On Friday, January 12, 2024, in an exciting match at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, the reigning champions Odisha FC defeated the reigning champions Bengaluru FC 1-0 in the opening match of the Kalinga Super Cup 2024 Group D. The game’s turning point came in the 21st minute when Moroccan midfielder Ahmed Jahouh demonstrated his excellent free-kick finishing, securing Odisha FC’s one-goal victory.
First-Half Action:
Bengaluru FC, popularly known as The Blues, took the lead early in the game. Roshan Singh’s cross set up a chance for Siva Sakthi Narayanan to give Bengaluru the lead in the fifth minute, but Odisha custodian Lalthuammawia Ralte made a vital save.
When Ahmed Jahouh took a free kick in the twenty-first minute, the match finally broke deadlock. His well-placed shot proved too difficult for the youthful Bengaluru goalkeeper, as it was directed towards Sahil Poonia’s near post. Poonia struggled to control the bounce and was unable to stop the ball from going into the net.
In an attempt to build on their lead, Odisha created a potentially big opportunity in the 43rd minute with a corner. Slavko Damjanovic’s clearance, though, kept them from scoring a second, giving some Odisha supporters the false impression that their lead had doubled.
Bengaluru FC remained in control of the match, but Odisha showed excellent finishing skills by turning their lone first-half opportunity. Just before halftime, Poonia made an easy save to deny Isak Ralte’s attempt to take the lead with a curled shot.
Second-Half Drama:
Bengaluru FC’s Ryan Williams was sent off straight after an angry outburst towards the referee in the second half, drastically cutting his team’s roster to just ten players. Bengaluru had a numerical disadvantage, but they played with great spirit and had multiple scoring opportunities.
As Odisha persisted in pressing in the 49th minute, Diego Mauricio attempted a header off a corner kick from Jahouh, but his attempt was unsuccessful. Bengaluru forced Odisha goalkeeper Ralte to save in the 58th minute, thanks to a bicycle kick from Javi. Javi kept posing a threat, but Amey Ranawade’s desperate tackle prevented it from happening.
Bengaluru FC stepped up their attempts to equalize as time ran out. Ralte made a fantastic save on Damjanovic’s attempt in the 81st minute, but the potential equalizer was ruled offside.
Aniket Jadhav missed a clear opportunity for Odisha to extend their lead in the 87th minute. Then Poonia easily claimed Puitea’s header after Isaka Ralte’s attempt was blocked.
Conclusion
The defending champions defeated Bengaluru FC 1-0 thanks to a masterful finish by Ahmed Jahouh from a free kick in a thrilling match between Odisha and Bengaluru. Bengaluru FC made a valiant effort, but their hopes of a comeback were dashed when Ryan Williams was sent off early. In the opening game of Group D of the KSC 2024, fans witnessed an exciting spectacle that demonstrated the tenacity and resolve of both teams.
Odisha FC Starting XI
Mawia Ralte, Ranawade, C. Delgado, Puitea, Diego Mauricio, F. A. H. Jahouh, M. Fall (C), Jerry L, Iaka Ralte, Krishna, Princeton
Bengaluru FC Starting XI
Sahil, Jovanovic, Veendorp, Williams, Javi H, Shankar, Hali, Damjanovic, Roshan, Siva, Fanai
