The New Year kicked off with a heart-break for Odisha FC as they suffered their first home defeat by going down to Mumbai City FC 2-4 in their 12th match of the 9th Indian Super League (ISL) Football Tournament at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar today.

Lallianzuala Chhangte scored twice and set up one goal as Mumbai City FC secured yet another win to go top of the table. All six goals in this 4-2 fixture came in the second half.

Mizoram midfielder Chhangte began the goal-spree when he opened the scoring in the 55th combining well with Jorge Diaz. Diego Maurcio equalised for Odisha FC six minutes later but Mumbai returned stronger to score their second goal through Bipin Singh in the 68th minute.

Chhangte set up substitute Alberto Noguera to make it 3-1 for the visitors in the 86th minute before he virtually killed the contest, completing his brace in 79th minute. He bagged the the Hero of the Match award for his superb performance.

Mauricio got into the act in the 90th minute and brought up his double but it was merely a consolation for the home side who suffered their fifth defeat from 12 matches to remain on 19 points.

Unbeaten from 12 matches, Mumbai City FC secured its ninth win of the season to regain the top spot, two points clear of Hyderabad. On the other hand, Odisha FC remained at the sixth place.
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PHOTO: Mumbai City FC wingers Lallianzuala Chhangte (Left) and Bipin Singh celebrate after powering their team to a 4-2 win over Odisha FC in Bhubaneswar on 2 January 2023.