Chennaiyin FC and Odisha FC Share Spoils in Thrilling ISL Encounter
Match Overview
Bhubaneswar: In a gripping match at Kalinga Stadium on Sunday, Chennaiyin FC earned their first point of the 2026 Indian Super League (ISL) season, drawing 1-1 with Odisha FC.
Chennaiyin FC displayed a strong performance, taking the lead just before halftime with Elsinho scoring his first goal in the ISL. However, Odisha FC equalized in the second half through Carlos Delgado's header.
Chennaiyin's head coach, Clifford Miranda, made strategic changes to the lineup, bringing in Farukh Choudhary for an attacking boost and giving Maheson Singh his first league start alongside Mohammed Ali Bemammer in midfield.
The match began with Chennaiyin showing confidence, building on their unbeaten streak against Odisha from the previous season. Within six minutes, Mandar Rao Dessai nearly set up a goal for Iñigo Martin, but the defense intervened. Shortly after, Alberto Noguera's pass to Irfan Yadwad was thwarted.
Chennaiyin continued to pressure Odisha's defense, with Farukh reacting quickly to a loose ball from a corner, unleashing a powerful volley that was blocked. The visitors maintained their attacking width, with Maheson and Martin creating several half-chances.
The breakthrough came at the end of the first half when Elsinho scored with a powerful header from Farukh's corner, giving Chennaiyin a well-deserved 1-0 lead. Goalkeeper Mohammad Nawaz made a crucial save just before halftime to keep the lead intact.
After the break, Chennaiyin continued to push forward, introducing Imran Khan and Lalrinliana Hnamte. Iñigo Martin had a chance to extend the lead but narrowly missed with a curling shot. Klusner Pereira replaced Farukh as Chennaiyin sought to capitalize on their momentum.
Despite Chennaiyin's dominance, Odisha equalized in the 68th minute when Delgado scored with a header. Chennaiyin quickly responded, with Imran attempting a long-range shot and delivering a dangerous cross that Martin nearly converted.
In the final moments, Chennaiyin brought on Vivek S and Gurkirat Singh as they searched for a winning goal. Gurkirat had a penalty appeal denied, and Laldinliana Renthlei's cross found Imran unmarked, but he missed the header.
Chennaiyin had to settle for a draw despite a spirited performance and will look to gain momentum in their next match against Kerala Blasters on March 7.