Odisha FC finished runners-up in the 2nd Bhausaheb Bandodkar Memorial Trophy Football Tournament as they lost to home favourites FC Goa in the nerve-racking final match at Fatorda Stadium in Goa today. The game ended in a dramatic 3-3 draw with both teams scoring crucial goals in the final minutes.

For Odisha FC, the scorers were Hugo Boumous (18), Jahouh (48 penalty), and Rahim (54). Sadiku (34, 88) and Drazic (41) netted the three goals for FC Goa. Despite the thrilling draw, Odisha FC fell short in the 3-1 penalty shootout.

The Bhausaheb Bandodkar Memorial Trophy was a vital part of pre-season preparations for Odisha FC, providing them with valuable match practice and an opportunity to refine their strategies for the 2024-25 season.

Odisha FC competed in Group B of the tournament, where they faced Chennaiyin FC (India), Clube Deportivo Defensa y Justicia (Argentina), and Churchill Brothers FC (India). The Kalinga Warriors began their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Clube Deportivo Defensa y Justicia, followed by a narrow 1-0 win against Chennaiyin FC.

They capped off the group stage with an impressive 6-0 victory over Churchill Brothers FC. In the semi-finals, Odisha FC demonstrated their prowess in a thrilling match against Brisbane Roar FC, with Hugo Boumous scoring a spectacular brace to secure their place in the final.

The Kalinga Warriors return to Bhubaneswar on a high note for the ISL 2024-25 season and will face Chennaiyin FC in their first home game at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar on 14 September 2024.
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PHOTO: Odisha FC players pose before their opening match of the Bhausaheb Bandodkar Memorial Trophy Football Tournament in Fatorda on 25 August 2024.