On Tuesday, 22 October, Odisha FC defeated Emami East Bengal FC at the Kalinga Stadium. East Bengal conceded an early goal but later found their equalizer. However, in the second half, the Juggernauts took the lead again and secured all three points with a 2-1 score line.
Six matches, no points – for the Kolkata Giants, the start of the Indian Super League 2024 has not been positive, with six consecutive losses. Today, under their new head coach Oscar Bruzon, East Bengal FC played their sixth ISL match against Odisha FC at their home but once again couldn’t secure a single point.
In the 22nd minute, Odisha took the lead. From Isak’s defense-splitting pass, Roy Krishna scored the goal. Despite being one goal down, East Bengal FC did not lose composure. They played attacking football and continued to try to get back into the game.
At the end of the first half, during additional time in the 45+2nd minute, East Bengal earned a penalty. From an attack, Madih Talal took a strike, but the ball touched Thoiba Singh’s hand inside the box. Diamantakos took the penalty kick and scored the equalizer for the Red and Gold Brigade, lighting up hopes of earning some points from the match.
East Bengal resumed the second half with attacking force. They seemed rhythmic, but in the 69th minute, Mourtada Fall’s header leveled the score for Odisha FC. Mohammad Rakip made a rough challenge on Amey Ranawade, resulting in a free kick for Odisha. Jahouh took the free kick and sent an accurate cross inside the box, which Mourtada Fall headed into the net.
In the 76th minute, Provat Lakra was sent off the field after making a rough challenge on Jahouh, resulting in a red card, as earlier in the match he received a yellow card. Despite being down to ten men, East Bengal did not give up until the final whistle, taking several shots throughout the 90 minutes.
However, ‘Man of the Match’ Mourtada Fall’s header and bright performance secured three points for the Juggernauts in the match.
