Odisha FC, Chennaiyin FC Share Points After 1-1 Draw in ISL Clash

In an engaging Indian Super League clash at the Kalinga Stadium, Odisha FC and Chennaiyin FC played out a 1-1 draw , sharing points after a competitive contest that featured goals in both halves.

Chennaiyin took the lead at the stroke of half-time when Elsinho headed home from a well-delivered corner by Farukh Choudhary in added time. The unmarked defender rose highest inside the box to convert and give the visitors a 1-0 advantage heading into the break.

Odisha FC responded strongly after the interval, creating multiple chances while maintaining pressure in the attacking third. The hosts came close early in the match through Isak Ralte, whose left-footed attempt from inside the box drifted wide during a swift counterattack. Chennaiyin also threatened, with striker Iñigo Martín seeing his efforts blocked and narrowly missing the target on several occasions.

The breakthrough for Odisha arrived in the 68th minute through a set-piece situation . Following a free-kick near midfield, midfielder Lalthathanga Khawlhring delivered a precise ball into the penalty area. Captain Carlos Delgado timed his run perfectly and powered a decisive header into the net , restoring parity at 1-1.

The equaliser shifted momentum as Odisha pushed forward for a winner. Goalkeeper Amrinder Singh remained alert to deny Chennaiyin’s substitute Imran Khan, while Iñigo Martín fired wide from close range under pressure. Odisha’s defence, marshalled by Delgado, held firm against late attempts from the visitors.

Earlier in the contest, both teams displayed cautious buildup play but gradually opened up as opportunities emerged. Chennaiyin’s defensive structure was tested by Odisha’s wing play, with Saviour Gama contributing significantly on both defensive and offensive transitions. His performance earned him recognition as the Player of the Match .

Odisha head coach TG Purushottaman fielded an unchanged starting XI from their previous outing, maintaining continuity in selection. Meanwhile, Chennaiyin coach Clifford Miranda introduced two changes to his lineup, bringing in Farukh Choudhary and Maheson Singh to add fresh energy and attacking options.

As the match progressed into the final stages, both sides searched for a decisive goal. Rohit Kumar came close for Odisha but headed over in the 85th minute. Chennaiyin also pressed forward, yet their finishing lacked precision, and Odisha remained compact defensively to secure the draw.

With the result, Odisha FC are provisionally ninth with two points , while Chennaiyin FC occupy 11th place with one point in the standings.

In another ISL fixture played in Mumbai, Mumbai City FC secured a late 1-1 draw against NorthEast United FC after Lallianzuala Chhangte scored a crucial late equaliser to rescue a point for his side.

The round of matches reflected intense competition, with teams fighting hard to improve their positions early in the season.