Kerala Blasters Beat Odisha FC 2-1 in Thrilling ISL Encounter

Kochi, India – October 27, 2023:Kerala Blasters FC staged a remarkable comeback, overturning a one-goal deficit to secure a 2-1 victory against Odisha FC in a thrilling Indian Super League (ISL) match at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kochi.

Odisha FC took the lead in the 15th minute through Diego Mauricio, who finished off a flowing move involving Isak Vanlalruatfela and Jerry Mawihmingthanga. However, Kerala Blasters were level just six minutes later, when substitute Dimitrios Diamantakos scored with a left-footed shot from inside the box.

The Blasters continued to press for a winner in the second half, and they were finally rewarded in the 84th minute. Captain Adrian Luna curled in a beautiful free-kick from the edge of the box to give Kerala Blasters all three points.

The victory was a much-needed one for Kerala Blasters, who had lost their previous two matches. It also marked the return of head coach Ivan Vukomanovic, who had been suspended for the first 10 matches of the season.

Here are the highlights of the Indian Super League (ISL) match between Kerala Blasters FC and Odisha FC

• 15th minute: Odisha FC takes the lead through Diego Mauricio, who finishes off a flowing move involving Isak Vanlalruatfela and Jerry Mawihmingthanga.
• 21st minute: Kerala Blasters equalize through Dimitrios Diamantakos, who scores with a left-footed shot from inside the box.
• 65th minute: Kerala Blasters goalkeeper Sachin Suresh saves a penalty from Diego Mauricio to keep the hosts in the game.
• 84th minute: Kerala Blasters win the match through Adrian Luna, who curls in a beautiful free-kick from the edge of the box.

Key Moments

• Kerala Blasters’ comeback from a goal down was impressive. They showed great character and determination to equalize and then win the match.
• Adrian Luna’s free-kick was a moment of magic. It was a perfectly placed shot that left the Odisha FC goalkeeper stranded.
• Kerala Blasters’ defense was also solid throughout the match. They kept Odisha FC at bay for most of the game and only conceded one goal.

Post-Match Reaction

• Kerala Blasters head coach Ivan Vukomanovic: “I am very happy with the win. The boys showed great character to come back from a goal down. We deserved the win, and I am proud of the performance.”
• Odisha FC head coach Kiko Ramirez: “We are disappointed with the result. We had a good start to the game and took the lead, but we made too many mistakes in the second half. We need to learn from our mistakes and come back stronger in the next game.”

Kerala Blasters FC

Kerala Blasters FC is a professional football club based in Kochi, Kerala. They compete in the Indian Super League (ISL), the top tier of Indian football. The club was founded in 2014, and they have reached the ISL final twice, in 2014 and 2016.

Kerala Blasters are known for their passionate fan base, who are known as the ‘Yellow Army’. The club’s home stadium, the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium, is one of the most intimidating venues in the ISL.

Odisha FC

Odisha FC are a professional football club based in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. They compete in the Indian Super League (ISL), the top tier of Indian football. The club was founded in 2014, and they have reached the ISL playoffs on one occasion, in 2019-20.

Odisha FC are known for their attacking style of play. The club has a number of talented attacking players, including Diego Mauricio, Nandhakumar Sekar, and Isak Vanlalruatfela.

Head-to-Head Record

Kerala Blasters and Odisha FC have met 10 times in the Indian Super League. Kerala Blasters have won six matches, while Odisha FC have won two matches. The two teams have drawn two matches.

Recent Form

Kerala Blasters have been in good form in recent weeks. They have won two of their last three matches, and they are currently fifth in the ISL table. Odisha FC, on the other hand, has been in poor form. They have lost four of their last five matches, and they are currently seventh in the ISL table.

Prediction

Kerala Blasters are the favorites to win this match. They are in better form than Odisha FC, and they have a better head-to-head record. However, Odisha FC are a dangerous team, and they have several talented players. It should be a close and exciting match.

Here are the lineups for the Kerala Blasters FC vs Odisha FC match

Kerala Blasters FC

• GK: Sachin Suresh
• RB: Sandeep Singh
• CB: Hormipam Ruivah
• CB: Pritam Kotal
• LB: Naocha Singh
• DM: Danish Farooq
• CM: Vibin Mohanan
• CM: Adrian Luna
• RW: Daisuke Sakai
• ST: Kwame Peprah
• LW: Dimitrios Diamantakos

Odisha FC

• GK: Amrinder Singh
• RB: Amey Ranawade
• CB: Mourtada Fall
• CB: Carlos Delgado
• LB: Jerry Lalrinzuala
• CM: Puitea
• CM: Ahmed Jahouh
• CM: Lenny Rodrigues
• RW: Isak Vanlalruatfela
• ST: Jerry Mawihmingthanga
• LW: Diego Mauricio

Please note that these are the starting lineups, and substitutions may have been made during the match.

Match key stats