In what turned out to be one of the most gripping encounters of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season, Kerala Blasters triumphed over Odisha FC with a nail-biting 3-2 victory at the iconic Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi. The match was a rollercoaster ride of emotions, packed with early breakthroughs, tactical shifts, and a dramatic late winner by Noah Sadaoui that sent the Yellow Army fans into euphoria.
First Half: Odisha FC Takes the Early Edge
The match began with Odisha FC dominating the initial moments, showcasing sharpness and intent. Within just four minutes, Odisha’s forward Jerry Mawihmingthanga put the visitors ahead with a clinical finish. A precise header from Dori set up Jerry, who slotted the ball effortlessly into the bottom corner. This early lead put the pressure squarely on the home side, as Kerala Blasters struggled to find rhythm in the opening exchanges.
While Odisha looked solid in defense, Kerala Blasters started probing for opportunities, relying on their midfield maestro Adrian Luna to dictate play. However, the Odisha backline held firm, ensuring they ended the first half with a slender 1-0 advantage.
Second Half: Kerala Blasters Fight Back
The second half witnessed a transformed Kerala Blasters side, as coach Ivan Vukomanović made tactical adjustments to amplify the team’s attacking potential. Their efforts bore fruit in the 60th minute when Kwame Peprah equalized with a brilliant run and a composed finish, leaving the Odisha defense scrambling. A perfectly threaded through ball by Korou Singh set up Peprah, who calmly found the back of the net to ignite the home crowd.
With momentum on their side, Kerala continued to press forward. In the 73rd minute, they took the lead for the first time in the match. Adrian Luna, the architect of many Kerala goals, delivered a pinpoint cross into the box. Noah Sadaoui's header found Jesús Jiménez, who made no mistake in converting the chance. The Yellow Army erupted as Kerala Blasters led 2-1.
Late Drama: Odisha's Resilience and Kerala’s Heroic Finish
Odisha FC, however, refused to go down without a fight. In the 80th minute, Dorielton leveled the score with a powerful strike, silencing the Kochi crowd momentarily. Just when it seemed like Odisha might stage a late comeback, a red card for their defender Carlos Delgado in the 84th minute changed the complexion of the game. Delgado’s second yellow card left Odisha with ten men, opening the door for Kerala to push for the winner.
In stoppage time, Kerala’s persistence paid off. Noah Sadaoui emerged as the hero, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to fire in a stunning goal that sealed the match for the Yellow Army. His late strike not only secured three points but also showcased Kerala’s never-say-die attitude, a hallmark of their gameplay this season.
Key Takeaways from the Match
- Noah Sadaoui’s Heroics: The forward’s decisive contribution in the dying minutes highlighted his importance to Kerala’s attack.
- Adrian Luna’s Playmaking Prowess: Luna once again demonstrated why he is considered one of the league’s best midfielders, with his assist proving crucial.
- Odisha’s Missed Opportunity: Despite their spirited performance, Odisha’s inability to maintain discipline cost them dearly in the end.
A Night to Remember for Kerala Blasters Fans
The 3-2 victory was not just a result but a statement from Kerala Blasters FC, who now sit comfortably in the top half of the ISL standings. The energy at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium was electric, as fans witnessed an unforgettable game of football.
This thrilling match underscored the unpredictability and excitement of the Indian Super League. As the season progresses, Kerala Blasters have shown they are a force to be reckoned with, while Odisha FC will look to regroup and bounce back stronger.
Final Score: Kerala Blasters 3-2 Odisha FC
Stay tuned for more updates on the ISL 2024-25 season as teams battle for supremacy in India’s premier football league.
