Ratings: Krishna, Mauricio power Odisha FC to second half comeback against Maziya

Odisha FC were down by two goals at the end of first half

Odisha FC showcased an impressive performance in the AFC Cup 2023-24, triumphing over Maziya S&RC with a commendable 3-2 victory at the Maldives National Football Stadium.

The match commenced with an early goal scored by Naiz Hassan of Maziya in the second minute of the game. Subsequently, a penalty was conceded by Mourtada Fall, providing an opportunity for Vojislav Balabanovic to extend the lead to 2-0 in the 26th minute of play.

Odisha FC displayed a resilient performance in the latter half of the match, showcasing their prowess in counterattacking. Mourtada Fall secured the first goal for Odisha in the 65th minute with a skillful header, while Diego Mauricio followed suit in the 72nd minute, supported by the assistance of Ahmed Jahouh.

In the closing moments of the match, the responsibility fell upon Roy Krishna, who exhibited tremendous skill and scored an exceptional goal in the 85th minute. His remarkable contribution not only granted his team the advantage but also proved to be the decisive winning goal.

Odisha FC Ratings

Amrinder Singh - 7

Amrinder put on a commendable performance in the game. Despite Odisha conceding two goals in the first half, Amrinder displayed a strong defensive presence, effectively warding off the majority of Maziya's attacks.

Carlos Javier - 6.5

Carlos appeared somewhat disheveled in the initial period of the match, however, he exhibited significant improvement in the latter half and effectively intercepted several swift offensive moves initiated by the Maziya forwards.

Mourtada Fall - 6.5

Mourtada committed an error in the penalty area, leading to Maziya scoring a goal via a penalty kick during the first half. However, he displayed composure and made strides to enhance his performance. He also scored the first goal for Odisha FC.

Jerry Lalrinzuala - 7

Jerry appeared composed as he skillfully managed the defense line throughout the game. He demonstrated excellent ball control, maintaining possession before skillfully passing to his teammates.

Laldinliana -  6

Laldinliana appeared disconnected and did not perform up to his usual standard, resulting in his substitution at the beginning of the second half.

Puitea - 7.5

Puitea displayed exceptional brilliance in the midfield, exhibiting remarkable precision in his timely passes and exquisite crosses.

Ahmed Jahouh - 8

Jahouh was the difference between both the sides as two of his assists helped Odisha equalize the score with Maziya. 

CY Goddard - 7.5

Goddard provided abundant opportunities for Odisha in the second half in contrast to the first half.

Diego Mauricio - 7.5

Mauricio scored the equalizer for Odisha FC in the 72nd minute of play. He even had three more chances of converting the opportunities in the second half but missed the last touch.  

Isak Vanlalruatfela - 6

Isak failed to pose a significant threat to the defense of Maziya. He frequently lost possession in the first half, leading to his substitution at the beginning of the second half. 

Roy Krishna -  8

Roy kept his game till the last minutes of play. Intercepted well inside the penalty area and scored the deciding goal of the match in the 85th minute of play.

Substitution 

Narender Gahlot - 6.5

Laldinliana was substituted at the beginning of the second half,  made crucial tackles to neutralize the Maziya team's offensive threats throughout the remainder of the game

Jerry Mawihmingthanga - 6.5

Replaced Isak Vanlalruatfela from the start of second half of play. He had a better game compared to Isak, but lost possession a few times towards the end of play. 

Lenny Rodrigues - 6

Replaced Puitea in the 61st minute of play. Enhanced the course of the game and executed several pivotal interceptions along the defensive line to exert pressure on the opposing team.

Princeton Rebello - N/A

Replaced Cy Goddard in the 88th minute of play. 

Aniket Jadhav - N/A

Replaced Diego Mauricio in the 88th minute of play.