Santosh Trophy: Odisha Snatch Thrilling 3-3 Draw With Stunning Fightback

Kottapadi (Kerala): Odisha fought back in stunning fashion to snatch a thrilling 3-3 draw against Karnataka in their 75th Santosh Trophy Group B opener here on Sunday.

Down 1-3 after an hour’s action, Odisha struck twice to salvage a point, AIFF Media Team reported.

Odisha started strongly and took the lead in the 15th minute when Jamir Oram put the finishing touches to a fine cross from Chandra Muduli.

Karnataka came close to equalizing when Sudheer Kotikela’s shot was off the mark. Sudheer, however, made amends at the half-hour mark, tapping in from an inch-perfect cross by Prashanth Kalinga.

Three minutes later, a rampaging Karnataka went 2-1 up. Bavu Nishad’s fierce shot was deflected into the back of the Odisha net.

Odisha started the second half on an encouraging note. A long throw from Abhishek Rawat was flicked on by an Odisha player on to the crossbar.

Odisha started the second half on an encouraging note. A long throw from Abhishek Rawat was flicked on by an Odisha player on to the crossbar.

Another promising Odisha move went abegging as Muduli failed to find Raisen Tudu who was in a scoring position.

Karnataka consolidated their position just past the hour mark as Sudheer got his second goal, beating Odisha goalkeeper Sekhar Behara with a powerful drive.

Down 1-3, Odisha pressed hard and reduced the margin a few minutes later. A corner from the right was headed in by Bikash Kumar Sahoo.

After Karnataka’s Kamalesh hit the woodwork, Odisha levelled scores in style as Muduli found the top right corner of the net from a counter attack.

A brilliant save by Behara, who kept out a dipping long-ranger from substitute Ankith, denied Karnataka a late winner.

Odisha will face Manipur next, while Karnataka will be up against Gujarat on April 19.