Odisha FC, hovering just above the relegation-threatened Mohammedan Sporting Club in the 14-team Indian Super League (ISL), desperately needed full points from their 10th-round match against Bengaluru FC on Monday. However, the Juggernauts had to settle for a single point after a 1-1 draw at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa.
Match Summary
Striker Rahim Ali gave Odisha the lead in the 34th minute, but Bengaluru equalized early in the second half through a Brian Sanchez penalty. Both teams shared the spoils in a cagey encounter.
Current Standings
Bengaluru remained sixth with 17 points after 11 games, while Odisha stayed second last with seven points from 10 matches, just four points ahead of bottom-placed Mohammedan Sporting.
Bengaluru dominated possession but failed to convert chances, while Odisha showed attacking intent. The deadlock was broken in the 34th minute when midfielder K Lalrinfela (Mafela) played a superb through ball to Ali, who beat his marker and slotted a left-footed shot past goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.
Odisha took a slender lead into halftime but could not hold it. Two minutes into the second half, an Odisha defender made a poor tackle inside the box, leading to a penalty. Sanchez calmly converted, sending goalkeeper Anuj Kumar the wrong way.
