Odisha edge out SC East Bengal 2-1, hold semifinal hopes alive

Javier Hernandez scored a decisive purpose as Odisha FC beat SC East Bengal 2-1 to maintain their semifinal hopes alive within the Indian Super League (ISL) right here on Monday.
The consequence has elevated Odisha to the sixth place within the factors desk.
Jonathas (23′) gave Odisha an early lead that lasted till Antonio Perosevic (64′) scored the equaliser within the second half. Hernandez (75′) regained the lead for OFC with a exact end which proved to be the winner in the long run.

FULL-TIME | #SCEBOFC@javih89’s successful purpose items @OdishaFC a hard-fought victory over @sc_eastbengal on the Tilak Maidan Stadium! 🥵#HeroISL #LetsFootball pic.twitter.com/mcQdS1kvA5
— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) February 7, 2022
In the early phases of the match, Odisha FC utilized quite a lot of stress and was rewarded with a purpose from Jonathas.
The cross for the purpose was supplied by Hernandez who made room on the proper flank and served the ball on a platter for the striker who tapped in from shut vary.

.@javih89 fires @OdishaFC into the lead! 🔥#SCEBOFC #HeroISL #LetsFootball pic.twitter.com/W71mPw5SrK
— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) February 7, 2022
Looking for the equaliser, Hira Mondal took an try simply earlier than half time however his left-footed strike went wayward.
The first half ended with the Kalinga Warriors retaining their one-goal benefit. The restart noticed extra sluggish sport play as neither facet was capable of finding inspiration within the closing third.

Antonio Perosevic obtained @sc_eastbengal again into the sport within the second half with this glossy end 💯#SCEBOFC #HeroISL #LetsFootball pic.twitter.com/5hfqURPjGE
— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) February 7, 2022
The greatest likelihood to attain the equaliser fell to Antonio Perosevic two minutes earlier than the hour mark.
An extended ball from deep noticed the ahead discover room behind the defensive position however his volley had an excessive amount of elevation.
However, the Croatian made no mistake from an analogous alternative a couple of minutes later and scored the equaliser with a low end into the underside proper nook.
Odisha FC regained the lead 10 minutes later by Javier Hernandez. The midfielder acquired a lay-off from Jonathas who turned from scorer to supplier.
The right-footed shot from the Spaniard took a slight deflection earlier than swerving into the again of the online.

Javi regarded to have scored one other a couple of minutes later however Mondal managed to make a goal-line clearance to disclaim him the purpose.
The Red & Gold Brigade had 4 minutes of added time to seek out the leveller for the second time which ultimately didn’t arrive, permitting OFC to bag three factors. PTI AT AT