ISL 2024-25 | Kerala Blasters vs Odisha FC Match Report: Kerala snatched three points from a match full of drama and cards

Here is how the game unfolded in Kochi. 

First-half:

The match began with both teams showing attacking intent. Kerala Blasters, playing in front of their home crowd. However, Odisha FC broke the deadlock in the 4th minute via Jerry Mawihmingth. 

Dori's headed pass after beating Pritam Kotal at the heart of the box allowed Jerry to side foot the ball into the right bottom corner. He celebrated the goal showing love for his pregnant wife.

Key moments:

Goal: Jerry Mawihmingthanga (Odisha FC, Mid-Fielder, 4th min)

Yellow Cards: Dori (Odisha FC, Striker, 32nd min), Noah Sadaoui (KBFC, Mid-fielder, 40th Min), Huidrom Naocha Singh (KBFC, Left Back, 43rd Min)

Second Half:

The second half saw Kerala Blasters FC pushing hard to find an equalizer. They were rewarded for their efforts in the 60th minute when Korou Singh Thingujam assisted Kwame Peprah for the equalizer. Their partnership kept the home side in this breath-taking game. 

As the match entered its final stages, the intensity only grew. Kerala Blasters took the lead in the 73rd minute when Noah Sadaoui assisted Jesus Jimenez. In the last part of the game, Odisha FC searching for an equalizer, and Dori steps up and scores an exceptional goal, leveling the score 2-2.

In the 85th minute, Odisha was shown a red card for a reckless challenge from the side of Carlos Delgado, leaving his team with 10 men.

Kerala Blasters FC capitalized on this one-man advantage, after regulation time, in the 96th minute, a magnificent pass from Vibin Mohanan found Noah Sadaoui and he took his opportunity and scored the winner for Kerala Blasters FC. 

Key Moments:

Goals: Kwame Peprah (KBFC), Dori (Odisha FC), Noah Sadaoui (KBFC)

Yellow Cards: Pritam Kotal (KBFC, Defender, 79th min), Carlos Delgado (Odisha FC, Defender, 80th min), Amrinder Singh (Odisha FC, Goalkeeper, 82nd min)

Red Cards: Carlos Delgado (2nd Yellow and shown a red card, 83rd min)

Final Score:

Kerala Blasters FC (KBFC) 3-2 Odisha FC

Key Player:

Noah Sadaoui (KBFC)

Noah completed 26 of his 29 attempts, including a goal and an assist, and created four goal-scoring opportunities.

Next matches for both teams:

Kerala Blasters FC vs Northeast United on January 18, and Odisha FC vs Bengaluru FC on January 22.