NorthEast United started brightly and created the first clear chance in the fifth minute. Nikola Ninković connected with an excellent cross from Jithin MS, but his right-footed effort was kept out by Odisha goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari. The hosts responded soon after, with Everton Nascimento attempting a long-range effort from around 35 yards that sailed wide.

The Highlanders continued to threaten, and Ajaraie came close to breaking the deadlock after latching onto a well-weighted through ball and evading his marker. However, Tiwari was once again alert to make the save and keep Odisha on level terms. Despite opportunities at both ends, neither side managed to find a breakthrough in the opening half.

The second half saw both teams turn to their benches in search of a decisive goal. Odisha introduced Nandhakumar Sekar in the 67th minute before bringing on Rahim Ali and Manuel Molina as the match progressed. NorthEast United responded with the introductions of Parthib Gogoi and Ethyan González, while Redeem Tlang and Imran Khan were also brought on late in the contest.

As the game entered stoppage time, NorthEast United pushed harder for a winner. Moyano came close in the first minute of added time, curling a right-footed effort narrowly wide after being set up by substitute Tlang.

The decisive moment arrived deep into stoppage time when Stephen Eze was penalised for handball inside the box following a corner from Gogoi. Referee K. Ramdasan pointed to the spot, handing NorthEast United a golden opportunity to claim victory. Ajaraie stepped up to take the penalty, but his effort struck the woodwork, leaving the Highlanders agonisingly short of a late winner.

The missed penalty proved to be the final action of the match, with both teams settling for a point apiece. While Odisha will take encouragement from their defensive resilience and Tiwari’s crucial saves, NorthEast United will rue the missed opportunity to extend their winning run and move three points clear at the top of the table

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian Football.

The post Ajaraie’s Late Penalty Miss Denies NorthEast United Victory Against Odisha FC appeared first on Football Counter.

Punjab made a blistering start, taking the lead inside the opening minute. Muhammed Uvais delivered a precise cross from the right flank, and Messi Bouli timed his run perfectly to finish from close range with a right-footed effort. The strike, scored just 39 seconds after kick-off, became the sixth-fastest goal in ISL history and gave the hosts an immediate advantage.

Odisha FC responded well to the early setback and restored parity in the 15th minute. Captain Lalthathanga Khawlhring delivered a corner into the box, where Thoiba Singh rose above the defence to head the ball past Arshdeep Singh and make it 1-1.

The remainder of the first half saw both sides create opportunities in an entertaining contest. Punjab threatened through Muhammad Suhail, whose deliveries caused problems for Odisha’s defence. Bijoy Varghese came close with a header from a Khaiminthang Lhungdim cross, while Ricky Shabong fired narrowly wide after being set up by Suhail. Odisha also looked for a second goal, but Stephen Eze’s long-range attempt sailed over the crossbar as the teams went into the break level.

Punjab resumed the second half with attacking intent, and Messi Bouli continued to trouble the Odisha defence. In the 51st minute, he missed an opportunity from the centre of the box before setting up Alfred Planas, whose powerful effort was blocked. Diego Raposo later forced a sharp save from Odisha goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari, who produced an impressive performance to keep his side in the contest.

Tiwari continued to frustrate Punjab, making crucial saves, including denying another powerful Messi Bouli effort in the 74th minute. Odisha also threatened on the counter, with Mahmoud Eid forcing Arshdeep Singh into a smart save in the 80th minute. Substitute Gurkirat Singh was denied at the other end in the 86th minute as Punjab continued to push for a winner.

The closing stages delivered a dramatic finish. Arshdeep kept out an attempt from Nihal Sudheesh in the 95th minute, while Suhair VP missed a promising opportunity for Odisha moments later. Punjab immediately launched one final attack, and substitute Bishu Sharma played a clever pass into the penalty area in the 96th minute. Messi Bouli found space and calmly finished with his left foot into the bottom-left corner to spark celebrations among the home supporters.

The late strike completed a remarkable performance from Messi Bouli, whose goal in the opening minute and last-gasp winner secured a memorable 2-1 victory for Punjab FC. The Shers collected all three points in their season opener, while Odisha FC were left to rue their missed chances after pushing the hosts until the final moments.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian Football.

The post Messi Bouli’s Last-Gasp Winner Seals Thrilling Punjab FC Victory Over Odisha FC appeared first on Football Counter.

The hosts made an energetic start and took control early, with Kévin Yoke causing constant problems down the left. Their pressure paid off in the 12th minute when a loose ball inside the box fell to Víctor Bertomeu, who reacted quickly to slot home from close range and give Kerala the lead.

Despite Kerala’s early dominance, Odisha gradually worked their way back into the contest. Their efforts were rewarded in the 27th minute when Rahim Ali finished a well-crafted move, calmly placing his shot into the bottom corner to restore parity.

The second half saw Odisha push forward with greater intent, creating several chances and forcing goalkeeper Arsh Anwer Shaikh into multiple saves. Kerala’s defence, however, remained organised under pressure, with key interventions keeping the scores level.

As the game wore on, both sides struggled to create clear openings, and the contest looked set to end in a draw. However, late drama unfolded deep into stoppage time.

A well-delivered corner found substitute Matías Hernández, who rose highest to head the ball into the net in the 90+3rd minute, sparking celebrations among the home crowd.

Kerala nearly added another soon after, but the goal was ruled out for offside, while Odisha’s final attempt failed to trouble the defence.

The victory lifts Kerala Blasters further up the table and continues their positive momentum, while Odisha FC are left to rue missed opportunities after a competitive performance.

Mumbai Premier League News – Click Here

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian Football.

The post Late Hernández Header Seals Dramatic Win for Kerala Blasters appeared first on Football Counter.

The visitors made an early impact, taking the lead in just the sixth minute after capitalising on a defensive lapse. Rahul KP was on hand to finish calmly and give Odisha the perfect start. However, NorthEast responded quickly, with Macarton Nickson finding the equaliser in the 10th minute after a well-worked move.

The game remained open with both sides creating chances, but Odisha regained control midway through the first half. A corner delivery caused chaos in the box, and debutant Subham Bhattacharya reacted quickest to slot home and restore the lead at 2–1.

NorthEast’s task became even more difficult in the 36th minute when Muthu Mayakkannan was sent off, leaving the hosts with ten men heading into the break.

With the numerical advantage, Odisha grew stronger in the second half. After withstanding an early push from the hosts, they extended their lead in the 65th minute. Rahul KP completed his brace with a composed finish after breaking through on goal to make it 3–1.

Just minutes later, Odisha added a fourth goal, as a dangerous attack led to an own goal by Bekey Oram, effectively putting the game beyond NorthEast’s reach.

Odisha continued to control proceedings, creating further opportunities while maintaining defensive solidity. NorthEast attempted to respond late on but failed to find a way back into the contest.

The final whistle confirmed a comprehensive 4–1 victory for Odisha FC, with Rahul KP’s standout performance leading the way in a dominant display.

Mumbai Premier League News – Click Here

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian Football.

The post Rahul KP Brace Powers Odisha FC to Dominant 4–1 Win Over NorthEast United appeared first on Football Counter.

The hosts began the game with attacking intent and soon found their rhythm. After a few early chances from both sides, Mohun Bagan took the lead in the 14th minute. Dimitri Petratos initiated the move with a clever backheel before captain Subhasish Bose delivered a pinpoint cross into the box, allowing Jamie Maclaren to head home the opener.

Maclaren doubled the lead in the 24th minute after Liston Colaco found him inside the penalty area. With time and space, the Australian forward calmly finished past the goalkeeper to give the Mariners a comfortable advantage.

Mohun Bagan’s dominance continued as centre-back Alberto Rodríguez added a third in the 42nd minute with a low strike from distance that beat Amrinder Singh in the Odisha goal. The visitors responded almost immediately when Rahim Ali capitalised on a long ball and calmly slotted past Vishal Kaith to reduce the deficit to 3-1.

However, Mohun Bagan restored their three-goal cushion just before the break. Colaco delivered another dangerous ball into the box and Maclaren was perfectly positioned to tap it in, completing his hat-trick and sending the hosts into half-time with a commanding 4-1 lead.

The second half saw Mohun Bagan continue to control the tempo of the match. Colaco and Petratos both came close to adding to the tally, while Odisha tried to find openings through occasional attacking moves.

The final blow came in the 88th minute when substitute Manvir Singh launched a long ball forward that found Maclaren near the edge of the box. The striker showed great composure to finish past Amrinder Singh and secure his fourth goal of the night, sealing a convincing 5-1 victory for the Mariners.

Despite a few late attempts from Odisha, goalkeeper Vishal Kaith stood firm to deny them another goal, ensuring Mohun Bagan closed the match in dominant fashion. The result further strengthens the Mariners’ impressive start to the season as they continue their march at the top of the table.

Mumbai Premier League News – Click Here

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian Football.

The post Maclaren’s Four-Goal Heroics Inspire Mohun Bagan to 5–1 Win Over Odisha FC appeared first on Football Counter.

The contest began cautiously, with both sides struggling to find rhythm in the final third. Odisha’s first real opportunity came in the 14th minute when Isak Ralte burst down the left flank, but his effort drifted wide. Chennaiyin responded through Iñigo Martín, whose attempts were either blocked or narrowly off target as both teams searched for a breakthrough.

The visitors eventually struck just before the break. In stoppage time of the first half, Farukh Choudhary delivered a pinpoint corner and Elsinho rose unmarked to head Chennaiyin into a 1-0 lead. Odisha nearly responded immediately, with Rahul KP forcing a fine save from Mohammad Nawaz and Rahim Ali going close from the resulting set-piece.

The second half saw a similar pattern, with both teams battling for control but finding limited clear openings. The turning point arrived in the 68th minute. After Isak won a free-kick, Lalthathanga Khawlhring delivered a deep cross into the box, and Carlos Delgado climbed above the defence to nod home the equaliser.

Chennaiyin attempted to regain the lead, with Imran Khan and Martín both trying their luck, but Amrinder Singh remained alert in goal for the hosts. Odisha, marshalled by Delgado at the back, stayed organised and prevented any clear-cut chances in the closing stages.

Despite late pressure from both teams, neither could find a decisive second goal. The match ended 1-1, with Saviour Gama earning the Player of the Match award for his composed display as Odisha FC secured a valuable point at

Mumbai Premier League News – Click Here

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian Football.

The post Captain Delgado Rescues Point for Odisha FC Against Chennaiyin appeared first on Football Counter.

Playing their first match of the campaign, Odisha showed flashes of promise, while Inter Kashi looked confident building on their encouraging debut performance. The match saw plenty of intent from both teams, but accuracy in front of goal proved elusive.

Inter Kashi made a lively start, forcing Odisha goalkeeper Amrinder into an early save through a long-range effort from Tomba Singh. The hosts responded soon after, with Rahul KP trying his luck from distance before Suhair VP headed over from a well-delivered set-piece.

Set pieces continued to be a key outlet for Odisha, with Thoiba Singh winning a free-kick and later coming close with a header that drifted narrowly wide. At the other end, Inter Kashi also threatened, as Planas saw a close-range attempt blocked by a resolute defence.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with both teams pushing but failing to find the decisive breakthrough. Rohit Danu had a header blocked early on and later dragged an effort wide after being set up inside the area. Odisha came closest through Isak Vanlalruatfela, whose tight-angled strike was bravely blocked by David Humanes.

In the closing stages, Inter Kashi looked slightly more threatening, but their late efforts, including a long-range attempt from Danu in stoppage time, failed to hit the target.

With nine attempts from Odisha and eight from Inter Kashi, both sides managed only two shots on target each. Rahul KP was named Player of the Match for his energetic display, as the teams settled for a share of the points in the season’s first goalless draw.

Mumbai Premier League News – Click Here

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian Football.

The post Odisha FC and Inter Kashi Share Points in Hard-Fought Stalemate appeared first on Football Counter.

Mohun Bagan also parted ways with their title winning head coach José Molina, creating space for a fresh leadership approach. While Molina helped steady the team during a difficult period and also won Mohun Bagan not just the the ISL Title but also the shield in the 24-25 season, the club felt the need for a long-term tactical vision and a more modern style of play, something Lobera is well known for.

Lobera brings a proven track record in India, having delivered strong results and an exciting brand of football during his time with FC Goa, Mumbai City FC and Odisha FC. His teams are known for possession-based play, attacking movement and disciplined structure, qualities Mohun Bagan fans have been eager to see consistently.

For the club, this appointment marks the beginning of a new project. After recent instability, Mohun Bagan believe Lobera’s experience and clarity can help the team rebuild confidence, shape a strong identity and push for major trophies again.

Supporters are already hopeful. With Lobera stepping in and Molina’s brief tenure coming to an end, the club enters a new era, one built on ambition, stability and a clear footballing philosophy.

Mumbai Super League Fixtures, Standings and News – Click Here

Mumbai Premier League News – Click Here

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian Football.

The post Sergio Lobera Leaves Odisha to Take Charge of Mohun Bagan Super Giant appeared first on Football Counter.

The Antonio Lopez Habas-coached side came into this match after a 2-1 loss to Odisha FC in the opening leg of their last-four match in Bhubaneswar. However, they set any concerns arising from that result aside in a contest that they dominated right from the beginning to the end, offering little to Odisha FC at the bastion of the Mariners in the City of Joy. Jason Cummings opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, whereas Sahal Abdul Samad sealed the game lock, stock, and barrel in the added time of the second half to cap off a compelling victory by Habas’ men.

The fact that the Mariners have a star-studded squad at their disposal needs no second telling. However, their Spaniard tactician has laudably managed to galvanise their potential and get them functioning as a cohesive collective unit in the last few months, the results of which are visible here. After becoming the Champions of the ISL 2023-24, Mohun Bagan Super Giant are now marching towards the ISL Cup with equal vigour with all their big stars being at the top of their game lately.

The groundwork of Cummings’ goal was laid out by his striking counterpart Dimitrios Petratos, who has not been immune to producing magical moments aplenty in this campaign. His long-ranged effort was spilled by Odisha FC custodian and ex-Mariner Amrinder Singh. Like a fox in the box, Cummings jumped upon the ball and netted it home to get the opener under his belt. Three minutes later, Roy Krishna tried to initiate a solo effort inside the Mohun Bagan Super Giant box, showing quick footwork amidst closed spaces inside the 12-yard area. However, a disciplined defence ensured that those efforts were kept at bay.

Thereafter, the home side had several chances coming up, but there was a lack of decisiveness upfront to bury them and grab the victory with both hands. That moment arrived deep into the game courtesy of attacking midfielder Sahal Abdul Samad, who has endured an injury-ridden season campaign thus far. Manvir Singh cut into the inside of the left flank and shot in a powerful low cross for Sahal, which the former Kerala Blasters FC player tried to tap in on first go. Amrinder managed to stop that effort but the deflection landed on Sahal’s head, who then somehow scrapped it into the back of the net and steered the team to the grand finale.

Key Performer of the Match
Jason Cummings (Mohun Bagan Super Giant)

Jason Cummings kept 85% accuracy to finish 17 out of his 20 attempted passes. He created two goal-scoring chances, crossed once, and drew the first blood in this crunch encounter.

What’s next for both teams?
Mohun Bagan Super Giant will now play in the ISL 2023-24 final at their home on May 4, whereas Odisha FC’s campaign comes to an end with this defeat.

Brief Scores
Mohun Bagan Super Giant 2 (Jason Cummings 22’, Sahal Abdul Samad 90+3’) – 0 Odisha FC

Courtesy:- ISL Media

Click here to check the Fixture, News and Standing of Indian Super League (ISL).

Click here to check the Fixture, News and Standing of Mumbai Premier league

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian Football.

The post Mohun Bagan Super Giant produce magnificent triumph to storm into second straight ISL final after 2-0 win against Odisha FC appeared first on Football Counter.

Manvir Singh handed the Antonio Lopez Habas-coached side an early lead in the third minute, but Carlos Delgado and Roy Krishna scored once each for Odisha FC to help the team maintain their unbeaten streak at home this season (13 matches) before heading into the second leg of this last-four clash at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on April 28, Sunday. Eventually, both teams brought an end to this hotly contested clash with 10 men on either side, as goal-scorer Delgado and Mohun Bagan Super Giant striker Armando Sadiku were sent off in the 74th and 67th minutes of the match after picking up a couple of yellow cards each.

Both these teams are renowned for their expansive, free-flowing footballing styles. However, they were naturally tightly organised in this match, leaving no gaps exposed in their backlines, compelling each other out of their comfort zones and making them look for unique ways to find the back of the net. For example, Manvir Singh has been a dazzling presence on the flank for the Mariners, but tonight, at 2:21 minutes, he netted the second fastest goal in the ISL playoffs, behind only Lalrindika Ralte’s goal at 2:08 for ATK against Mumbai City FC on December 10, 2016.

The ball was delivered to him from a corner by dynamic striker Dimitrios Petratos. Petratos had assisted both of the goals by the Mohun Bagan Super Giant in their 2-1 win in the title-winning clash against Mumbai City FC earlier this month. He carried that rich vein of form in this match, providing a razor sharp cross that Manvir, positioned at the centre in the box, headed home to break the deadlock. Odisha FC were not left too far behind though, replying in similar fashion courtesy of the duo of Ahmed Jahouh and Delgado nine minutes later. The Moroccan was accurate with his corner delivery, and Delgado made his way through a crowded 18-yard box to deposit the ball into the back of the net.

A rather tense back-and-forth passage of play ensued thereafter, before Roy Krishna finally broke through with the winner in the 39th minute of the match. As the Mariners looked to press high from an Odisha FC goal-kick, custodian Amrinder Singh sensed a unique opportunity and put in a long ball straight towards Krishna inside the Mohun Bagan Super Giant half. Krishna brought the ball down with his head, before sprinting past Hector Yuste and putting the ball beyond Vishal Kaith to become the highest-ever goal-scorer for Odisha FC in a single ISL season with his 13th strike of the campaign.

Key Performer of the Match

Roy Krishna (Odisha FC)

The striker completed 15 out of his 23 attempted passes, along with making a tackle and a clearance each in addition to crossing twice. He scored the winner but refused to celebrate in respect of his former team Mohun Bagan Super Giant.

What’s next for both teams?

Both these teams will now head to the second leg of the semi-final on April 28 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.

Brief Scores

Odisha FC 2 (Carlos Delgado 11’, Roy Krishna 39’) – 1 Mohun Bagan Super Giant (Manvir Singh 3’)

Courtesy :- ISL Media

Click here to check the Fixture, News and Standing of Indian Super League (ISL).

Click here to check the Fixture, News and Standing of Mumbai Premier league

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian Football.

The post Odisha FC strike first blow with 2-1 comeback win in semis against Mohun Bagan Super Giant appeared first on Football Counter.