Bhubaneswar: Odisha FC snatched a thrilling 3-2 win in their ISL-9 match against Chennaiyin FC at Kalinga Stadium here tonight.
The match saw all elements needed to script a high-end drama – an own goal, 2 penalties, a fightback by the visitors, a late winner and even a 10-minute stoppage due to floodlights going out.
It was Odisha’s fifth win in 7 games, taking them to third place in the 11-team table. They have won all their three matches at home so far.
Odisha FC went ahead after 31 minutes, thanks to an own goal by Vafa Hakhamaneshi.
Four minutes after change of ends, the Juggernauts went 2-up as Diego Mauricio coolly converted a penalty.
Odisha continued to have the better of exchanges, Chennaiyin to turn the game around with a brace from super-sub El Khayati. The Dutch winger showed great opportunism to make it 1-2 at the hour-mark.
Odisha looked to be holding on to the one-goal lead, but Chennaiyin forced a penalty in the 90th minute. The lights went out at the stadium at that juncture. When electricity was restored about 10 minutes later, El Khayati slotted the ball home from the spot to make it 2-2.
Just when it seemed Odisha would have to settle for a draw, a moment’s magic late into stoppage time sent the home team and its loyal supporters into a frenzy. Following Jerry’s assist, Nandhakumar Sekar powered the ball past Chennaiyin custodian Debjit Majumder.
