Odisha FC squandered a golden opportunity to ensure themselves of a playoff berth in the 9th Indian Super League (ISL) Football Tournament as they suffered a 2-0 defeat against Jamshedpur FC in their 20th and last match at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar today.

Goals from Harry Sawyer and Ritwik Kumar Das handed the Red Miners their third win in four games and kept FC Goa alive in the playoff pursuit this season. Odisha FC came into the game needing just a point to seal qualification, but will now have to count on FC Goa to not win against Bengaluru FC tomorrow.

Jamshedpur FC finished their season on a high and dealt a potentially fatal blow to the playoff ambitions of Odisha FC, who capped their league engagement with 30 points from 20 matches. They won nine, drew three and lost eight.

Playoff hopes of Odisha FC were left hanging in the balance just past the hour-mark when they conceded two goals in quick succession to Sawyer and Das. The first goal came after a defensive error from Narender Gahlot allowed the visitors to link up for a goal that was headed in by Sawyer. Seconds later, on a quick break, Das slotted the second past Amrinder.

It was only the second time the Juggernauts have lost at home this season, and the timing will likely give them a sleepless night today. FC Goa result tomorrow will decide if Odisha FC now make it to their first ever playoff. For Jamshedpur FC, who won the League Shield last year, the season comes to an end with a potential ninth-placed finish dependent on how East Bengal FC finish theirs.
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PHOTO: Thoiba Singh Moirangthem of Odisha FC and Ritwik Kumar Das of Jamshedpur FC in action during their ISL match at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar on 22 February 2023.