Odisha FC’s Playoff Hopes in Limbo After Defeat at the Salt Lake
Odisha FC’s chances of making the ISL playoffs now depend on other results, following a heartbreaking 1-0 stoppage-time defeat to Mohun Bagan SG at the Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata on Sunday. The Kalinga Warriors were reduced to 10 men after Mourtada Fall’s red card in the 85th minute, and despite a stellar performance from goalkeeper Amrinder Singh, who made several crucial saves, they couldn’t hold on.
The game began with a tense atmosphere as both sides struggled to find an early breakthrough. In the 4th minute, Odisha FC showed intent when Isak made a good run down the defensive third, but the Mohun Bagan SG defense remained sharp. Mourtada Fall attempted to feed Boumous inside the box with a lofted ball, but it was overhit and the chance was wasted. A little later, in the 14th minute, Hugo sent in a well-executed corner kick, but Fall’s header sailed high over the target.
Amrinder Singh was the standout performer, making crucial saves throughout the match to keep his side in contention. In the 17th minute, Amrinder dealt with a shot from Deepak outside the box with ease. He then pulled off a remarkable save in the 32nd minute, denying Jamie’s powerful strike. As the first half neared its end, Amrinder produced two more heroic stops, first blocking Stewart's shot from the edge of the box and then recovering quickly to prevent McLaren’s follow-up.
Odisha FC’s best chance came when Hugo threaded a superb through ball to Rahul inside the Mohun Bagan box. Rahul attempted to lob the goalkeeper, but unfortunately, there was no one to finish the opportunity.
In the second half, Odisha FC continued to threaten. Fall nearly found the net after a sliding challenge, but the ball ricocheted off Liston and out for a goal-kick. In the 66th minute, Hugo produced another dazzling run and a low shot that was saved by Mohun Bagan’s goalkeeper Vishal Kaith. Odisha’s defence held firm, and in the 81st minute, Amrinder made a brilliant flying save to deny a long-range shot from Petratos.
However, the turning point came in the 85th minute when Mourtada Fall was sent off with a red card following a foul. Odisha FC was reduced to 10 men, and despite their valiant efforts, Mohun Bagan SG capitalized on their numerical advantage. The match went into extra time, where Odisha’s hopes of securing a vital point were dashed by a late goal.
With this loss, Odisha FC’s playoff hopes now hinge on results from other teams. The Kalinga Warriors will return to Bhubaneswar to set to face Mohammedan SC on February 28, 2025, at 7:30 PM IST.
Odisha FC’s Playoff Hopes in Limbo After Defeat at the Salt Lake
Odisha FC’s chances of making the ISL playoffs now depend on other results, following a heartbreaking 1-0 stoppage-time defeat to Mohun Bagan SG at the Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata on Sunday. The Kalinga Warriors were reduced to 10 men after Mourtada Fall’s red card in the 85th minute, and despite a stellar performance from goalkeeper Amrinder Singh, who made several crucial saves, they couldn’t hold on.
The game began with a tense atmosphere as both sides struggled to find an early breakthrough. In the 4th minute, Odisha FC showed intent when Isak made a good run down the defensive third, but the Mohun Bagan SG defense remained sharp. Mourtada Fall attempted to feed Boumous inside the box with a lofted ball, but it was overhit and the chance was wasted. A little later, in the 14th minute, Hugo sent in a well-executed corner kick, but Fall’s header sailed high over the target.
Amrinder Singh was the standout performer, making crucial saves throughout the match to keep his side in contention. In the 17th minute, Amrinder dealt with a shot from Deepak outside the box with ease. He then pulled off a remarkable save in the 32nd minute, denying Jamie’s powerful strike. As the first half neared its end, Amrinder produced two more heroic stops, first blocking Stewart's shot from the edge of the box and then recovering quickly to prevent McLaren’s follow-up.
Odisha FC’s best chance came when Hugo threaded a superb through ball to Rahul inside the Mohun Bagan box. Rahul attempted to lob the goalkeeper, but unfortunately, there was no one to finish the opportunity.
In the second half, Odisha FC continued to threaten. Fall nearly found the net after a sliding challenge, but the ball ricocheted off Liston and out for a goal-kick. In the 66th minute, Hugo produced another dazzling run and a low shot that was saved by Mohun Bagan’s goalkeeper Vishal Kaith. Odisha’s defence held firm, and in the 81st minute, Amrinder made a brilliant flying save to deny a long-range shot from Petratos.
However, the turning point came in the 85th minute when Mourtada Fall was sent off with a red card following a foul. Odisha FC was reduced to 10 men, and despite their valiant efforts, Mohun Bagan SG capitalized on their numerical advantage. The match went into extra time, where Odisha’s hopes of securing a vital point were dashed by a late goal.
With this loss, Odisha FC’s playoff hopes now hinge on results from other teams. The Kalinga Warriors will return to Bhubaneswar to set to face Mohammedan SC on February 28, 2025, at 7:30 PM IST.
