Odisha FC registered three consecutive wins for the first time this season as they edged past NorthEast United FC 2-1 in the 42nd match 9th Indian Super League (ISL) at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar today. This was the sixth win for Odisha FC in eight matches and they moved up to the second place in the league table with 18 points.

Nandhakumar Sekar scored his fourth goal of the season to put the Juggernauts in front in the 25th minute before substitute Rochharzela scored with his first touch to make it 1-1 in the 60th minute. Jerry Mawihmingthanga scored the 99th ISL goal for Odisha FC in the 78th minute to lift the Juggernauts up into second place.

Odisha FC got their noses in front in the 25th minute courtesy of Sekar, who got on the scoresheet for the third successive game. Raynier Fernandes slid a through ball into the box for Mauricio, who whipped a low ball across the face of goal, and Sekar was at the far post to tap it into an empty net.

An equaliser came in the second half when Rochharzela scored just five minutes after coming on. Right-back Joe Zoherliana played a low ball into the box. The ball missed everyone and found its way to Rochharzela, who scored with his first touch at the hour-mark and drew the Highlanders level.

In the 73rd minute, the offside flag denied Odisha FC a goal. However, a goal did come for the Juggernauts just five minutes after that incident. Crespo unleashed a shot at goal, which was parried by the keeper straight to Jerry, who picked his spot and put the hosts back in front.

The narrow win kept 100% record at home intact for Odisha FC and helped them leapfrog Hyderabad FC and move into second place, three points behind leaders Mumbai City FC with a game in hand. NorthEast United FC remained at the bottom of the table, still waiting to get off the mark.

The Club Award went to OFC for winning the game, while the Hero of the Match Award was bagged by Saul Crespo for his output throughout the game. Both sides will be back in action on December 10, Saturday. Odisha FC will face FC Goa, while NorthEast United FC will return home to host Chennaiyin FC.
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PHOTO: Nandhakumar Sekar celebrates after scoring the first goal for Odisha FC in their ISL match against Nandhakumar Sekar in Bhubaneswar on 2 December 2022.