KOLKATA: You just can’t live through an East Bengal-Odisha FC fixture without its crazy drama and a goal-fest!
Perhaps, in a sequel to the past wacky spectacles involving these two teams, which produced two of ISL’s highest-scoring matches (6-5 and 6-4), the latest meeting at the Salt Lake Stadium on Friday lived up to its billing and saw Odisha FC script one of the stunning comebacks in the tournament’s history to subdue East Bengal 4-2.
East Bengal grabbed a 2-0 lead in the first half, thanks to goals from Semboi Haokip (23th minute) and Naorem Mahesh (35), with Suhair VP providing the assists on both occasions.
But Odisha FC manager Josep Gombau’s decision of introducing Pedro Martin
In place of Isaac Chhakchhuak after the break proved to be a game-changer as the Spanish forward turned the game on its head scoring two goals in a span of just 90 seconds (47 and 48 minutes). Jerry Mawihmingthanga (65) and Nandhakumar Sekar (76) then sealed the deal with two more goals as Odisha FC completed their comeback and moved up to the third spot on the standings at the expense of ATK Mohun Bagan with 12 points from 6 matches.
East Bengal stayed at the bottom half having managed just two wins in their first 7 games.
Yet, Stephen Constantine’s hosts looked to be on the right track, promising to build on the momentum following their win at Bengaluru FC. They deservedly took the lead although Suhair appeared to be on an offside position when he received the ball from Jordan O’Doherty before laying it off for Haokip. There was, however, no element of controversy when Naorem swelled the lead 12 minutes later as East Bengal looked to be on course for clinching their first back-to-back wins in the ISL history.
But they appeared to have left their defensive shape in the dressing room when they returned to the field. In both cases, leading to Pedro’s quick-fire goals, the red-and-gold rearguard was flat, indecisive and caught napping as Odisha changed their attacking formation and stormed the rival box.
East Bengal’s meltdown coupled with goalkeeper Kamaljeet Singh’s poor decision-making continued as an unmarked Jerry gave the visitors a lead meeting heading home another second-half substitute Denechandra Meitei’s cross.
And when Sekar made it 4-2, it completely took the wind out of East Bengal’s sails. Odisha could have embellished their fightback with more goals but Gombau must be mightily pleased with the way his players stuck to his plan in the second half and rose to the challenge.
