Odisha FC made a sensational start in the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2022-23 as they bounced back from 0-2 down to edge out host Jamshedpur FC 3-2 in their opening match at JRD Tata Sports Complex in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand today.

Daniel Chukwu and Boris Singh gave the hosts a two-goal advantage inside the opening 10 minutes of the game. Diego Mauricio then bagged a brace, including the winner, and substitute Isaac Chhakchhuak got on the scoresheet to nab all three points for the Juggernauts.

Torrential rain delayed kick-off but did not dampen the spirits of Jamshedpur FC as they got their noses in front after just three minutes. A low cross from the left flank by Ricky Lallawmawma was blocked by Thoiba Singh but the rebound fell to Daniel Chukwu before the Nigerian smashed the ball into the net with his left foot.

In the tenth minute, the Red Miners (Jamshedpur FC) established a two-goal cushion. Yet again, it was Lallawmawma playing a low cross from the left flank. This time it was Boris Singh who managed to get on the end of it for a tap-in at the far post.

The Juggernauts reduced the deficit seven minutes later. Raynier Fernandes rolled the ball towards Diego Mauricio near the edge of the box. The Brazilian was given too much space before he curled and tucked his effort inside the far post.

Farukh Choudhary sprinted down the left flank and his cross found its way to Wellington Priori. But the shot of the Brazilian was brilliantly blocked by Amrinder Singh. At the other end, minutes later, Jerry Mawihmingthanga snuck inside the box from the right flank, took the ball on his left foot and was inches away from curling the ball into the top-left corner.

In the 67th minute, Pedro Martin found himself in a one-on-one situation with TP Rehenesh as the JFC defence searched for an offside flag. The Spanish substitute saw his effort saved brilliantly by the Jamshedpur FC shot-stopper.

The match was then tied with two minutes in regulation time to go. Odisha FC substitutes Isak Vanlalruatfela and Isaac Chhakchhuak combined brilliantly on the right flank. Vanlalruatfela pulled it back for Chhakchhuak, who smashed the ball into the back of the net.

The comeback was complete in second-half stoppage time. Vanlalruatfela was involved in the move again as the 21-year-old picked out Mauricio with an inch-perfect ball before the striker fired in his second of the night and the winning goal for Odisha FC.

The Club Award of the match went to OFC while Diego Mauricio took home the Hero of the Match Award for scoring the winning goal.
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PHOTO: File photo of Brazilian forward of Odisha FC in action during ISL 2022-23.