ISL: Odisha FC In Hunt For Semi-Final Spot

Bhubaneswar: Odisha FC beat former champions Chennaiyin FC 2-0 in a crucial Indian Super League clash at Kalinga Stadium here on Monday to remain in the hunt for a top-four spot.

First-half goals from Jerry Mawihmingthanga (37th) and Vinit Rai (41st) were enough for the Odisha team to make it three wins out of their last four matches.

The upturn in form has seen Odisha FC (15 points from 11 matches) climb to within a point of fourth-placed Mumbai City FC.

After playing three of their home games in Pune, Odisha were finally able to move to Bhubaneswar in December. The hosts got off to the perfect start at their new home when they beat Jamshedpur FC 2-1.

As Chennaiyin came calling on Monday, it was all about building on that inaugural night in Bhubaneswar. Josep Gombau’s men did just that and put out a commanding display to win 2-0.

After missing a series of chances and surviving a penalty at the other end, Odisha took 2-0 lead in the first half. The home side resisted a bit of pressure from Chennaiyin in the second half and saw the game off without conceding a shot on goal.

With two wins in two at Bhubaneswar, Odisha FC sit fifth just a point behind the semi-final places. Four of their remaining seven matches are at home and their form at the Kalinga Stadium could see them make an unexpected appearance in the semi-final.