Odisha FC came from behind in stunning fashion to beat Hyderabad FC 3-1 in the 129th game of the ongoing Indian Super League at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Friday, February 14. Stefan Sapic’s tap-in in the 31st minute gave the Nawabs a lead that they carried into the half-time break. However, the Juggernauts responded in fine fashion in the second half, obliterating Hyderabad’s lead via Mourtada Fall’s powerful header in the 47th minute.
French maestro Hugo Boumous then gave Odisha the lead two minutes later, before Rahim Ali sped past Hyderabad’s defenders with his pace and sealed the deal for his team in the 70th minute.
The Nawabs looked a shadow of their former selves in the second half, and seemed acquiescent, and perhaps accommodating of the charge of the Juggernauts. While their defenders won many accolades for their tight marking and high line in the first half, they seemed all over the place with their communication in the second.
The Juggernauts appeared close-knit as a unit, and exploited the spaces Hyderabad often left for them in defence. Ayush Adhikari, handed a start today in Andrei Alba’s absence due to a groin strain, did his team proud with his domineering performance in the Hyderabad midfield, but found few others to match up to his tempo.
Odisha seemed a different beast in the second half
Odisha head coach Sergio Lobera asked his wards to step into the pitch with a purpose in the second half, and they did not disappoint him. The crowd that filled the Kalinga on this weekend night too seemed pleased with what they got to see.
Hyderabad’s interim head coach Shameel Chembakath mentioned after the game that while he was disappointed with his team’s second-half performance, he would try to ensure that his wards learn from their mistakes.
“While we were happy going into the half-time break 1-0 up, it was disappointing to concede two goals so early on in the first half. It was not easy to come back from that. I think we need to learn from our mistakes, improve and come back stronger in the next game,” said Chembakath.
The hosts consolidated their position (7th) in the league table with this win, while the visitors stayed put in the 12th spot. Odisha have a challenging few fixtures next, starting with Mohun Bagan on 23 February, as they look to book a berth for the playoffs. Hyderabad will next host Mumbai City on Wednesday, February 19.
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