Odisha FC became the first team to qualify for semifinals of the Indian Super League (ISL) Football Tournament 2023-24 when they edged out Kerala Blasters FC 2-1 in their play-off match at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar today. An extra-time goal by Isak Vanlalruatfela helped home team Odisha FC clinch the hard-fought win.

After Lithuanian striker Fedor Cernych gave Kerala Blasters the lead in the 67th minute, Diego Mauricio equalised for Odisha FC in the 87th minute. Odisha will play ISL Shield winner Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the semifinals over two legs on April 23 at Kalinga Stadium and April 28 at Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata.

For Kerala Blasters, their campaign ended on a similar note as the previous season, in the knockouts.

RESULT:
19 April 2024 (At Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar): Odisha FC (Diego Mauricio 87, Isak Vanlalruatfela 98) beat Kerala Blasters FC (Fedor Cernych 67) 2-1. PoM: Roy Krishna (Odisha FC).
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PHOTO: Isak Vanlalruatfela celebrates after scoring the match-winner for Odisha FC in their ISL play-off match against Kerala Blasters FC in Bhubaneswar on 19 April 2024.