ISL 2021-22: Bengaluru keep playoff hopes alive with win vs NorthEast United

Updated: May 17, 2023, 04:59 am

Cleiton Silva (R) and Danish Farooq (L) celebrate Silva's goal for Bengaluru FC against Odisha FC.
Cleiton Silva (R) and Danish Farooq (L) celebrate Silva's goal for Bengaluru FC against Odisha FC.
R.Parthibhan/Focus Sports/ISL

Bengaluru FC had to come from behind to defeat Odisha FC 2-1 at the Athletic Stadium in Bambolim. The result keeps BFC in the hunt for a semi-finals spot as they rise to fifth with 26 points, one behind fourth-placed Kerala Blasters FC. On the other hand, a third winless outing causes OFC's semi-final ambitions to suffer a huge blow.

Nandhakumar Sekar (8') pounced on a loose ball to score early in the game but Danish Farooq's (31') header levelled the score. Cleiton Silva (49') scored from the penalty spot in the second half, which eventually separated the two teams.

Both teams began on a strong note, creating decent scoring opportunities. Bruno Ramires came close to scoring inside five minutes but his long-ranger swerved narrowly past the target. However, it was OFC that took the lead after Jonathas found space behind the BFC backline but saw his shot saved by Lara Sharma. The rebound fell to Nandhakumar Sekar who sent his team into an early lead.

The equaliser arrived soon as Danish Farooq scored with a header from Roshan Naorem's corner at the half-hour mark. Kamaljit Singh misjudged the flight of the ball that gave the midfielder a free-header on the far post l. The first half had an eventful end with Nandhakumar coming up one-on-one with the goalkeeper. But, the winger managed to hit the side netting after dodging the advancing Sharma, failing to score a second.

The second half started on a poor note for OFC, as they gave away a penalty inside the first few minutes of the restart after Udanta Singh was tripped inside the box. Cleiton Silva took the spot-kick and expertly sent the goalkeeper in the wrong direction to hand the lead to BFC.

Odisha's quest for a second saw them make a few attacking substitutions, one of them being Aridai Cabrera. The forward fed Isaac Vanmalsawma whose shot was parried brilliantly onto the right goalpost and out of danger by Lara. Bengaluru FC defended resiliently in the final stages of the match. Despite getting an extra five minutes of added time, OFC was unable to find the crucial second goal and conceded the defeat.

Odisha FC's next outing will be against top-four contenders ATK Mohun Bagan at the Tilak Maidan Stadium on Thursday whereas Bengaluru FC also play the same opponents next at the Fatorda on Sunday.