NorthEast United and Odisha FC played out a 2-2 draw in the Indian Super League earlier tonight.
Both teams had a lot on stake heading into this game and it was a thrilling contest.
NorthEast United had managed just two wins coming into tonight’s game and Odisha FC were still looking for their first win.
However, neither side managed to pick up all three points and they ended up cancelling each other.
The draw keeps NorthEast United in the fourth spot in the Indian Super League standings with eleven points from eight matches and Odisha are now up to the penultimate spot in the table with just two points from seven matches.
Both teams started the match with a positive approach and they managed to create multiple opportunities for themselves.
NorthEast United threatened to take the lead early on in the game with Luis Machado but Odisha FC created the first clear cut opportunity only to be denied by a goalline clearance by Dylan Fox.
Odisha continued to push for the opener after that and they finally managed to break the deadlock on the 23rd minute thanks to some individual brilliance from Diego Mauricio.
The Odisha star cut in from the left side of the box and his deflected effort beat Gurmeet Singh in the NorthEast United goal.
Odisha were expected to build on their dominance after the goal but their momentum dropped and it allowed NorthEast United to come back into the game.
Benjamin Lambot did well to power in a header after connecting with an inch-perfect cross into the box from the right at the stoke of half time.
Both teams continued to push for a goal with NorthEast United succeeding this time around.
NorthEast United were awarded a penalty on the 65th minute for a foul on Kwesi Appiah by Arshdeep Singh.
Appiah had missed a penalty in the earlier game but he made no mistake this time and put his side ahead with a powerful shot into the goal.
Odisha FC showed their mentality and determination to fight back by getting on the score sheet just two minutes later through Alexander Cole, who was arguably the best player on the pitch.
The South African curled the ball from inside the box and beyond the reach of Gurmeet Singh into the NorthEast United goal.
NorthEast United could have snatched a late winner but Camara’s dipping effort hit the crossbar.
Both teams deserved a point on the balance of play and the draw was probably a fair result in there.
