ISL: Nikolaos Karelis strikes again to earn Mumbai City FC draw with Odisha FC

Sergio Lobera’s return to island city culminated in a 1-1 draw between Mumbai City FC and Odisha FC at Mumbai Football Arena in Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 tonight as goals by talismanic strikers Roy Krishna and Nikolaos Karelis resulted in both teams settling for a point each.

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Mumbai City FC Play Out a Draw With Odisha FC

game got off to a cracking start and wrapped up under similarly intensified circumstances, but intermediate period was a slightly cy affair with both sides engaging in a clash of tactical supremacy – refusing to concede an inch, stretching opposition’s defence wide, and creating chances aplenty but still managing to bring ir defensive act toger to keep or team at bay.

Lobera was happier of two coaches at onset of game, with his frontline pressing forward and inflicting pressure on Mumbai City FC defence. ir charge was led by Fijian forward Roy Krishna, spearheing by example and he reaped rewards for same in 14th minute. As Islanders looked to build from back, Valpuia played a lobbed pass to goalkeeper Phurba Lachenpa. custodian brought ball down but was unable to keep control over possession, and Krishna lapped upon opportunity by sprinting ahe, getting ball back and simply placing it into back of net to help Juggernauts get ahe in game.

home team got ir act back toger almost immediately afterwards though. ir attacking unit began functioning in tremark manner, with Lallianzuala Chhangte taking ball ahe and squaring up passes at centre for striker or onrushing midfielders. His interlinking with Karelis was a treat for home fans, and one such move brought m equaliser in 23rd minute. Chhangte, near goal-line, pierced through Odisha FC backline with a sharp delivery that was met perfectly by Karelis, who simply h to get his foot at ball to help it land past Amrinder Singh and drag Petr Kratky-coached team back in game.

Former Mumbai City FC star Amrinder was sublime in second half, first helping m deny Chhangte’s slick effort in 61st minute. Eight minutes later, PN ufal and Jon Toral tested Amrinder’s reflexes, catching Odisha FC backline off-guard with ir link up in final third. Toral h abundant to strike ball home but his shot was firmly saved by Amrinder, keeping Odisha FC’s hopes afloat. Midfielder Ahmed Jahouh’s sending off in 80th minute presented a new challenge for Juggernauts, but y held ir nerves to see off game without any hiccups and get a draw on ro.

(With inputs from PTI)