Bhubaneswar, April 17 (NationPress) Mohammedan Sporting Club achieved their inaugural point in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 with a determined 1-1 stalemate against Odisha FC at Kalinga Stadium on Friday. The hosts took the lead just before the break through Suhair VP, but a striking close-range goal from Adison Singh early in the second half meant the match ended level.

With this draw, Mohammedan remains at the bottom of the table, accumulating just one point from eight matches, while Odisha FC climbs to 12th place with six points from seven games. Lalthathanga Khawlhring was named the Player of the Match.

The match commenced cautiously, as both teams sought to establish control in midfield. Odisha held significant possession, while Mohammedan aimed to exploit counter-attacks, but the first quarter produced few clear opportunities.

Mohammedan started to gain momentum around the 20-minute mark. Center-back Hira Mondal and midfielder Mahitosh Roy both took shots from distance, and Lalremsanga Fanai narrowly missed after hitting the side netting following a well-executed play involving Adison Singh.

Odisha responded with several promising attacks. Left-back Subham Bhattacharya came close after a scramble in the box, and Isak Vanlalruatfela along with Lalrinfela Khiangte created threats with their runs. The Juggernauts’ defensive duo of Carlos Delgado and Thoiba Singh impressed with their contributions both defensively and in build-up play.

The first goal came five minutes before halftime during a rapid counter-attack. Isak sparked the move from deep and connected with midfielder Lalrinfela, whose perfectly timed through ball found Suhair VP. The forward charged into the box and struck a powerful left-footed shot past Padam Chettri, giving Odisha a 1-0 upper hand.

Mohammedan nearly equalized immediately, as Adison Singh forced a save from Amrinder Singh just before the halftime break, leaving Odisha with a narrow lead.

With renewed vigor in the second half, the visitors quickly created chances. Both Lalremsanga and Mahitosh saw their efforts go wide, with Mahitosh failing to capitalize on a loose clearance from the Odisha goalkeeper.

Finally, in the 56th minute, they found their breakthrough. Hira Mondal made an overlapping run down the right and delivered a low cross into the box, where Adison Singh timed his arrival perfectly, guiding the ball into the top corner, leveling the score at 1-1.

The match opened up thereafter, with both teams seeking a winner. Mohammedan displayed danger on the counter, with Adison and Llangaihsaka combining effectively, while Odisha maintained possession, probing through Isak and Lalthathanga.

In the latter stages, Odisha nearly regained the lead, with Rahim Ali almost taking advantage of a goalkeeping error and Isak forcing a brilliant save from Padam Chettri with a curling shot. Carlos Delgado also narrowly missed with a header during a set-piece.

As stoppage time progressed, both teams continued their search for a decisive goal, but neither could find the finishing touch.

The final whistle confirmed a 1-1 draw, marking Mohammedan SC's first point of the season, while Odisha FC had to settle for a shared outcome after a fiercely contested match.