Bhubaneswar
Odisha FC claimed a 2-1 victory against East Bengal FC at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday night, marking their second win of the 2024-25 Indian Super League (ISL) season. The match saw seasoned forward Roy Krishna and defender Mourtada Fall scoring for Odisha, while East Bengal’s Dimitrios Diamantakos netted a late penalty.
Krishna opened the scoring in the 22nd minute after a well-placed through ball from Isak Vanlalruatfela. Krishna skillfully maneuvered past East Bengal goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Singh Gill, placing the ball in the bottom corner to give Odisha an early lead. However, East Bengal equalized just before halftime when Thoiba Singh handled the ball in the penalty area, leading to a penalty converted by Diamantakos, ending his goal drought.
The second half saw Odisha regain control, with Fall scoring the decisive goal in the 69th minute. He headed in a free-kick delivered by Ahmed Jahouh, putting Odisha ahead again. East Bengal’s troubles deepened when Provat Lakra received a second yellow card in the 76th minute, reducing his team to ten men.
This defeat marks East Bengal’s sixth consecutive loss this season, making them the second team in ISL history to lose their first six matches, after NorthEast United FC in 2022-23. Krishna’s impactful performance included a goal and an assist, highlighting his crucial role in the match. Odisha FC will next face Mumbai City FC on Oct 27, while East Bengal prepares for the Kolkata Derby against Mohammedan SC on Nov 9.
