It's not easy for any team to come to the Kalinga Stadium this season and go back as winners.
Odisha FC maintained their unbeaten run at home with a superb 2-1 comeback win over Kerala Blasters and qualified for the two-legged semifinals where they will face Mohun Bagan. Goals from Diego Mauricio and Isak Vanlalruatfela turned around the match but a large chunk of the credit should also go to Ahmed Jahouh and Roy Krishna.
It was an entertaining first half where both teams created chances but were unable to beat the goalkeepers. Odisha dominated the possession with better passing while the Blasters looked threatening on the counter.
In the second-half, Kerala Blasters came out as a better side and created multiple opportunities at the goal. They eventually broke the deadline in the 67th minute when Fedor Cernych received a lovely pass from Mohammed Aimen and the Blasters forward found the right corner of the net with a strong finish.
It looked like they would hold on to the lead but Odisha equalised late into the match. Jahouh sent a superb long ball to Krishna, who missed a golden chance only a minute earlier but this time he came up with a solid control and passed it to Mauricio for a tap in in the 87th minute.
As the match progressed into the extra time, Odisha started dominating against a tired Kerala Blasters. In what is one of the best goals of the season, Jahouh sent a 'no look' long ball to Krishna on the right side. The Fijian international watched the ball closely and passed it to Isak on the volley who made no mistake in converting the chance from a close range in the 98th minute of the match.
Blasters pushed hard for an equaliser but were not able to break the resolute Odisha defence.
On Saturday, FC Goa will meet Chennaiyin FC in the second playoff for a spot in the semifinals against Mumbai City FC.
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