Riding on a brilliant hat-trick by their talismanic Brazilian striker Diego Mauricio, high-flying Odisha FC beat Gokulam Kerala FC 3-1 in the AIFF Super Cup Playoffs to seal a spot in the AFC Cup 2023-24 Group Stage at EMS Stadium in Kozhikode, Kerala today.

Odisha FC started the game on the front foot and won a couple of early corners, but failed to convert them into goals. Gokulam Kerala defense remained composed. Despite this, Odisha regained possession and Mauricio scored his first goal of the game in the 18th minute.

It was a well-executed move as Nandhakumar showed good awareness to leave the ball for Victor, who found Mauricio with a slide rule pass. The striker made no mistake in tucking the ball inside the net.

Mauricio scored his second goal in the 32nd minute as he received the ball from outside the box and bulldozed his way inside before lashing the ball past the helpless Vibin. However, Gokulam Kerala did not give up and managed to decrease the deficit just before halftime, as Farshad Noor headed home a cross from Tahir Zaman.

The second half started with Mauricio being brought down inside the box, resulting in a penalty that he converted with ease, giving him his hat-trick and Odisha FC a two-goal cushion. Gokulam Kerala tried to mount a comeback, but their efforts were in vain, as Mendi missed a header in the 80th minute.
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PHOTO: Odisha FC star striker Diego Mauricio celebrates after completing his hat-trick against Gokulam Kerala FC in their AIFF Super Cup Playoffs in Kozhikode, Kerala on 29 April 2023.