The match began with both sides showing attacking intent, though neither could find the breakthrough in a tightly contested first half. Inter Kashi looked to establish early pressure, with defenders Sajad Parray and Wayne Vaz both testing the Odisha backline within the opening quarter of an hour. Despite their efforts, Parray’s long-range attempt sailed wide, and Vaz was unable to convert a promising opportunity created by Jitendra Singh.
Late Drama at the Sports Complex
Odisha FC gradually grew into the game, with Rahim Ali proving a constant threat. The forward saw an effort blocked in the 22nd minute and later missed the target in first-half stoppage time, ensuring the teams headed into the interval deadlocked at 0-0. The visitors maintained their composure, looking dangerous from set-piece situations throughout the opening period.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 58th minute, albeit in unfortunate circumstances for the hosts. An own goal from Inter Kashi defender Pratik Chaudhari gifted Odisha FC the lead, putting the home side under significant pressure to respond. Odisha nearly extended their advantage in the 76th minute when Mahmoud Eid connected with a delivery from Lalrinfela Khiangte, but Inter Kashi goalkeeper Albino Gomes made a crucial save to keep the deficit at one goal.
Inter Kashi’s persistence eventually yielded a reward in the final stages of the match. Following a set-piece scramble, Thoi Singh found himself in space in the centre of the box. He calmly fired a left-footed strike into the bottom-left corner to level the score. Although Inter Kashi pushed for a late winner, including a free-kick from Aritra Das that flew off target, neither side could find a decisive second goal, leaving the points shared at the final whistle.
