In a gripping encounter at the Kalinga Stadium, Odisha FC emerged victorious with a 2-1 win over East Bengal FC, as the ongoing Indian Super League (ISL) season of 2024-25 continues to unfold with intense competition. The excitement of the match was anchored by two seasoned players, Roy Krishna and Mourtada Fall, whose goals led Odisha FC to their second victory of the season, marking another defeat for East Bengal in what has been a challenging series of matches for them.
Prolific striker Roy Krishna, displaying his well-known prowess, opened the scoring for Odisha FC in the 22nd minute. The move was set in motion by the promising young talent Isak Vanlalruatfela, who adeptly positioned himself on the left flank. With plenty of room to maneuver, he launched a well-calculated through ball toward Krishna. The Fijian striker, renowned for his strategic gameplay and timely execution, found himself perfectly poised, slicing through East Bengal’s defensive line effortlessly. With composure and deft skill, Krishna navigated the one-on-one encounter with the East Bengal goalkeeper, Prabhsukhan Singh Gill, placing the ball precisely into the bottom right corner to give his team an early advantage.
However, as the first half neared its end, the tides turned momentarily in favor of East Bengal. Midfielder Thoiba Singh inadvertently handled the ball inside Odisha’s penalty area, leading to a penalty opportunity for East Bengal. Dimitrios Diamantakos, who had been in search of his first goal for the season, seized this chance with determination. With his left foot, Diamantakos sent the ball flying into the bottom right corner of Odisha’s net, evading the reach of goalkeeper Amrinder Singh. This crucial score brought the teams level as they headed into halftime.
The second half brought renewed vigor to Odisha FC, as they sought to regain their lead.
. Mourtada Fall, alongside Ahmed Jahouh, played pivotal roles in orchestrating the team’s strategy on the field. A decisive moment arrived in the 69th minute when a free-kick opportunity emerged on the right flank, a favorable distance away. Jahouh’s precise delivery sailed through the air, finding Mourtada Fall, who capitalized on the moment by nodding the ball definitively into the goal, restoring Odisha’s lead and securing their path to victory.
East Bengal’s fortunes took a further dive when Provat Lakra was issued a second yellow card, resulting in his expulsion from the match in the 76th minute. His tackle on Jahouh sealed his fate, leaving East Bengal FC a player short. This numerical disadvantage compounded their struggles against a well-organized Odisha FC, which efficiently maintained their momentum to secure a win, claiming three valuable points.
This latest defeat for East Bengal FC marks a dubious milestone, as they have become only the second team in ISL history, after NorthEast United FC in the 2022-23 season, to lose their initial six matches of the season. The string of defeats poses a significant challenge for their new head coach, Oscar Bruzon, who took charge in hopes of revitalizing the squad.
Looking ahead, Odisha FC is set to face off against Mumbai City FC on October 27, aiming to continue their winning trajectory. Meanwhile, East Bengal FC will prepare to recapture their form in the highly anticipated Kolkata Derby against Mohammedan SC on November 9.
As the ISL season progresses, both teams face defining moments that will shape their campaigns. Odisha FC appears to be finding its rhythm and harnessing the skills of its seasoned players, while East Bengal FC battles the highs and lows of early-season uncertainties. Each match serves as a crucial test of resilience and adaptability as these storied clubs navigate the dynamic landscape of Indian football.
