Odisha FC took an early lead in the fourth minute through Jerry Mawihmingthanga. Dori’s clever header set up Jerry, who adjusted quickly to fire a high-footed shot into the bottom right corner of the net. Odisha’s defence remained resolute throughout the first half, denying Kerala Blasters an equaliser.
The Blasters responded strongly in the second half, and their persistence paid off in the 60th minute. A perfectly timed through ball from Korou Singh found Kwame Peprah, who outran Odisha’s defenders Mourtada Fall and Rohit Kumar, calmly slotting the ball into the bottom left corner to level the score at 1-1.
The game continued to intensify, and Kerala Blasters took the lead in the 73rd minute. Adrian Luna swung in a cross from the right wing, which was met by Noah Sadaoui’s header. The ball found Jesus Jimenez, who expertly struck it into the top centre of the net, putting Kerala ahead 2-1.
Odisha FC, however, were not done yet. In the 80th minute, they managed to level the score after a series of determined attempts. Diego Mauricio’s free-kick, aimed at the top right corner, was saved by Kerala’s goalkeeper Sachin Suresh. The rebound fell to Saviour Gama, whose powerful shot was blocked, but Dori reacted quickly to tap in the second rebound, making it 2-2.
In the 83rd minute, Odisha’s challenge became more difficult as Carlos Delgado was sent off after receiving his second yellow card. With a man advantage, Kerala Blasters intensified their attack, pressing for a winner.
That winner came in the fifth minute of added time. Noah Sadaoui, receiving a pass from Vibin Mohanan on the left side of the box, unleashed a powerful shot from a tight angle. The ball took a deflection, but it still managed to find its way into the bottom right corner, securing a dramatic 3-2 victory for Kerala Blasters.
The win earned Kerala Blasters all three points in what was a thrilling encounter, while Odisha FC were left to reflect on their missed opportunities and a key red card.
Last-Minute Drama Sees Kerala Blasters Edge Odisha FC 3-2
