Odisha FC makes historic entry into AFC Cup knockouts with qualification

Odisha FC secures historic AFC Cup Knockout berth with 1-0 win over Bashundhara Kings; Mourtada Fall’s goal in the 59th minute sealed the victory.

Mourtada Fall celebrates after scoring the winner against Odisha FC. (Image: Twitter

Bhubaneswar, Odisha: Odisha FC secures historic AFC Cup Knockout berth with 1-0 win over Bashundhara Kings; Mourtada Fall’s goal in the 59th minute sealed the victory.

In the passionate atmosphere of the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar, the Kalinga Warriors got off to an intense start. In the 9th minute of the match, Odisha FC grabbed an opportunity when CY Goddard delivered a powerful cross from the right flank. However, despite being surrounded by three Bashundra defenders, Diego Mauricio was unable to connect with the ball.

In the 10th minute of the match, Jerry.M made a great pass to Cy in the penalty area. Cy quickly sent in a powerful cross that almost reached Diego, inches away from giving the home side the lead.

In the 26th minute of the match, Jahouh converted their fourth corner chance, aiming a header at Roy Krishna, but it unfortunately ended up on the roof of the net. Halftime score OFC 0-0 BK.

Just before half time, after 45+2 minutes, Gafurov received a red card from the Bangladeshi team for a tackle from behind on Jahouh.

The second half started with intense energy as both teams showed no signs of holding back. Diego skillfully maneuvered past the BDK defenders and shot, but the keeper calmly collected the ball.

In the 59th minute, Mourtada Fall secured the crucial lead for the Kalinga Warriors with a decisive header. OFC 1-0 BK

Ahmed Jahouh sent in a corner kick from the right in the 72nd minute, but Mourtada could not connect with the ball and in the 83rd minute Jahouh attempted a spectacular long shot from behind the halfway line. It sailed just over the bar.

Odisha FC after topping the group stage has qualified for the semi-finals of the zonal play-off and by winning, they will play the zonal finals. With a win, Odisha FC will qualify for the semi-finals of the inter-zonal play-offs. The winner of that match will then play the interzonal play-off final and if they win, they will play the final.