Odisha FC settle for a draw with Northeast United FC in a hard-fought contest at the Bambolim on this Tuesday night. No matter what the score line hooks up, as the two sides had come up with lively attacking spirits and clustered goal festive flavors to the game.
After a hard-stifling performance from both sides, the teams looked better sorting out their concerns. It was for Cole Alexander, the South-African international scored the equalizer for his side, and bagged the Hero of the match award.
The game interestingly started off, as Diego scored a stunner from outside the 18 yard box to give the Kalinga Warriors a lead. No sooner did they bask in excitement, a glorious equaliser was delivered by Lambot Fox in the stoppage time of play. The second half went beguiling, as Northeast United was awarded a penalty for the Goalkeeper’s poor challenge and fortunate the Appiah converted it to a goal. Hard was the luck as Odisha again settled for an equaliser and this time the man from South-Africa did his mastery and stroke a miraculous goal. So called a challenging tie, never failed to amaze the fans.
Herewith we present the ratings of the players, and how they fared throughout the game. Look it out, before you hit the hay out.
ODISHA FC
With no qualms, this could arguably be the best performance from the Kalinga Warriors this season. We had some exceptional game winners today this side and interestingly Odisha FC looked stiffed and confident throughout the game.
Arshadeep Singh- 6.5/10 :
The custodian of Odsiha FC stood solid throughout the play, and pulled off some exciting saves to keep the highlanders out. Unluckily he was helpless when the opposition was awarded a penalty for a minimal challenge that was put on Kwesi Appiah.
Jacob Tratt – 7/10
Tratt had been excellent in keeping his defensive line intact. He could have done better and marked his opposition preventing them from scoring goals.
Steven Taylor- 6.5/10
The captain looked reasonably good, but he had been found out by the Strikers of Northeast, and as a sequence his markings were pushed off by his oppostion.
Hendry Anthony– 6.5/10
Hendry had been instrumental in marking the Highlanders key strikers, but was unfortunate as he missed to co-ordinate with his mates that ceased his confidence badly.
Gaurav Bora – 7/10
Gaurav Bora proved to be the unsung hero of yesterday’s match night. He worked hard to protect the back-four and assisted a strong force to add intensity to his side.
Shubham Sarangi – 6.5/10
The youngster looked confident and coordinated the backline well and switched onto attacks on the flanks. He had a couple of good opportunities to score as well.
Vinit Rai – 6/10
Undoubtedly Vinit Rai has been turning as one of the most consistent performers for coach Stuart Baxter, and he proved his mettle that once again today. His distribution in the midfield was excellent.
Cole Alexander – 7/10
Alexander Cole, the hero of the match, picked the perfect moment to score his first goal of the ISL and earned his side a well-deserved point. He had been vital in making the attacking runs and stood helpful in the defensive line too.
Jerry Mawihmingthanga – 6/10
Jerry started off the game in an emphatical way, but longer the play progressed his pace got dropped which pushed to the delay run passes.
Manuel Onwu – 6/10
A better play was expected from Onwu, the score leader for his side the last season. But soon the game gained ground, his confidence wasn’t to his prime and lacked the intent to co-operate with his co-striker during the second half.
Diego Mauricio – 7/10
Mauricio has been among the best performers for Odisha on the pitch. A whopping strike from a 20- yard meter set the acute intent of the game. His striking abilities and the creative means of penetrations helped his team to earn a point.