Bhubaneswar: Despite scoring early, Odisha FC had to settle for a point in their ISL clash against Mohun Bagan Super Giant here on Sunday night.
Hugo Boumous brought the home crowd at Kalinga Stadium – which included Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi — to their feet by slotting the ball home in the fourth minute after Ahmed Jahouh had got a touch from an indirect free-kick.
Mohun Bagan equalised through Manvir Singh after 36 minutes.
Odisha did create a few chances in the second half, but failed to put the ball into the Mohun Bagan net.
Isak Ralte tried to curl the ball in after selling a dummy to a Mohun Bagan defender, but the ball went straight to goalkeeper Vishal Kaith in the 54th minute.
Two minutes later, woodwork came in the way as Puitea’s shot hit the post.
Kaith denied Odisha a couple of times with fine saves, denying the home team a winning goal in what was a thrilling encounter.
Odisha CM interacts with players
The Odisha CM, who is a keen football enthusiast, interacted with the players before kick-off and extended his best wishes to both teams.
“It was a delightful experience for me to be here at the Kalinga Stadium and watch this thrilling match. The energy and enthusiasm of the football fans and spectators added to the excitement,” Majhi said.
“Odisha is working on creating a holistic football ecosystem so a robust talent pathway can be created from our grassroots to the elite. In the coming years, we should see Odisha contributing to the national team,” he hoped.
