The glittering campaign of Odisha FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) Football Tournament 2023-24 ended in a heartbreak as they suffered a 2-0 defeat in their second leg of semifinal match against Mohun Bagan Super Giant at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata tonight.

Mohun Bagan won the semifinal 3-2 on aggregate after losing the first leg 1-2 at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar earlier on April 23. The Mariners, thus, became the first team to book berth in the final, which is set to be played at the Salt Lake Stadium on May 4.

Putting up a clinical performance in the hard-fought second leg, The Antonio Lopez Habas-coached Mohun Bagan SG surged ahead with former Australian national team striker Jason Cummings scoring in the 22nd minute. Sahal Abdul Samad netted the second goal in the extra time (93rd minute) to enable Mohun Bagan storm into the final for the second season in a row.

The second goal witnessed chaos and tension as Odisha FC players protested against the referee and his assistant, demanding a hand-ball. But the officials stuck to their decision and awarded the goal in favour of the home team. Jason Cummings was awarded as the player of the match.

Mumbai City FC are hopeful of meeting Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the grand finale after winning the first leg of their semifinal clash against FC Goa 3-2. They need just a draw in the second leg match at the Mumbai Football Arena on Monday to confirm their berth in the final.
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PHOTO: Sahal Abdul Samad scores the match-winner for Mohun Bagan Super Giant in their ISL second-leg semifinal match against Odisha FC in Kolkata on 28 April 2024.