Kerala Blasters’ Thrilling 3-2 Win Over Odisha FC: 7 Highlights You Can’t Miss!
Late Drama at the Kaloor Stadium
In an exhilarating encounter at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kochi, Kerala Blasters secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Odisha FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25. The match, held on January 13, 2025, witnessed a dramatic finish, with Noah Sadaoui’s late shot ensuring a crucial win for the Yellow Army.
Match Overview
The game kicked off with both teams eager to assert dominance. Kerala Blasters, cheered on by a passionate home crowd, showcased attacking intent from the start. Odisha FC, however, was quick to respond, making for an end-to-end contest filled with suspense and drama.
Final Score:
- Kerala Blasters: 3
- Odisha FC: 2
Key Moments:
- Full-time: The stadium erupted in cheers as Kerala Blasters clinched a thrilling win, boosting their playoff hopes.
- Late Goal: Noah Sadaoui’s deflected shot in the 90+5th minute proved decisive.
First Half Highlights
Early Lead for Odisha FC
The match began with Odisha FC’s Jerry Mawihmingthanga toe-poking the ball past Sachin Suresh in the 4th minute to give the visitors an early lead. Despite a spirited response from Kerala Blasters, the first half ended with the hosts trailing 0-1.
Key First-Half Events:
- 18’: Odisha’s Ahmed Jahouh delivered a dangerous free-kick, but it didn’t result in a goal.
- 40’: Noah Sadaoui received a yellow card for diving inside the box, highlighting the tension in the game.
- 45’: Kerala Blasters dominated possession but couldn’t find an equalizer before halftime.
Second Half: A Game of Twists
Kerala Blasters Strike Back
The hosts returned to the field with increased energy after the break. Their persistence paid off in the 60th minute when Kwame Peprah beat Odisha’s goalkeeper Amrinder Singh with a brilliant solo effort, leveling the score at 1-1.
Jimenez Makes an Impact
In the 73rd minute, substitute Jesus Jimenez capitalized on a cross from Adrian Luna, restoring Kerala’s lead with a well-timed strike. The Yellow Army’s celebrations were short-lived as Odisha FC equalized seven minutes later.
Dorielton’s Equalizer
Odisha’s Dorielton Gomes made it 2-2 in the 80th minute, seizing on a rebound after a free-kick effort from Diego Mauricio hit the woodwork. This set the scene for an edge-of-your-seat finale.
The Decisive Moment
Red Card for Carlos Delgado
Odisha’s hopes suffered a blow in the 83rd minute when Carlos Delgado received a second yellow card, reducing the team to 10 men.
Sadaoui’s Heroics
With the match seemingly heading for a draw, Noah Sadaoui’s shot in the 90+5th minute deflected off Rahim Ali and looped over the goalkeeper, sealing a dramatic 3-2 victory for Kerala Blasters. The goal not only secured three points but also reignited the team’s playoff aspirations.
Key Player Performances
- Noah Sadaoui: Played a pivotal role with his late winner, showcasing composure under pressure.
- Kwame Peprah: His equalizer early in the second half provided the momentum for the hosts.
- Jesus Jimenez: Proved to be an impactful substitute, contributing a crucial goal.
- Jerry Mawihmingthanga: Opened the scoring for Odisha FC, displaying excellent anticipation.
Match Statistics
| Statistic | Kerala Blasters | Odisha FC |
| Goals | 3 | 2 |
| Possession (%) | 56 | 44 |
| Shots on Target | 7 | 5 |
| Corners | 6 | 4 |
| Yellow Cards | 1 | 2 |
| Red Cards | 0 | 1 |
Team Lineups
Kerala Blasters Starting XI:
- Goalkeeper: Sachin Suresh
- Defenders: Hormipam, Freddy, Pritam Kotal, Korou Singh, Aibanbha Dohling
- Midfielders: Adrian Luna, Alexandre Coeff, Naocha Singh
- Forwards: Kwame Peprah, Noah Sadaoui
Odisha FC Starting XI:
- Goalkeeper: Amrinder Singh
- Defenders: Amey Ranawade, Rohit Kumar, Diego Mauricio, Mourtada Fall
- Midfielders: Ahmed Jahouh, Jerry Mawihmingthanga, Jerry Lalrinzuala, Thoiba Singh
- Forwards: Rahim Ali, Dorielton Gomes
Impact on ISL Standings
The victory significantly boosted Kerala Blasters’ chances of making it to the playoffs. With this win, the team has moved closer to the top six, while Odisha FC’s defeat complicates its path to the playoffs.
What’s Next?
Kerala Blasters will look to build on this momentum in their next match, while Odisha FC must regroup quickly to stay in contention for the playoffs. The ISL 2024-25 season continues to deliver high-octane football, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
FAQs:
- Question: What was the final score of the Kerala Blasters vs Odisha FC match in the ISL 2024-25 season on January 13, 2025?
Answer: The final score was Kerala Blasters 3-2 Odisha FC. - Question: Who scored the winning goal for Kerala Blasters in their match against Odisha FC?
Answer: Noah Sadaoui scored the winning goal for Kerala Blasters in the 90+5th minute. - Question: Which Odisha FC player received a red card during the match against Kerala Blasters?
Answer: Carlos Delgado received a red card in the 83rd minute of the match. - Question: Where was the ISL 2024-25 match between Kerala Blasters and Odisha FC played?
Answer: The match was played at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kochi, Kerala. - Question: Who scored the first goal of the match, and for which team?
Answer: Jerry Mawihmingthanga scored the first goal of the match for Odisha FC in the 4th minute. - Question: What was the halftime score of the Kerala Blasters vs Odisha FC match?
Answer: The halftime score was Odisha FC 1-0 Kerala Blasters. - Question: Which Kerala Blasters player equalized the score to 1-1 during the match?
Answer: Kwame Peprah equalized the score to 1-1 in the 60th minute. - Question: How many minutes of added time were given at the end of the second half?
Answer: Seven minutes of added time were given at the end of the second half. - Question: What tactical change helped Kerala Blasters take the lead in the second half?
Answer: Substitute Jesus Jimenez scored in the 73rd minute, giving Kerala Blasters a 2-1 lead. - Question: Why was the pitch condition at the Kochi stadium a concern before the match?
Answer: The pitch condition was a concern because it was affected by a mass dance event held at the stadium before the match.