Odisha FC recorded their first victory in the Indian Super League this Saturday beating SC East Bengal in an eleven-goal thriller by 6-5 at GMC Stadium.
It was the last league game of the season for both teams, and a dead rubber as both sides had already dropped out of contention for the playoff. This game broke the record of most number of goals scored in a single match.
Paul and Mawihmingthanga both the Indian youngsters scored braces which secured Odisha’s Victory. and helped Odisha FC to end the season on a high note.
Odisha FC 6-5 SC East Bengal Team News:
Odisha manager Steven Dias changed their formation after their devastating loss against Mumbai City and used (4-4-2) and did five major changes including the goalkeeper and played R Kumar in place of A Singh.
Robbie fowler also changed their formation from (3-5-2) to (3-4-1-2) after the narrow defeat against NorthEast United. Robbie made six changes to the team replacing center forward D Brown with Pilkington.
Odisha FC 6-5 SC East Bengal Analysis:
East Bengal were dominating the game right from the kick-off as East Bengal scored the first goal. Pilkington showed some great skill, striding forward into the box and unleashing a shot past Kumar.
It looked like Odisha were in for another long night. However, they managed to turn it on its head when Lalhrezuala scored the opening goal. The goal came from a corner that the East Bengal defense failed to deal with properly. But they managed to lead again, which came just minutes later through a comedy of errors from Odisha.
East Bengal were able to carry their lead into the halftime break but within few minutes into the second half, Odisha managed to equalize the scoreline which was a magnificent individual effort from Ramfangzauva, who bent one in past East Bengal goalkeeper Subrata Paul. Then Jerry headed in Onwu’s well-crafted cross and the scoreline was 4-3 for Odisha.
East Bengal weren’t behind for long as Holloway found the net for them. His low shot from outside and trickled into the goal after hitting the upright.
But Ramfangzauva was not done yet. After an Odisha shot was blocked at the edge of the box, the youngster got the ball and unleashed a shot that went through the legs of a couple of defenders before beating Subrata. Any hope of an East Bengal comeback was quickly buried by Mauricio, who converted a freekick. Odisha thus completed their turnaround with three goals in three minutes.
There was still time for more drama as East Bengal pulled one back it was Jeje, who scored his first ISL goal in East Bengal colors. Holloway, then scored again in injury time, but it was too late for East Bengal.
Notable Performances:
Paul Ramfangzauva: The 21-year-old Indian youngster who was both quick and clinical against Odisha and managed to pull a brace was heavily effective.
Jerry Mawihmingthanga: Another Indian youngster who scored a brace against the Kalinga Warriors and helped Odisha to end the season on a better note.
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