Jonathas Cristian scored the only goal of the game, as Odisha FC managed to edge out the Highlanders.
NEUFC had the first big chance of the day, when a throw-in from Hendry Antonay was a bit too heavy and fell in the path of Mathias Coureur. The striker found himself just outside the box, with the keeper a little distance away from the goal post, who hurriedly ran back to cover his post. However, Coureur curled shot was beyond his reach and just wide of the target.
Aridai Cabrera then drew a fantastic save from Mirshad Michu from a long-range free kick in the 17th minute when he was expected to whip a cross but instead went with full power and was on target. Northeast created more opportunities as the game passed by, with Odisha threatening with the odd chance.
Khassa Kamara, who scored a last-gasp goal against Goa, found himself in acres of space in the 24th minute but went for a shot from just outside the box and blasted it over the bar. Deshorn Brown had some terrific opportunities, passing his marking defender quite easily but was not clinical enough.
United continued to miss golden opportunities in the second half as well, with Coreur missing a header from close range shortly after Javi Hernandez failed to head it home from a similar range.
The fixture had everything but a goal in it, which finally came from the side that created the lesser of opportunities in the game, with just over eight minutes of normal time remaining. Substitute Moirangthem Thoiba made a wonderful run through the middle and whipped in a cross with power, which was headed towards the ground by Jonathas Cristian, and it managed to jump above the keeper into the net.
It was Jonathas’ first goal in the Indian Super League, and it proved to be the difference between both sides. The Highlanders were deflated and demoralized after that goal which came against the run of play. Odisha managed to see a tough fixture through with a stroke of fortune and genius when it mattered.
