ISL 2024-25: Odisha FC's Playoff Aspirations Diminished in Draw Against Mohammedan SC

Synopsis

In a crucial match at the Kalinga Stadium, Odisha FC and Mohammedan SC finished in a goalless draw, significantly hindering Odisha's playoff aspirations. The team now sits seventh with 30 points from 23 matches, trailing behind Mumbai City FC.

Key Takeaways

Odisha FC remains in contention for playoffs but faces challenges.
Mohammedan SC holds strong defensively.
Amrinder Singh achieves 50 clean sheets in ISL history.
Franca and Isak show promise but struggle with finishing.
Both teams share points in a hard-fought draw.

Bhubaneswar, Feb 28 (NationPress) In a tightly contested match, Mohammedan SC and Odisha FC ended in a 0-0 draw during the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 at the Kalinga Stadium on Friday. This outcome severely impacted Odisha FC's chances of reaching the playoffs, placing them seventh with 30 points from 23 matches, two points shy of sixth-placed Mumbai City FC (32 points) from 21 games.

This marks the second occasion where the Juggernauts have dropped points against Mohammedan SC, mirroring the goalless result from their previous encounter. Additionally, Amrinder Singh became the third goalkeeper in ISL history to achieve 50 clean sheets, joining the ranks of Vishal Kaith and Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.

The hosts had an early opportunity when Isak Vanlalruatfela connected with Rahim Ali on the right flank through an impressive long ball shortly after the kickoff. Despite controlling the ball well, Rahim opted to pass to Diego Mauricio, who failed to capitalize on the chance, sending his shot over the bar.

Mohammedan SC nearly broke the deadlock when Lalremsanga Fanai made a dynamic run down the left and delivered a low cross intended for Manvir Singh Saini. However, Thoiba Moirangthem Singh intervened just in time to clear the ball for a goal kick.

Employing a counter-attacking approach, the visitors found another opportunity in the 20th minute, with Lalremsanga breaking through on goal. Yet, Carlos Delgado managed to block the shot effectively in the penalty area. Starting the second half with momentum, Manvir took an early shot that was expertly saved by Amrinder Singh.

Isak continued to pressure the Mohammedan SC defense, generating some chances, while Franca also had moments of promise on the left flank. However, finishing remained an issue for the forward.

In the 68th minute, Franca found himself behind the Odisha FC defense due to a mistake by Amey Ranawade. With only Amrinder to beat, he squandered the opportunity by shooting wide from five yards. Isak had a chance to score in the 88th minute when Saviour Gama crossed the ball to him in the box, but his shot narrowly missed the target. Mohammedan SC controlled most of the possession in the closing minutes but lacked the finishing touch, resulting in a draw and both teams settling for a point.