ISL: Pereyra Diaz earns Mumbai 2-2 draw with Odisha

FSDL

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Odisha FC played out a 2-2 draw with Mumbai City FC at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Thursday. The game saw newly-appointed Odisha coach Sergio Lobera take on his former club for the first time since he returned to Indian football.

The first chance of the match came in the 42nd minute when Mumbai City won a free-kick at the edge of the box. Greg Stewart stepped up and struck it really well, but his strike floated wide off the crossbar.

The home side scored at the cusp of half-time when Isak Vanlalruatfela played a cross-field pass which wasn't dealt with by Mumbai goalkeeper Mohammed Nawaz. The ball fell kindly to Jerry Mawihmingthanga, who slotted the ball into an open goal.

Mumbai played a high press after the break and earned a corner courtesy of the same in the 47th minute. Stewart again assumed set-piece responsibilities and delivered a curling cross that Rostyn Griffiths headed home to bring Mumbai back on level terms.

The home side took the lead once again in the 75th minute when Nawaz fouled Roy Krishna inside the box. The Fijian striker made no mistake from the spot to put his side ahead. Mumbai City dug deep in search for the equalizer and were rewarded in the 88th minute.

Vikram Pratap Singh played a delightful pass for Jorge Pereyra Diaz and the Argentine tapped into the net to rescue his side from the jaws of defeat.

Odisha FC will next face FC Goa at the Fatorda Stadium on October 7, while Mumbai City FC will host Kerala Blasters FC on October 8.