ODISHA FIGHT BACK TO SCRIPT EXCITING DRAW VS HYDERABAD

GOA: Odisha FC displayed great character in the second half as they fought back to hold Hyderabad FC to a 1-1 draw in the Hero Indian Super League on Tuesday. Halicharan Narzary (13’) put Hyderabad ahead at the break but saw his header cancelled out after a fine strike from Odisha’s Cole Alexander (51’).

It was one-way traffic in the opening half with Hyderabad all over Odisha. Their dominance saw them head into the break with a one-goal advantage after creating numerous chances in the opening half. The warning signs were evident for Odisha as early as in the 11th minute when a mistake from keeper Arshdeep Singh almost gifted Hyderabad the lead. Asish Rai drilled a low cross into the box which was spilled by Arshdeep, and fell straight into the path of Narzary. The forward unleashed a shot but Jacob Tratt saved Odisha the blushes with a crucial block.

However, just two minutes later, Hyderabad went on to break the deadlock. After receiving a long ball from keeper Laxmikant Kattimani, Aridane Santana flicked it on towards Liston Colaco, who made a run in the box. The youngster squared it towards Narzary, who notched his fourth goal of the season with an easy tap-in.

Hyderabad FC had a golden opportunity to double their tally in the first half but were denied by the woodwork. Colaco was involved in the move again, playing the ball to Aridane, who found Narzary on the left. The goal-scorer cut inside and fired a shot towards the bottom corner, which unfortunately came off the upright before being cleared out.