New Delhi: Chennaiyin FC had Odisha FC at their mercy but despite being up by two goals couldn’t claim claim three points, settling for a 2-2 draw after conceding two late goals in their Indian Super League clash on Thursday.
Wilmar Jordan Gil’s brace early in the second half (48’, 53’) had Chennaiyin firmly in control. Gil could have even completed his hat-trick had not he headed on the upright to an inviting cross from six yards in the 64th minute.
It turned out to be pivotal as CFC’s lead couldn’t extend further as Odisha utilised the reprieve to mount a comeback in the later stages of the game.
After a goalless first half where both teams failed go find a way past well organised defence lines, the game opened up after restart.
CFC were faster off the blocks as Connor Shields’ familiar driving runs into the box created the two chances that Gil happily placed into the net.
On both occasions, Shield pressed and recovered possession before embarking on runs evading his markers on either flanks and setting up Gil for routine, simple finishes.
Odisha’s turnaround
It seemed Odisha had no way back into the contest as time passed and they were unable to make much dent. But the introduction of Diego Mauricio gave the tourists much-needed impetus upfront.
The Brazilian striker’s individual ability to burst with pace inside the box and shoot with his left foot into the corner for Dorielton to prod home from the goal line in the 80th minute gave Sergio Lobera’s side hope.
Chennaiyin were pushed back into desperate defending in the last few minutes as eight minutes were added on. But the vulnerability of their backline haunted CFC as luck evaded them when Rahul KP, on debut since his January window transfer from Kerala Blasters, hit the post with a bicycle volley.
The ball ricocheted off Mohammad Nawaz’s knee into the Chennaiyin net for an own goal, leaving their coach Owen Coyle to shake his head in disbelief for the manner his team failed to secure a win.
Chennaiyin FC failed to protect a two-goal lead as Odisha FC came from behind to pick up a 2-2 draw in the Indian Super League on Thursday. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
