An extra-time winner by Isak Vanlalruatfela noticed Odisha FC pip Kerala Blasters 2-1 within the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 playoff, securing a semifinal berth for the primary time, on the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Friday.
In a gripping encounter spanning over 120 minutes, the Juggernauts prevailed on their dwelling turf regardless of trailing first within the sport.
Lithuanian striker Fedor Cernych netted within the 67th minute earlier than Diego Mauricio and Isak Vanlalruatfela scored as soon as every within the 87th and 97th minutes respectively to tug Odisha FC again into the sport and storm it into the semifinals.
AS IT HAPPENED: ISL playoff Odisha FC 2-1 Kerala Blasters Highlights
The Blasters began the match with an eye fixed on an early breakthrough however struggled to interrupt the impasse, with Odisha’s pivotal centre-back Mourtada Fall manning the defence. The Senegalese virtually opened the scoring for the Juggernauts within the twenty eighth minute solely to see it get dominated out by the match officers.
The Blasters caught the host aspect napping after the hour mark when Cernych, getting a go from Mohammed Aimen, drilled the ball into the bottom-left nook, beating Amrinder Singh on the far publish.
Sergio Lobera, Odisha’s head coach, determined to modify gears within the final 10 minutes of regulation time, bringing on Diego Mauricio for Jerry Mawihmingthanga, and that transfer proved to be a masterstroke. Mauricio mixed with Roy Krishna to equalise inside six minutes, whereas the latter arrange Isak in a while to finish the comeback in extra-time.
Odisha will play ISL Shield winner Mohun Bagan Super Giant within the semifinals over two legs, on April 23 and 28, respectively. For Kerala Blasters, then again, its marketing campaign ended on the same be aware because the earlier season, within the knockouts, although with no controversy this time round.
Match rating
Odisha FC 2 (Diego Mauricio 87’, Isak Vanlalruatfela 98’) – 1 Kerala Blasters FC (Fedor Cernych 67’)
