Odisha FC, Mohun Bagan Super Giant share spoils in an intense face-off.


Odisha FC and Mohun Bagan Super Giant played out an entertaining draw at the Kalinga Stadium in front of a record crowd on Sunday. The Kalinga Warriors welcomed coach Sergio Lobera and midfielder Ahmed Jahouh back from suspension.

Lobera’s men started on the front foot, showing their intent early on. They didn’t have to wait long, with Hugo Boumous scoring with less than four minutes on the clock. 

Mohun Bagan SG defender Asish Rai’s intentional back pass was handled by goalkeeper Vishal Kaith, and the referee gave Odisha an indirect free kick inside the box. 

However, the visitors picked up pace and created chances, keeping the Odisha defenders busy and forcing a couple of spectacular saves from custodian Amrinder Singh. 

Mohun Bagan equalized in the 36th minute from a corner, when Manvir Singh’s header found the corner of the net despite Amrinder’s effort, ensuring both teams head into the break all square. 

In the second half, the teams showed more intent, going for the winner. However, the deadlock remained intact despite several chances taken by both teams. A stunning double save by Kaith from an Ahmed Jahouh free kick kept the teams locked at a goal apiece.

While the Kalinga Warriors will be disappointed with just a point, it was a much-improved display after the shock loss at Guwahati last week. The match was attended by the Honourable Chief Minister of Odisha, Shri Mohan Charan Majhi.

This result leaves Odisha FC ninth in the table heading into the international break, with nine points from eight games. They travel to Hyderabad for the next outing before welcoming the current league leaders Bengaluru FC at the Kalinga Stadium.