Chennai: Odisha FC staged a remarkable recovery to salvage a draw in their away ISL clash against Chennaiyin on Thursday.
Trailing 0-2 till the 80th minute, Odisha FC’s never-say-die spirit helped them overturn the deficit and share honours.
After a goalless first half, Chennaiyin’s Colombian striker Wilmar Jordan Gil scored twice in the space of five minutes (48, 53), combining well with Scot Connor Shields.
The Kalinga Warriors, however, were in no mood to throw in the towel. They created several chances and were finally successful in reducing the lead when Brazilian Dorielton Gomes Nascimento, or Dori, showed his opportunism to tap the ball in after substitute Diego Mauricio’s attempt was partially blocked.
Time seemed to be running out for Odisha FC even after eight minutes of stoppage time were added on by the match officials. With a minute remaining on the clock, Odisha’s sustained pressure led to Chennaiyin goalkeeper Mohammad Nawaz putting the ball into his own net.
Odisha FC, with 21 points from 15 matches, are in seventh place. They next face Kerala Blasters in Koch on January 13.
