NEUFC rue missed chances as Odisha FC win 1-0

NorthEast United FC’s lack of converting opportunities came back to haunt them as Odisha FC defeated them 1-0 in Match 24 of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2021-22 on Friday, 10^th December at the Tilak Maidan Stadium in Vasco da Gama, Goa. It was the same old story for the Highlanders as plenty of chances were created throughout the game but none converted. Jonathas Cristian scored the winner in the 81^st minute, taking Odisha to the second spot in the points table with nine points. NEUFC are placed ninth with four points from five games. Their forgettable season continues, after a solitary win in the game against FC Goa.

NEUFC started proceedings with an attacking game creating chances every now and then. They had their first real chance in the 9^th minute when Brown went past Odisha’s defence and looked like scoring but took a very wide shot. The first half clearly belonged to the Highlanders with Deshorn Brown having multiple scoring opportunities but failing every single time. Odisha played a very defensive game in the first half. While Odisha had most of the possession, however, they were hardly making any attempt to score, unlike NEUFC.

The approach remained the same in the 2^nd half and NEUFC were pushing hard to break the deadlock. But, it was just not their day. All it takes is one good shot and Odisha found that in the 81^st minute when Jonathas Cristian’s header, courtesy of a beautiful assist by Thoiba Singh found the back of the net. Jonathas was adjudged the Hero of the Match as well.

Khalid Jamil and his men would like to change things around and they have just a couple of days to strategize as NEUFC next faces Hyderabad FC on Monday, 13th December.

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