Last Updated:
Noah Sadaoui led Kerala Blasters’ second-half comeback to take a 3-2 win over Odisha FC to keep them in the race to the playoffs.
ISL 2024-25: Kerala Blasters beat Odisha FC (FSDL)
The Kerala Blasters continued to defy the odds as they secured a 3-2 win over Odisha FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium to keep themselves in the race to the playoffs for the 2024-25 season in the Indian Super League 2024-25.
Despite a sluggish start, the Blasters, without a permanent manager at the helm, showcased their persistence and determination to get the win in front of a home crowd. Despite a wasteful start in the first half, Noah Sadaoui led the Blasters’ charge to help them get a crucial win.
Odisha FC on the other hand, started well, but their approach of biding their time, ended up costing the game as they lacked quality options in the bench which resulted in the visitors struggling to establish themselves in the game.
The hosts’ backline was given a harsh wake-up call as Jerry Mawihmingthanga chipped one over the keeper to get the opening goal for the visitors. Credit has to go to Odisha’s centre-back Thoiba Singh who delivered a magical pass over the Blasters’ backline and Dorielton Gomes parried it to his strike-partner who got the goal.
After Odisha’s early jolt, the Blasters seemed to find their groove but lacked the finishing touch to get the equaliser. Several chances created by the hosts went to waste as they attempted an improbable shot from outside the box, going for glory rather than the sensible play.
By the 35th minute, the Blasters started gaining momentum with a streak of chances. Kwame Peprah dropped down the left wing to deliver a fine through-ball to Noah Sadaoui, who charged forward but failed to make the chance count as the keeper charged forward to make the save. Sadaoui was also booked for a dive as well and the hosts ended up with a 1-0 deficit as the first half came to an end.
Right at the start of the second half, the hosts looked to strike early, but their finishing woes persisted as Sadaoui failed to capitalise on a beautiful setup by Peprah through the left side of the box.
Blasters looked to continue powering on and the side was seen questioning themselves when a header was denied for the home team as Rahim Ali delivered a sensational goal-line clearance to help the visitors maintain their lead.
Korou Singh delivered the perfect ball to pierce through the Odisha backline to find Peprah who side-stepped the keeper to find the equaliser in the 60th minute. Peprah seemed to have found his second goal but the flag was raised with the striker coming in an off-side position, deep in the box.
With over 30 minutes of play left, the Blasters opted to make their first change to bring in the striker, Jesus Jiminez for Alexander Coeff, to give them that edge in the finishing department. Odisha on the other hand had limited options on the bench as Lobera’s side named only six players as their substitutes and opted to bring out Ahmed Jahouh for Carlos Delgado as their first change.
In a bid to slow down the play, the visitors opted to make their second change. Saviour Gama came in place of Jerry Lalrinzuala but seconds later, the Blasters took the lead thanks to a peach of a cross by Adrian Luna which found Sadoui who set it up for Jiminez in the 73rd minute.
Odisha were handed a lifeline as they managed to grab their second goal. A fine free-kick by the edge of the box by Diego Mauricio hit the side-post, and the rebound was sent flying away again which Dorielton Gomes finished off to grab his brace.
Drama ensued right after the goal as Delgado was sent off with a second yellow. He had picked up his first before the goal for dissent and picked up his second after a nasty foul on Peprah.
Sadaoui lit up the JLN stadium as he gave the hosts a stoppage-time winner. Luna won the 50-50 duel by the right wing, which then fell to Vibin Mohanan and set up Sadoui by the edge of the box. The shot went towards the bottom-right corner. The Yellow Army lit up as the final whistle was blown to give them a stunning win despite the odds.
The win now puts the Blasters at the eighth on the points table, just a point away from Odisha who are a spot above. The win will certainly serve the hosts in good stead as they aim to keep themselves alive in the race to the play-offs.
- Location :
Kochi [Cochin], India