Bengaluru: Odisha FC played out a goalless draw against Bengaluru FC at Sree Kanteerava Stadium here on Saturday.
With three matches left in the league phase of ISL 2023-24, Odisha FC are in third place with 36 points. The Kalinga Warriors, who have won 10, drawn 6 and lost 3, are almost assured of a top-four finish and a playoff berth.
In a closely-contested game, both teams played attractive football, creating a number of scoring opportunities.
Odisha had a close shave in the 12th minute when Mourtada Fall made a goalline clearance.
Four minutes later, Odisha FC centre-back Carlos Delgado directed his header from Ahmed Jahouh’s indirect free-kick straight to Bengaluru goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.
Gurpreet foiled Odisha again in the 31st minute, stopping Jerry’s shot from a narrow angle.
Roy Krishna looked set to score on the stroke of half-time after taking control of a fine pass from Jahouh. Krishna rounded Gurpreet but took a weak shot at goal, and Shankar made a remarkable recovery to stop the ball on the goalline.
Amrinder Singh under the Odisha FC bar made a crucial save to deny Fanai in the 56th minute.
Amrinder made another save at the near post, denying Javi in the 74th minute.
Odisha FC were unlucky in the 85th minute when Pranjal Bhumij struck the crossbar with a fierce shot, the rebounding off the woodwork.
Odisha FC will next confront Punjab FC at the Kalinga Stadium on April 2.
