Hyderabad FC rue scoring chances
Odisha FC climb to 4th of ISL standings
KUWAIT CITY, Jan 16: The Hyderabad FC rued several scoring chances and even spoiled the great start when Marcelinho scored the fastest goal of the season, and ironically suffered yet another defeat – this time a 1-2 loss to Odisha FC in the Indian Super League played at the GMC Balayogi Stadium Wednesday night.
For Odisha, this was the fourth straight win unlike the home team which finds itself at the bottom of the table with just one win from 13 games.
The goal by Marcelinho gave the holiday crowd something to cheer straight away, thanks to his Marcelinho who showed great opportunism to slot in a right-footer to beat the Odisha custodian from a very difficult angle.
It all started with Bobo’s diagonal cross to Nestor Gordillo on the right flank. He in turn relayed a cross to the approaching Nikhil Poojari whose attempt was thwarted by goalkeeper Francisco Dorronsoro. But, the rebound was just good enough for Marcelinho to find the target in the 40th second of the match.
Nonetheless, Odisha fought back and soon through Aridane Santana who capitalised on a goalmouth melee leveled the score. Shubham Sarangi’s throw-in was latched on to by Carlos Delgado inside the box and his shot was saved by Kamaljit Singh, but the lurking Aridane was quick to seize on the rebound to score the equalizer in the 15th minute. This also resulted in Hyderabad debutant Dimple Bhagat getting yellow card for dangerous play.
Hyderabad had a chance to nudge ahead but Bobo, who had a forgetful evening, failed to convert the spot kick, awarded in the 33rd minute after Nestro’s cross deflected off defender Sarangi’s arm.
At the end, it was also a penalty which saw Odisha score a matchwinner when Bhagat committed a serious foul on an advancing Santana who had positioned himself for a cross. The Spaniard was spot on in the 45th minute to trigger off celebrations in his camp and it was a double blow too as Bhagat was given second a yellow card too just before half-time.
Odisha could have scored the third but was thwarted by the efficacy of custodian Kamaljit and Ashish Rai who stopped Jerry Mawihmingthanga and Aridane from scoring.
Even in the dying minutes, Hyderabad had a chance to remind the fans of its reputation of scoring late goals – it has scored seven of the 13 so far this season after 75 minutes of play.
But Odisha goalkeeper Dorronsoro brought off a brilliant save to ward off a superb header from Giles Barnes and soon even Bobo’s attempt from close range went over the bar.
Odisha FC are now fourth on ISL table with 21 points and having played 13 games.