ISL-8: Semifinal Hopes Over As Odisha FC Lose Lead And Match

Bambolim (Goa): Odisha FC surrendered their lead and went down 1-2 to Bengaluru FC in a must-win ISL-8 clash here on Monday evening.

Nandhakumar Sekar took advantage of some lazy defending in the Bengaluru box in the eighth minute, showing his opportunism to put Odisha one-up.

Just past the half-hour mark, Danish Farooq leapt high to head home the equalizer from Roshan Naorem’s corner.

Three minutes after change of ends, Cleiton Silva scored from a penalty after Lalruatthara pushed Udanta Singh inside the box.

Isaac came close to making it 2-2 in the 75th minute, only to see his curling shot touch diving goalkeeper Lara Sharma’s fingertips on way to the post before rolling out of danger.

Both Odisha FC and Bengaluru FC, having started the game with 22 and 23 points respectively, needed to win tonight to keep alive their slim chances of making the last four.

Odisha, even if they win their two remaining matches, can reach a maximum of 28 points which won’t be good enough.