Bhubaneswar: A 44th-minute penalty by Diego Mauricio handed Odisha FC a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Mumbai City FC and a ticket to the final of the Kalinga Super Cup.
Mauricio was brought down by the Mumbai City goalkeeper when he looked set to score just before half-time. The Brazilian striker himself stepped up and blasted his right-footer into the far corner past Phurba Lachenpa.
Odisha, who are unbeaten in 15 matches across tournaments, will look to defend the Super Cup in the final against East Bengal in front of home fans at Kalinga Stadium on January 28.
East Bengal beat Jamshedpur FC 2-0 on Wednesday.
The second semifinal was more competitive, with the young Mumbai team playing robust football.
Odisha created the better chances, but failed to find the finishing touch. Mauricio’s penalty proved to be the difference between the teams.
The match ended on a rough note as three Mumbai players were sent off by the referee during the nine minutes of added time.
