Bhubaneswar: Despite playing the entire second session with 10 men, Odisha FC managed to hold Punjab FC 1-1 in their ISL clash at the Kalinga Stadium here on Monday evening.
Just after Rahul KP was sent off for a foul in the 44th minute, the visitors took the lead through Petros Giakoumakis. It was the Greek forward’s first goal in ISL.
Crossing over with a slender deficit and a one-man disadvantage, Odisha had to change strategy but didn’t give up attacking ambitions in front of their home crowd. Much to the delight of their supporters, the tireless Isak Vanlalruatfela found the equaliser in the 51st minute.
The Kalinga Warriors kept fighting valiantly, warding off Punjab’s raids and also creating a couple of chances at the other end. However, the teams failed to break the deadlock and they shared points.
It was the second successive disappointing fixture for Odisha FC, having lost to FC Goa 1-2 in Margao four days. In that game, too, Odisha had a man sent off – Ahmed Jahouh, who missed Monday’s game.
With 26 points from 20 matches, Odisha are currently in seventh place. They have to notch up two or three wins in their remaining four matches to finish the league stage among top 6 and make the playoffs.
