Odisha FC Holds Mohun Bagan to 1-1 Draw

MBSG's Manvir Singh in action against OFC's Isak Vanlalruatfela at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar on Sunday
MBSG’s Manvir Singh in action against OFC’s Isak Vanlalruatfela at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar on Sunday (PC: ISL)

Odisha FC held Mohun Bagan Super Giant to a 1-1 draw at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar in tonight’s Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 match. The hosts took an early lead with a goal from Hugo Boumous via an indirect free kick, but Manvir Singh equalized with a well-placed header later in the first half. Although both sides created several chances in the second half, neither could find a decisive goal.

Odisha started energetically, winning an indirect free kick after Asish Rai’s back pass was picked up by goalkeeper Vishal Kaith. From just six yards out, Hugo Boumous converted to give the hosts a fourth-minute lead.

Mohun Bagan immediately pushed forward, nearly leveling in the ninth minute when Dimitrios Petratos aimed directly at goal. Amrinder Singh, however, was quick to deflect the shot. The Mariners continued to press, and Roy Krishna almost scored on a pass from Saviour Gama, but Kaith’s quick reaction stopped the attempt.

The visitors’ persistent attacks paid off in the 36th minute when Manvir Singh headed in a Petratos corner to level the score. Manvir timed his leap perfectly, catching the Odisha defense, including Amrinder, off guard.

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OFC's Khawlhring Lalthathanga in action against MBSG players at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar on Sunday
OFC’s Khawlhring Lalthathanga in action against MBSG players at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar on Sunday (PC: ISL)

In the second half, Jose Molina’s side came out strong, with Jamie Maclaren pressing the Odisha defense. Thoiba Singh intervened just in time to prevent a potential goal. Around the 60th minute, Puitea took a powerful long-range shot, which sailed just over the crossbar, narrowly missing the target.

Odisha’s best chance to regain the lead came in the 73rd minute when Ahmed Jahouh’s precise free kick found Amey Ranawade. However, Kaith made an excellent save, keeping the score level despite the Mariners’ struggle to clear.

Substitutions followed, with Molina bringing on Jason Cummings and Sahal Abdul Samad in search of a winner. Sergio Lobera responded with Diego Mauricio and Carlos Delgado to strengthen Odisha’s defense and attack. Despite their late efforts, Mohun Bagan couldn’t break through, and Odisha held firm to secure the draw.

Also Read: Grit, Fan power and Bruzon’s Pep Talk: Key takeaways from East Bengal holding Mohammedan Sporting to Draw