Odisha FC start title defence with win over Bengaluru FC

The title defenders did not disappoint the home fans as Odisha FC managed a narrow win against 10-man Bengaluru FC at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Friday.
Although a youthful Bengaluru side put up a great fight in absence of skipper Sunil Chhetri, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and Suresh Wangjum, it was one error from the inexperienced Sahil Poonia between the posts that helped Ahmed Jahouh score the solitary strike of the game in the 21st minute and earn Odisha a winning start to their Super Cup defence.
Earlier, in the other match of Group D — being touted as the group of death of this edition — FC Goa were able to edge Inter Kashi 2-1 and end the day at the top of the group table on goal difference.
Goals from Noah Sadaoui and Carlos Martinez secured the three points for the Gaurs while Nikum Gyamar netted a consolation strike for the I-League playoff winners.
In the evening fixture, the Juggernauts began the game on an attacking note but the Gerard Zaragoza’s young defence — guided by veteran Slavko Damjanovic — was able to put up resistance until the hosts won a free-kick on the left of the box in the 21st minute.
As Jahouh’s shot dropped in front of him, the young Poonia misjudged its bounce and could do no better than watch the ball glide past him into the goal to the joy of the home supporters.
Although Bengaluru made some optimistic moves in search of an equaliser, the first half ended in more woes for them with a frustrated Ryan Willimas shown a straight red for his choice of expletives against the fourth official en route leaving the field.
Zaragoza’s boys upped the ante after the change of ends but it was an off day for the talismanic Javi Hernandez who failed to convert any of the chances that came his way just like his younger teammates.
It was, however, the opposite for Odisha custodian Lalthuammawia Ralte — finding his place under the bar after some time in absence of Amrinder Singh. Ralte made a couple of vital saves to earn Sergio Lobera’s team the three points on offer.