Odisha FC moved up to seventh place as a result. one point behind Bengaluru FC, which is ranked sixth, while FC Goa remained in fourth place.
Despite being down by a man in the final quarter of the game on Monday in the Indian Super League, a determined Odisha FC held FC Goa to a 1-1 draw.
Noah Sadaoui’s second half and Diego Mauricio’s 43rd-minute goals set up an exciting second half for the two playoff contenders, who will likely be content with a result that didn’t hurt either of their chances.
When Sadaoui scored in the second minute, FC Goa got off to the perfect start. As Odisha FC attempted to advance, Alvaro Vazquez picked up the ball in midfield and passed it to Sadaoui on the left side of the field.
As the forward regained his composure and drove the ball past the left hand of goalkeeper Amrinder. Odisha FC’s defense was spread out and tracking back.
From that point on, Odisha FC was able to make the most chances, usually from the left flank through Isak Ralte.
Until Ralte was fouled a few yards outside the box toward the end of the half. FC Goa defended in numbers for the majority of the half and provided little opportunity for the hosts to break through.
Dheeraj Singh, leaping to his right. Was too much for Mauricio’s curler when he stepped up to take the subsequent free kick.
Sadaoui and Vazquez switched roles at this point. FC Goa almost took the lead again before the half was over.
The striker beat his marker and received Sadaoui’s left-wing cross, but his glancing header was just wide.
In an exciting period of end-to-end football early in the second half, the two teamed up once more.
Nandhakumar Sekar’s perfectly weighted cross found Saul Crespo’s powerful header in the following minute. But Dheeraj was able to pounce to his right and save.
From that point on, FC Goa was able to pass the ball to Sadaoui. Who fired a long shot straight at the goalkeeper?
When Odisha FC’s left-back Sahil Panwar received a second yellow card in the 67th minute for a challenge from behind.
The home team made a string of substitutions in the 81st minute. Shortly after Amrinder made a crucial save when Hernan Santana’s shot went through a crowded penalty box. FC Goa did not make a significant offensive move.
Except for a missed free kick from Brandon Fernandes and a deflected long-range shot from Santana that Amrinder kept an eye on.
Odisha FC did not face any significant threats to their goal from these substitutions until the end of the game.
Odisha FC moved up to seventh place as a result, one point behind Bengaluru FC.
Odisha FC will play Hyderabad FC on Friday at home. FC Goa will play Mumbai City FC on Saturday at home.