Guwahati: Odisha FC notched up their first win of the ISL season, getting the better of 10-man NorthEast United 4-1 at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium here on Friday.
Two goals from Rahul KP set up Odisha’s convincing win. Subham Bhattacharya also found the mark, while NorthEast United’s Macarton Nickson netted an own goal. Nickson was the lone scorer for the home team.
Odisha FC had drawn their first two games, before suffering a 1-5 hammering at the hands of Mohun Bagan at Salt Lake Stadium two weeks ago.
However, the Kalinga Warriors were determined to turn the tide in Guwahati.
Rahul gave Odisha the lead after 6 minutes, but NorthEast were back on level terms four minutes later.
Debutant Subham Bhattacharya restored Odisha’s lead in the 24th minute.
NorthEast were dealt a body blow in the 36th minute as Mayakkannan was shown the red card.
Playing the entire second half with 10 men, NorthEast caved under the substantial pressure exerted by Odisha FC.
Rahul scored his second goal in the 65th minute. Three minutes later, Odisha FC’s lead swelled to 4-1 as Nickson put the ball into his own net in trying to make a clearance.
Odisha FC will next travel to Mumbai to face Mumbai FC on April 5.
