ISL-8: Odisha FC Surrender First-Half Lead, Lose 2-3 To Hyderabad FC

Vasco: Odisha FC failed to defend their half-time lead and went down 2-3 to Hyderabad FC in an ISL-8 clash at Tilak Maidan here on Thursday evening.

Looking to earn full points and move into the top three of the 11-team table, Odisha FC took the lead just before half-time, thanks to some sloppy play by Laxmikant Kattimani. The Hyderabad FC goalkeeper gave away the ball to Nandhakumar Sekar, who essayed a low cross from the left flank for Jerry Mawihmingthanga to flick the ball into the net.

Odisha FC were unlucky not to go 2-up early in the second session when a Javier Hernandez shot hit the crossbar. Six minutes into the second session, Hyderabad FC equalized through Joel Chianese, who headed in a fine cross from Akash Mishra.

Table-toppers Hyderabad pushed for a second goal, and got two in the space of three minutes. Joao Victor found the mark with a stunning piledriver in the 70th minute before Akash made it 3-1 with a deft flick three minutes later.

The spirited Odisha FC didn’t give up the fight and reduced the margin in the 85th minute through Jonathan Cristian, who fired past the goalie off debutant Redeem Tlang’s assist.

Odisha remained in seventh place, with 17 points from 13 matches. They could have jumped to third place had they won the game.