Super Cup: Odisha FC Blow Away Aizawl With 3-Goal Blitz In Second Half

Manjeri (Kerala): Odisha FC found their goal-scoring boots in the second half to beat Aizawl FC 3-0 in the Hero Super Cup at Payyanad Stadium here on Thursday.

Having drawn their opening game against East Bengal, Odisha FC now have 4 points and lead the group on goal difference.

The Juggernauts will take on Hyderabad FC in their last group league fixture on April 17.

Odisha and Aizawl were more or less evenly matched in the first half today. Narender Gahlot and Isak Vanlalruatfela failed to convert chances that came Odisha’s way, while I-League side Aizawl also came close a couple of times.

Odisha FC broke the deadlock two minutes after half-time. The 21-year-old Isak’s fantastic attempt from outside the box was somehow kept out by Aizawl goalkeeper Vanlalhriatpuia.

Off the resultant corner, a melee ensued inside the box and Diego Mauricio was on hand to push the ball into the goal from close range.

Odisha went 2-up in the 55th minute as Victor Rodriguez dodged an Aizawl defender and slotted the ball home.

Substitute Nandha Kumar, who had netted the equaliser against East Bengal, made it 3-0. Mauricio’s fierce shot was stopped by Vanlalhriatpuia, but Nandha tapped in the rebound.