Kolkata: Odisha FC shocked Mohun Bagan Super Giant in their AFC Cup 2023-24 group stage match with a resounding 5-2 victory at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Monday night.
Hugo Boumous gave Mohun Bagan SG the lead, but Odisha FC responded with three quick goals from Roy Krishna, Diego Mauricio, and Cy Goddard.
Kiyan Nassiri reduced the deficit for the Mariners in the second half before Aniket Jadhav and Isak added late goals in injury time respectively, to seal the win for Odisha FC.
The result sees Odisha FC leapfrog Mohun Bagan SG in the group standings, moving to the second position.
Sergio Lobera’s side need to beat Bangladesh’s Bashundhara Kings in their final group game to top their group and qualify for the next round.
Mohun Bagan SG started the game with an early opportunity. Liston Colaco carried the ball from midfield into Odisha FC’s half and passed it to Asish Rai. Rai then sent a diagonal ball to Boumous, who beat his marker and scored in the 17th minute.
In the 24-minute mark of the game, both Mohun Bagan FC and Odisha FC had shown signs of decent play. Roy Krishna passed the ball to Jerry Mawia on the right flank, who then delivered a through ball for Mauricio to take a shot.
However, the Brazilian’s attempt went straight into the goalkeeper’s hands.
Odisha FC equalised in the 29th minute of the game. A good cross from the right wing into the box by CY Goddard was headed by Jerry Mawia but was blocked.
Roy Krishna capitalised on the opportunity by volleying the free ball with a powerful right-footed strike that found the back of the net, restoring parity to the match.
Odisha FC extended their lead in the 32nd minute, scoring two goals in quick succession. Ahmed Jahouh delivered a free-kick that was met by Krishna, who sent a cross into the box for Mauricio.
Subhasish Bose, tasked with marking Mauricio, could only watch as the Odisha FC forward directed the cross into the net, putting the away team in front.
In the 41st minute of the match, Goddard extended the lead by scoring, taking advantage of Glan Martins’ lapse in concentration. Goddard advanced into the attacking third, received a pass from Mauricio, and successfully beat Kaith to finish.
In the 53rd minute, Mohun Bagan SG attempted a set-piece with Boumous providing a cross to Armando Sadiku. However, Amrinder Singh’s decisive save denied them a goal.
Mohun Bagan pulled one back in the 63rd minute through Kiyan Nassiri’s header.
In the 80th minute of the game, Rai’s cross was too far for Nassiri, but Amrinder Singh was grateful to get his hands on it.
In added time, Roy Krishna swiftly took a free-kick from the right, and Aniket Jadhav capitalised on it with a rapid run right in front of the goal, scoring his first ever goal for the Kalinga Warriors.
Odisha FC finished their five-star performance with a five-goal fiesta. Isak Ralte spotted Kaith standing well ahead of the post and lobbed a long ball past the keeper, securing a 5-2 victory for the Kalinga Warriors.
The visitors delivered a truly commanding performance throughout the match.
Odisha FC will welcome Bashundhara Kings for their final group stage game while the Mariners face Maziya S&RC.
