ISL 2025-26: Odisha FC and Chennaiyin FC play out hard-fought draw at Kalinga Stadium

Chennaiyin FC clinch first point of their ISL season after draw against Odisha

Captain Carlos Delgado’s towering second-half header rescued a crucial point for Odisha FC as they battled to a 1-1 draw against Chennaiyin FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 at the Kalinga Stadium on Sunday, March 1, 2026.

Chennaiyin had taken the lead on the stroke of half-time through Elsinho’s powerful header, but Delgado’s commanding presence at both ends ensured the hosts clawed their way back into the contest.

The result leaves Odisha provisionally ninth with two points, while Chennaiyin sit eleventh with one point, as both sides continue their search for early-season momentum.

Chennaiyin FC take first-half lead with clinical header at Kalinga Stadium

The contest began cautiously, with both teams probing for openings but lacking cutting edge in the final third. The first real chance came in the 14th minute when Isak Ralte surged down the left on a counterattack, but his left-footed strike drifted wide of the far post.

Chennaiyin responded in the 25th minute as Iñigo Martín’s effort from the right side of the box was blocked by Saviour Gama. Shortly after, Pritam Kotal met Alberto Noguera’s corner but headed wide. Martín continued to pose a threat and fired just over the crossbar in the 34th minute.

Odisha nearly broke the deadlock in the 41st minute when Rahim Ali attempted a long-range effort, but his shot sailed high and wide.

The breakthrough arrived in stoppage time. In the second minute of added time, Farukh Choudhary delivered a precise corner from the left, and Elsinho rose unmarked to power a header into the net, giving Chennaiyin a 1-0 lead at the interval.

Odisha almost responded immediately. Rahul KP’s curling effort was brilliantly saved by Mohammad Nawaz, and from the ensuing set-piece, Rahim Ali and Rahul both came close, but the visitors held on to their slender advantage heading into half-time.

Odisha FC complete comeback with hard-earned equalizer

The second period resumed in a similar rhythm, with neither side creating clear-cut opportunities early on. Substitute Imran Khan tested his luck in the 60th minute with a left-footed attempt from distance, but the ball sailed just over the bar.

The equalizer arrived in the 68th minute from a set-piece. After Isak Ralte won a free kick near the halfway line, Lalthathanga Khawlhring delivered a teasing ball into the box. Captain Carlos Delgado rose above the defense and guided a composed header into the net to make it 1-1.

Chennaiyin pushed for a second goal soon after. Imran’s effort from a tight angle was comfortably gathered by Amrinder Singh, while Martín dragged a close-range attempt wide in the 74th minute.

In the closing stages, both sides searched for a winner. Delgado marshalled the Odisha defense effectively, limiting space for the visitors in the final third. Rohit Kumar came close in the 85th minute but headed over the bar.

Despite late pressure from both teams, neither could find the decisive breakthrough, and the final whistle confirmed a hard-fought 1-1 draw at the Kalinga Stadium.

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