Odisha FC top Bhausaheb Bandodkar Memorial Trophy 2024 group after seeing off Chennaiyin FC

The Juggernauts saw off the Marina Machans to put one step in the semi-finals.

Odisha FC have edged out Chennaiyin FC in an edge-of-your-seat 1-0 victory, booking their place in the semi-finals of the Bhausaheb Bandodkar Memorial Trophy, on Wednesday evening.

The match, played under the floodlights at PJN Stadium in Fatorda, saw the east coast sides locked in a tactical battle for Group B supremacy. It was Brazilian Diego Mauricio who broke the deadlock, coolly slotting home a penalty in the 38th minute.

The first half was a showcase of contrasting styles. Odisha FC, under Lobera‘s guidance, wove intricate patterns with short, swift passes, reminiscent of tiki-taka football. Chennaiyin FC, helmed by Owen Coyle, favoured a more direct approach, peppering the box with crosses from the flanks, keeping Odisha’s defence on their toes.

Chennaiyin FC’s goalkeeper Samik Mitra was called into early action, denying Hugo Boumous with a brilliant save that had fans on the edge of their seats. However, he couldn’t prevent Machado’s penalty, awarded after Roy Krishna was felled in the box following a defence-splitting through ball from Boumous.

The second half saw Chennaiyin FC throw caution to the wind in search of an equaliser. Coyle’s substitutions, bringing on Vincy Barretto and Irfan Yadwad, injected fresh energy into their attack. Despite close calls, including a gilt-edged chance for Barretto that went agonisingly wide, Odisha FC’s defence stood firm.

As the final whistle blew, it was Odisha FC celebrating their semi-final berth, proving that they were kings of group B. Sergio Lobera will be happy that his side could take on one of the strongest Indian Super League sides in the pre-season competition and beat them.

However, now that they have one step in the semi-finals, Odisha FC have a chance to get their hands on the final trophy ahead of the season. It will give them an incentive to perform for the remainder of the season.

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