Bhubaneswar: In a gripping encounter, Odisha FC secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Mumbai City FC, earning them a coveted spot in the final of the Kalinga Super Cup. The decisive moment came in the 44th minute when Brazilian striker Diego Mauricio confidently converted a penalty, unleashing a right-footer into the far corner past Mumbai’s goalkeeper Phurba Lachenpa.
Odisha FC, currently on an impressive unbeaten streak of 15 matches across various tournaments, is now poised to defend their Super Cup title in the final against East Bengal. The final is set to take place at the Kalinga Stadium on January 28, providing an exciting spectacle for home fans.
The road to the final was paved with resilience and determination as the second semifinal unfolded. Facing a spirited Mumbai City FC side that played robust football, Odisha created several promising opportunities but struggled to find the finishing touch. Ultimately, it was Mauricio’s expertly taken penalty that proved to be the decisive factor, securing Odisha FC’s passage to the championship clash.
The upcoming final promises to be a thrilling contest as Odisha FC goes head-to-head with East Bengal, who secured their spot by defeating Jamshedpur FC with a convincing 2-0 victory on Wednesday.
Despite Odisha’s dominance in the semifinal, the match concluded on a contentious note as three Mumbai City FC players were handed red cards by the referee during the intense nine minutes of added time. The heightened drama in the closing moments added an extra layer of intensity to an already fiercely contested encounter.
As Odisha FC prepares to face East Bengal in the final, football enthusiasts can anticipate a showdown of skill, determination, and sportsmanship. With the Kalinga Stadium ready to host the climactic battle, the Super Cup final promises to be a fitting culmination to the tournament, showcasing the best of Indian football talent on January 28.
