten men, East Bengal struggled to match Odisha FC’s tactical maneuvers. Odisha’s robust defensive setups interlaced with creative attacking patterns ensured their control over the game, ultimately securing a deserved victory and invaluable three points.
This performance marked East Bengal FC’s unfortunate entry into ISL records as they joined the ranks of NorthEast United FC, being only the second team to suffer six successive losses at the onset of a season, harking back to NorthEast United’s challenging 2022-23 campaign. New head coach Oscar Bruzon faces mounting pressure as he seeks to navigate East Bengal out of this early-season conundrum.
Looking ahead, Odisha FC, buoyed by their improved form, prepare for their upcoming clash against Mumbai City FC on October 27. Meanwhile, East Bengal FC aims to turn their fortunes around as they gear up for the high-stakes Kolkata Derby against Mohammedan SC on November 9. The sequence of matches promises further intensity in the ISL season, as teams recalibrate strategies and gear up for the unfolding contestations.
As the ISL season gains momentum, the vibrancy of football continues to astound fans and players alike, as gritty performances and thrilling narratives emerge, encapsulated in games like this where seasoned players like Roy Krishna and Mourtada Fall redefine success stories on the field. The dynamics of the league, with its unpredictable turns and resilient displays of talent, reiterate the core spirit of the beautiful game in India’s flourishing football landscape.
