Kozhikode: Odisha FC kicked off their title defence in the Indian Women’s League with a 1-1 stalemate against last season’s runners-up Gokulam Kerala FC at the EMS Corporation Stadium here on Friday.
Odisha women controlled possession in the first half and created a number of opportunities. Jennifer, Neha and Lynda Kom Serto came close but failed to provide the crucial finishing touch. The home team relied heavily on their foreign players, with Phoeby Owiti standing out.
The Kalinga Warriors broke the deadlock after an hour’s play as Lynda, who recently got a call-up to the national team, found the target with a brilliant left-footed strike from outside the box.
Finding themselves in arrears, Gokulam went all out to level scores. Odisha FC finally succumbed to the pressure in the 87th minute as Hemam Shilky Devi capitalised on a defensive lapse to tap in a loose ball.
Odisha FC goalkeeper Shreya Hooda rescued her team in the dying moments with a fine save to deny Gokulam’s Faila Ikwaput.
Odisha FC women will travel to Delhi to face Hops FC on January 16.
