Bhubaneswar: In a thrilling showdown at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, Chennaiyin FC executed a stunning second-half turnaround to edge past Odisha FC with a 3-2 victory in the Indian Super League 2024-25 on Saturday.

The match began with Odisha FC, known as the Juggernauts, displaying a dominant and aggressive approach. Their early offensive maneuvers appeared menacing, creating multiple scoring opportunities. Just within the initial five minutes, a corner kick fortuitously landed at Diego Mauricio’s feet. The Brazilian forward unleashed a powerful shot, only to see it blocked by a defender. The rebound was then skillfully collected by goalkeeper Samik Mitra. However, the eighth minute saw a pivotal moment when Mitra committed a foul on Hugo Boumous inside the penalty area, resulting in a penalty for Odisha FC. Mauricio, demonstrating his composure, confidently converted the spot-kick to give his team an early lead.

Chennaiyin FC, undeterred by the setback, crafted their first significant opportunity in the 22nd minute. Connor Shields dispossessed Isak Vanlalruatfela in midfield and took a long-range effort, but Odisha’s goalkeeper Amrinder Singh made a crucial save. Merely a minute later, Chennaiyin nearly equalized when Daniel Chima Chukwu outpaced Narender Gahlot on the left wing and delivered a precise cross to Farukh Choudhary. Unfortunately, Choudhary’s shot from close range narrowly missed the target.

The second half commenced with high intensity, and within six minutes, Farukh Choudhary netted a remarkable brace. In the 48th minute, Connor Shields deftly maneuvered past several defenders and delivered a cross to Choudhary, who tapped it in past Amrinder Singh to equalize. Just three minutes later, a miscalculated clearance from Amrinder Singh fell directly to Choudhary inside the 18-yard box. The winger’s shot benefited from a fortunate deflection off Ahmed Jahouh and found the back of the net, putting Chennaiyin FC ahead.

Chennaiyin FC continued their relentless pursuit of goals to consolidate their lead. Their efforts bore fruit in the 69th minute when Laldinliana Renthlei’s accurate cross located Daniel Chima Chukwu just behind the penalty spot. The Nigerian forward struck decisively with his first touch, leaving Amrinder Singh no chance and extending Chennaiyin’s advantage.

In a late resurgence, Odisha FC’s Roy Krishna managed to pull one back in the 95th minute. He intercepted Boumous’ cross before Mitra could secure it and calmly slotted it into the net. Despite this late goal, time ran out for Odisha FC to mount another comeback.

Looking ahead, Odisha FC is set to travel to New Delhi for an encounter against Punjab FC on September 20. Meanwhile, Chennaiyin FC will take a brief hiatus and return to action on September 26 to face newly-promoted Mohammedan SC at home.

Brief scores:
Odisha FC – 2 (Diego Mauricio 9′ P, Roy Krishna 95′) – 3 Chennaiyin FC (Farukh Choudhary 48′, 51′, Daniel Chima Chukwu 69′)