Odisha FC Stages Comeback, Defeats Mohun Bagan Super Giant 2-1 in ISL Semifinals

ISL Semifinals: Odisha FC Beats Mohun Bagan Super Giant 2-1 After Being Down by a Goal in the First Leg.

Odisha FC Stages Comeback, Defeats Mohun Bagan Super Giant 2-1 in ISL Semifinals

After their 2-1 win over Mohun Bagan SG in the first leg of the semifinals, Odisha FC keeps their undefeated streak at home going.

Odisha FC Triumphs Over Mohun Bagan Super Giant in ISL Semifinal First Leg

Roy Krishna (left) celebrates scoring Odisha's second goal at Kalinga Stadium on Tuesday.

In tonight's first leg of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 semi-final, Odisha FC secured a 2-1 win over Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar. This victory marks Odisha FC's first ISL win against Mohun Bagan after nine previous attempts. The intense match featured all three goals in the first half, creating a thrilling atmosphere.

In the first leg of the semifinals, Manvir Singh quickly put the team coached by Antonio Lopez Habas ahead with a goal in the third minute. However, Odisha FC fought back with goals from Carlos Delgado and Roy Krishna, taking a 2-1 win and extending their unbeaten home streak to 13 games this season. The match ended intensely with both teams down to 10 men, as Carlos Delgado and Mohun Bagan Super Giant striker Armando Sadiku were sent off with red cards in the 74th and 67th minutes, respectively, after each receiving two yellows.

Despite being known for their expansive and free-flowing football, both teams showed tight organization in this match, leaving few gaps in their defenses and pushing each other out of their comfort zones.

Manvir Singh scored the second-fastest goal in ISL playoff history at just 2 minutes and 21 seconds, only behind Lalrindika Ralte's strike for ATK against Mumbai City FC in 2016. The goal came off a corner taken by striker Dimitrios Petratos, who also assisted both goals in Mohun Bagan Super Giant’s title-winning game against Mumbai City FC earlier in the month.

Ahmed Jahouh delivered a precise corner that Carlos Delgado met with determination in a crowded penalty area. The game continued with tense back-and-forth action until Roy Krishna scored the decisive goal in the 39th minute. As Odisha FC pressed high following a goal-kick, goalkeeper Amrinder Singh sent a long ball towards Krishna. The Fijian forward skillfully controlled the ball with his head, outran Hector Yuste, and coolly finished past Vishal Kaith. This goal marked Krishna’s 13th of the season, making him Odisha FC's highest goal-scorer in a single ISL campaign.

In response, Odisha FC leveled the score nine minutes later through a goal.