Odisha FC and Kerala Blasters FC locked horns in a pulsating 2-2 draw at Bhubaneswar’s Kalinga Stadium. Both teams exhibited a high-energy performance, keeping the fans on the edge of their seats throughout the encounter.
The game saw Odisha’s Diego Mauricio and an own goal from Alexandre Coeff getting them on the scoresheet, while Kerala Blasters’ dynamic duo of Noah Sadaoui and Jesus Jimenez responded with goals of their own. The result leaves both sides craving more as they continue their hunt for crucial points in the ISL campaign.
Blistering Start to the Match
From the first whistle, both teams were eager to take control. The action unfolded swiftly as Danish Farooq stole the ball from Odisha’s Mourtada Fall, only for Fall to recover and concede a corner. Shortly afterward, Hugo Boumous linked up with Diego Mauricio in a promising position, but the Brazilian misfired, and Kerala’s keeper Sachin Suresh collected the ball with ease.
The intensity didn’t let up, as Kerala’s Jesus Jimenez made a stunning move in the 15th minute, nutmegging two Odisha defenders, Thoiba Singh and Ahmed Jahouh, before finding Sadaoui in a dangerous position. Once again, Fall came to Odisha’s rescue, denying a clear opportunity with a timely clearance.
Kerala’s Quickfire Double
Kerala Blasters did not have to wait long to break the deadlock. In the 18th minute, Jimenez delivered a pinpoint pass to Noah Sadaoui, who curled a shot past Odisha’s Amrinder Singh to give Kerala the lead. Just three minutes later, the tables turned, and Sadaoui turned provider, setting up Jimenez for a clinical finish that doubled their advantage.
Odisha’s Response and a Defensive Mishap
Sergio Lobera’s Odisha FC was quick to respond. In the 29th minute, a short corner from Ahmed Jahouh led to chaos in Kerala’s box. Sachin Suresh failed to gather the ball, which ricocheted off Alexandre Coeff and crossed the line for an own goal, giving Odisha a lifeline.
The home team pressed for an equalizer and found it just seven minutes later. Mauricio, who had been a constant threat, combined with Jerry Mawihmingthanga, who provided a perfect cross for the Brazilian to convert. Suresh could do nothing but watch as the ball found the back of the net.
This assist marked a significant milestone for Jerry, registering his 21st assist in the ISL, cementing his place as one of the league’s top playmakers.
Second Half and Missed Opportunities
The second half began with fresh energy as Odisha’s coach, Sergio Lobera, introduced key substitutes, including Roy Krishna. Krishna made an immediate impact in the 56th minute, crossing from the right flank, but Suresh managed to palm it away, preventing the ball from reaching Isak Vanlalruatfela, who could not find the target.
Kerala’s defense faced another scare in the 88th minute when a poor pass from Thoiba Singh almost gifted Adrian Luna a golden opportunity. However, Amrinder’s clearance deflected off Luna and out of play.
A Game of Close Calls
As the game approached its conclusion, both teams searched relentlessly for a winner. Kerala’s Noah Sadaoui, who delivered a standout performance with a goal, an assist, and six created chances, was pivotal throughout. His contributions saw him overtake Dimitri Petratos as the player with the most goal contributions in the ISL since the 2022-23 season.
Despite multiple chances for both sides, a winning goal remained elusive, leaving both Odisha FC and Kerala Blasters with a share of the spoils.
Next Fixtures
Odisha FC will return to action on October 22, when they take on East Bengal at home. Kerala Blasters, on the other hand, will head to Kolkata on October 20 to face Mohammedan SC.
Brief Scores
- Odisha FC – 2 (Alexandre Coeff 29′ OG, Diego Mauricio 36′)
- Kerala Blasters FC – 2 (Noah Sadaoui 18′, Jesus Jimenez 21′)
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