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ISL 2024-25 | Chennaiyin FC vs Odisha FC Match Report: Odisha make sensational comeback to snatch a point in a 2-2 draw

The late drama unfolded at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai after Odisha FC pulled off two goals after being two goals down against Chennaiyin, resulting in a 2-2 draw.

Soumit BhattacharyaJanuary 9, 2025 at 07:22 PM • 4 min read
ISL 2024-25 | Chennaiyin FC vs Odisha FC Match Report: Odisha make sensational comeback to snatch a point in a 2-2 draw
The late drama unfolded at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai after Odisha FC pulled off two goals after being two goals down against Chennaiyin, resulting in a 2-2 draw.

Chennaiyin FC and Odisha FC shared the spoils in Chennai in a thrilling 2-2 draw in the Indian Super League 2024-25 on Thursday, January 9th.

Wilmar Jordan Gil scored a brace to hand Chennaiyin a safe lead, but two dramatic late goals from Odisha ended the game at a stalemate. 

Neck-to-neck battle in the first half

The first thirty minutes of the game saw a compact battle with both sides constantly attempting to open the account. Lukas Brambilla and Irfan Yadwad complimented each other to bring threats on Odisha's defence, but their efforts remained unfruitful.

In the 16th minute, Brambilla's powerful strike soared way over the crossbar. In the 30th minute, Wilmar Jordan Gil attempted a header following a swift cross from Connor Shields but the header went way off the target.

On the other hand, Odisha FC also came close in salvaging a goal in the first half. Rohit Kumar found an opening in front of the goal from a pass by Boumous, but he sent it straight to Chennaiyin keeper Mohammad Nawaz. In the 38th minute, Odisha's new signing Dorieltion 'Dori' Gomes made a brilliant turn inside the box before launching a powerful strike that ended up off the target. 

However, the first half produced some exciting moments and close opportunities for both teams but the scoreline remained goalless at the break.

Wilmar Jordan Gil scored a quick brace in the second half

Wilmar Jordan Gil did not take much time to find the crack in Odisha's defence, as he scored only three minutes into the second half. Connor Shields delivered a near-perfect pass from the right to inside the box as Gil made a timely run to tap the ball into the goal. 

Only after five minutes of the first, Wilmar scored his second of the game to produce a safe 2-0 lead for Chennaiyin. This time, Shields sprinted toward the goal from the left and delivered a splitting pass to find Gil in an open space inside the box, who calmly unleashed a strike to convert the goal.

Wilmar Joran Gil also had his chance to register a hat-trick in the 64th minute, but his header came off the woodwork.

A thrilling drama unfolded as Odisha scored two late goals 

In the 80th minute, Diego Mauricio made a threatening run on the left to the opponent's box before unleashing a left-footed strike that eased past Nawaz in goal. Dori found himself making a touch before the ball went in, as the goal stood by his name. 

However, Odisha started to produce fiercer attacking opportunities after breaking the deadlock, which finally paid off for them in the 8th minute of the injury time.

Diego Mauricio and Rahul KP both tried to take a bite from an attempt on the goal, as Rahul's overhead kick came off the right post after Mauricio's attempt. The second ball smashed Nawaz and deflected inside the net, resulting in an unlucky own goal that ended the game at a stalemate.

The battle to finish in the top six has become more intense after this result, as the Marina Machans stay in the 10th position with 16 points in 15 games. The Kalinga Warriors have salvaged 21 points in 15 matches, placed in the 7th position after their hard-earned one point from Chennai.

Brief scores:

Chennaiyin FC 2 (Wilmar Jordan Gil 48’ 53’) – 2 Odisha FC (Dorielton 80’, Mohammad Nawaz OG 90+8’)

Tags:

Indian FootballOdisha FcISL 2024-25Chennaiyin Fc

Soumit Bhattacharya

Soumit Bhattacharya's path to football content writing has been a natural progression of his innate love for sports, especially for football. Being a dedicated football enthusiast since childhood, he is well-versed and has a profound passion for the beautiful game, sharing readers a vast knowledge base through insighful narratives.

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