Kerala Blasters FC defeated Odisha FC 3-2 in a thrilling Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 encounter at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi on Monday.
Odisha FC, winless in their last four games, took an early lead in the 4th minute when Jerry Mawihmingthanga capitalized on a headed pass from Dori to strike the ball into the bottom-right corner. The Juggernauts continued to show defensive resilience, thwarting Kwame Peprah’s efforts in the 36th minute.
However, Peprah equalized for Kerala Blasters in the 60th minute, capitalizing on a precise through ball from Korou Singh to beat the Odisha defense and score into the bottom-left corner.
Kerala Blasters maintained their attacking momentum, and in the 73rd minute, Adrian Luna’s cross found Noah Sadaoui, who assisted Jesus Jimenez for a spectacular strike that gave the home team the lead.
Odisha FC responded in the 80th minute with Dori’s close-range finish after a saved free-kick by Kerala Blasters’ goalkeeper Sachin Suresh, leveling the scores. However, Odisha’s momentum was disrupted when Carlos Delgado received a second yellow card in the 83rd minute, reducing them to 10 men.
Kerala Blasters capitalized on the advantage, with Noah Sadaoui delivering the match-winning goal in added time. Receiving a pass from Vibin Mohanan, Noah fired a robust shot from an acute angle that deflected into the bottom-right corner, sealing the win for the Kochi-based side.
Key Performer of the Match:
Noah Sadaoui
- Completed 26 of 29 passes
- Scored and assisted once each
- Made one clearance, two tackles, and created four goal-scoring opportunities
Next Fixtures:
- Kerala Blasters FC vs. NorthEast United FC – January 18
- Odisha FC vs. Bengaluru FC – January 22
Brief Scores:
- Kerala Blasters FC 3 (Kwame Peprah 60′, Jesus Jimenez 73′, Noah Sadaoui 90+5′)
- Odisha FC 2 (Jerry Mawihmingthanga 4′, Dori 80′)