Odisha FC Triumphs Over Sporting Club Delhi in ISL Clash
Odisha FC Claims 2-1 Victory
In a thrilling encounter at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi, Odisha FC emerged victorious with a 2-1 win against Sporting Club Delhi during their Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 match on Friday. The team took an early lead with goals from Suhair VP and K Lalrinfela (Mafela) in the first half, while SC Delhi's Matija Babovic scored a penalty in the second half, which only served as a consolation.
Suhair VP showcased an impressive performance, but it was K Lalrinfela who earned the Player of the Match title for his exceptional midfield display. This crucial win propelled Odisha FC to 11th place in the standings, surpassing both Chennaiyin FC and NorthEast United FC. They now hold 10 points from 11 matches, while SC Delhi remains in 10th place, also with 10 points, but ahead on goal difference. This victory significantly boosts Odisha FC's chances of avoiding relegation, while SC Delhi lamented their missed opportunities despite dominating possession.
Early Goals Set the Tone
The match kicked off with Odisha FC catching SC Delhi off guard. Just four minutes in, Suhair VP scored the opening goal with a header from a precise cross by Sanathoi Singh Heikrujam, putting Odisha FC ahead 1-0.
SC Delhi gradually regained their composure but fell further behind in the 13th minute when Lalthathanga Khawlhring (Puitea) assisted Mafela, who scored with a powerful right-footed shot into the bottom corner, extending Odisha's lead to 2-0.
Despite trailing, SC Delhi began to control the game, creating several chances before halftime. Lamgoulen Gou and Matija Babovic both had shots on target, but Odisha's defense held strong. Just before the break, Mohammed Aimen missed a golden opportunity to score, leaving Odisha FC with a 2-0 lead at halftime.
SC Delhi's Attempted Comeback
The second half saw SC Delhi come out with renewed vigor, bringing in Julio Rivas to enhance their attack. However, they struggled to create clear chances initially.
In the 58th minute, Mohammed Aimen tested Odisha FC's goalkeeper Anuj Kumar, but the visitors maintained their two-goal advantage. As the match progressed, it became increasingly physical, leading to several tactical fouls and yellow cards, including bookings for Odisha's Subham Bhattacharya and Anuj Kumar.
The turning point came in the 70th minute when Odisha FC conceded a penalty due to a handball by Puitea. Matija Babovic converted the penalty in the 74th minute, narrowing the deficit to 2-1.
Nail-Biting Finish
Odisha FC had a chance to restore their two-goal lead in the 79th minute, but substitute Kartik Hantal missed a crucial one-on-one opportunity. SC Delhi pushed hard for an equalizer in the final minutes, with Julio Rivas and Sourav K both forcing late saves.
As the match neared its conclusion, Odisha FC focused on maintaining possession to secure their lead. Seven minutes of stoppage time added to the tension, but Odisha FC's defense held firm against SC Delhi's late surge.
Tempers flared during stoppage time, resulting in late bookings for SC Delhi's Ousmane Fane and Clarence Fernandes. Although SC Delhi earned a free-kick in the dying moments, it posed no threat to Odisha FC, who successfully clinched the victory.