Odisha FC vs Bengaluru FC Kalinga Super Cup Result: Jahouh strike earns all three points for Cup holders

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Odisha FC have secured a 1-0 victory in the Kalinga Super Cup Group D match against Bengaluru FC on Friday (January 12).

Ahmed Jahouh scored the solitary goal in the first half from a free kick, which was largely helped by a goalkeeping blunder from BFC's Sahil Poonia. The Blues were also reduced to ten men as Ryan Williams was sent off at the halftime whistle.

In an electrifying showdown, Odisha FC kicked off the game with passion, making the most of their home advantage. In the 5th minute, the Blues had a golden opportunity, breaking through Odisha's defence. However, their shot was aimed straight at Ralte, and Mourtada Fall swiftly cleared the rebound, conceding a corner. Odisha's Amey showcased skill in the 13th minute, delivering a looping cross from the right flank. Despite Bengaluru's debutant keeper skillfully retaining possession, Odisha's Isak couldn't find an opportunity to capitalize on any potential on the defensive lapse.

In the 15th minute, Jahouh's short free-kick found Roy inside the box, yet the ensuing shot was promptly blocked. The intense back-and-forth action set the stage for a thrilling encounter between the two teams.

Ahmed Jahouh opened the scoring for Odisha FC in the 21st minute, securing the lead for the Kalinga Warriors with a precise free-kick. OFC 1-0 BFC

In the 25th minute, Isaka Ralte attempted a curling shot against Sahil Poonia, but the attempt lacked power and the BFC goalkeeper easily secured the ball with a comfortable catch.

In the 40th minute, Ahmed Jahouh delivered an excellent pass to Jerry. L, but the latter squandered the opportunity. Jerry. L's misguided pass in an attempt to reach Mauricio was subpar, leading to Naorem Roshan intercepting the ball.

Diego Mauricio couldn't convert a point-blank header opportunity in the 49th minute of the game. Despite it being a free header, the Odisha striker missed a crucial chance to score

In the second half, Kalinga Warriors dominated but struggled to widen their lead. In the 52nd minute, Diego Mauricio had another close-range header opportunity, but once again, he failed to capitalize, sending a weak header that was easily saved by Sahil Poonia. In the 53rd minute Puitea attempted a long-range strike that took a deflection but went straight into the hands of the BFC goalkeeper.

In the 69th minute, Vignesh Dakshinamurthy replaced Jerry Lalrinzuala, to make his club debut.

In the 74th minute, Isaka Ralte missed a significant chance for Odisha. Princeton delivered a lobbed ball for Amey, but the BFC defender managed to clear the header. The ball then fell directly to Isak's feet, and his immediate shot sailed way above the crossbar.

In the 77th minute, Vignesh swirled in a cross inside the box, which was intercepted by BFC.

In the 87th minute, Isak Ralte delivered a powerful cross for Aniket, but he failed to hit the target. Isak retrieved the ball, attempted to drive inside the box, took a shot that got blocked, and fell to Puitea. Puitea tried to head it in, but it went straight to the keeper.

Odisha FC will face their next opponent Inter Kashi on 17th January at the main pitch of Kalinga Stadium.

(with inputs from agency)