ISL 2022-23: Odisha FC, Chennaiyin FC play out thrilling series, match draw with 2-2

Odisha FC drew 2-2 with Chennaiyin FC on Thursday to reclaim sixth position in the Indian Super League league. Odisha FC (23 points) is presently one point ahead of Bengaluru FC, while Chennaiyin FC is five points down in eighth place.

Chennaiyin FC started the game on the front foot, pressing Odisha FC hard. They finally found space down the right when Anirudh Thapa found Vincy Barretto's diving header in the 19th minute, after a period of modest threats.

Odisha FC broke the deadlock in what turned out to be a spirited first half.

In the 24th minute, a miskicked long pass from the defence was intercepted by Odisha FC's high line, who found Diego Mauricio in the box with two touches thanks to Isak Ralte's through ball.

Both Peter Sliskovic and Abdenasser El Khayati threatened to score in the waning minutes of the first half, with the latter being stopped by Amrinder on a long shot.

However, Odisha FC took the lead again minutes into the second half. This time, it was the Chennaiyin FC defence that was unprepared for a rush into the box. As Isak sneaked into the six yard box to tuck the ball into the net, Nandhakumar Sekar was given time on the right wing to throw in a low cross.

From there, Chennaiyin FC regained control of the game. El Khayati scored another equaliser in the 56th minute.

In the 67th minute, Amrinder threw his body on the line to deny replacement Kwame Karikari from close range, and El Khayati almost scored a goal-of-the-season candidate when he curled a long-range drive with a slight backlift only to hit the post. That was their final significant chance to win the game.

Chennaiyn FC's eighth game without a win meant they couldn't afford to lose points in their last four games if they wanted to make the playoffs. On February 7, they will face Kerala Blasters, while Odisha FC will return home to face FC Goa on February 6.

FAQs

Q1.What colour is the Odisha FC jersey?
The home colours, black and purple, remain unchanged from the previous season.

Q2.What is Odisha FC's tagline?
Along with the logo, the club's official tagline is 'Ama Team Ama Game,' which translates to ‘Our Team, Our Game’.