Bhubaneswar: Odisha FC took an early setback in stride to outplay NorthEast United 3-1 at Manjeri in Kerala en route to the Hero Super Cup final.
S Nandhakumar was Odisha’s hero as he struck twice, while Brazilian powerhouse added to the tally to set up a battle royale with Bengaluru FC on April 25. Bengaluru saw off Jamshedpur 2-0 in the first semifinal on Friday.
NorthEast, an I-League club, got off to a dream start as Jordan found the mark in the very opening minute at Payyanad Stadium.
But it didn’t take long for Odisha FC to get back on level terms. Jerry found Nandha with a fine cross and the latter headed home the equaliser in the 10th minute.
Changing ends with the score tied 1-1, Odisha FC exerted pressure on NorthEast and got the desired result in the 63rd minute.
Nandha played a 1-2 with Victor before finishing the move off with a booming shot to the top corner. Nandha could have completed his hat-trick had he taken any of the two chances that came his way.
Mauricio completed the tally five minutes from full time with a fine finish.
