ISL 2024-25: Odisha FC Maintains Unbeaten Streak with 2-1 Victory Against 10-Man East Bengal

Kolkata, Dec 12 (NationPress) Jerry Mawihmingthanga and Hugo Boumous scored a goal each in the second half, enabling Odisha FC to defeat a 10-man East Bengal FC 2-1 in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan Stadium on Thursday. This victory extended the Juggernauts' unbeaten streak to five matches this season.

All three goals were scored in the second half, with Mawihmingthanga and Boumous netting in the 55th and 81st minutes respectively, following East Bengal's lone goal by Lal Chungnunga in the 53rd minute. The Red & Gold Brigade were reduced to 10 men in the 43rd minute due to Jeakson Singh receiving a red card.

The match began with both teams sharing possession. Nandhakumar Sekar initiated an impressive solo run from the right wing in the 23rd minute, penetrating the box but was thwarted by an outstretched Amrinder Singh.

Seven minutes later, Ahmed Jahouh delivered a free-kick towards Mourtada Fall, but the towering defender's header went off target. Odisha FC continued their offensive push, resulting in an end-to-end contest with both sides leaving substantial spaces at the back.

In the 36th minute, a well-coordinated movement involving Isak Vanlalruatfela, Boumous, and Jerry unfolded inside the East Bengal penalty area. Isak advanced on the wing, locating Boumous, who then crossed to Jerry, but his shot was saved by Prabhsukhan Singh Gill. East Bengal FC suffered a setback in the 43rd minute with Jeakson Singh's second yellow card, reducing them to 10 players.

Despite being a man down, East Bengal FC struck first in the contest; Lal Chungnunga capitalized on a crowded Odisha box after a corner to score in the 53rd minute, as the Juggernauts' defense failed to clear the ball effectively. However, Odisha FC quickly regrouped and began to press offensively, with Isak switching to the right flank, leading to a breakthrough.

His unmarked run allowed him to deliver a crucial pass to Jerry, who, positioned on the right side of the box, elegantly found the top right corner of the net to equalize.

Following this, Odisha FC intensified their offensive efforts, eventually securing a second goal through a collaborative effort by Mauricio and Boumous.

Mauricio played a fluid role upfront, shifting slightly left, which drew defenders and created space in the center. In one such play, he advanced into the box and provided a timely pass to Boumous, who struck decisively to give his team a vital lead and clinch the three points.

East Bengal FC's next match is against Punjab FC on December 17, while Odisha FC will face Mohammedan SC on December 27.