casino frenzy Odisha FC 0-0 Mumbai City FC, ISL: Islanders, Juggernauts Play Out Frustrating Draw

Action from the Indian Super League 2024-25 match between Mumbai City FC and Odisha FC in Bhubaneswar. Photo: X/Odisha FC Action from the Indian Super League 2024-25 match between Mumbai City FC and Odisha FC in Bhubaneswar. Photo: X/Odisha FC

Exasperation pervaded the air at Kalinga Stadium as Mumbai City and Odisha FC played out a goalless draw in their reverse Indian Super League fixture in Bhubaneswar on Thursday (December 5, 2024). (Highlights | More Football News)

There were a number of genuine goal-scoring chances, and none more striking than Lallianzuala Chhangte's attempt that was palmed into the post by Odisha skipper Amrinder in the dying moments of the game. But the final result was one that would not have pleased either side.

Odisha are now placed fourth in the ISL standings with 16 points from 11 games, while Mumbai City are eighth with 14 from 10.

The Kalinga Warriors failed to find the back of the net in a home game for the first time in 10 matches.

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The game began on a positive note for the Kalinga Warriors, as they stepped on the offensive right from the onset to assert their gameplay into the proceedings. Their dynamic frontline meant that Odisha FC could often put together multiple gameplays that break the backline of their adversaries, and Diego Mauricio was pretty inventive in one such approach of his in the ninth minute.

The fleet-footed Brazilian received the ball with his back to the goal but showed great agility in turning around and finding sufficient space to make an effort to find the back of the net.

However, Mauricio didn’t find any of his teammates in a promising position near the goal and hence backed his instincts to unleash a cracking effort from distance, which had some venom in it but whisked past the target. Though it didn’t open the scoring, the shot surely did alert the Mumbai City FC defence.

Mumbai City FC attacked at the other end with some incisive efforts, particularly in the first few minutes of the second half. They threw their entire attacking unit at the Odisha FC defence to outnumber the home side and catch them off-guard.

In the 48th minute, the duo of Vikram Partap Singh and Nikolaos Karelis combined seamlessly inside the box but Odisha FC goalkeeper Amrinder Singh blocked the latter's shot on time.

The offensive endeavour wasn't neutralised completely though, as Jeremy Manzorro swung into action, charging ahead and launching a vicious effort that again required Amrinder's quick reflexes for Odisha FC to keep the scores levelled.

Mumbai City FC possibly realised that the momentum was favouring them and hence they doubled down on their efforts. Manzorro was a key figure in driving these attacks forward, as his creative vision coupled with an eye for a goal meant that he was handed an important role right in the attacking midfield position to explore opportunities for the visitors.

Odisha FC 4-2 Bengaluru FC, ISL: Mauricio-Powered OFC Too Good For Visitors, Keep Fortress Intact

BY Outlook Sports Desk

In the 53rd minute, he sliced open the Juggernauts' backline with a breath-taking through ball for Jayesh Rane at the centre of the 18-yard box. Rane was prompt to jump upon the chance and took a formidable shot that was again saved by Amrinder.

The two teams kept pushing for the three points with the inspired introductions of Raynier Fernandes and PN Noufal for Odisha FC and Mumbai City FC in the 73rd and 81st minutes of the game respectively. But they simultaneously balanced their defensive duties and eventually had to settle for a point each.

The Juggernauts will next take on East Bengal at the Salt Lake Stadium on December 12, while Mumbai City will meet Mohammedan Sporting on December 15.

(With PTI inputs)casino frenzy