Odisha FC succumbed to their third defeat in the Indian Super League 2021-22 when they went down to former champions Chennaiyin FC 1-2 at the Tilak Maidan Stadium in Goa today. Germanpreet Singh and Mirlan Murzaev scored for the winners, while Javi Hernandez reduced the margin for Odisha FC

With this defeat, Odisha dropped a rung to fifth place with nine points from six matches. On the other hand, this was the third win for Chennaiyhin FC, who moved up to the third spot with 11 points from six games.

Both teams looked to suss each other out in the opening exchanges and it was a cagey affair before Chennaiyin nosed ahead riding an unlikely source. Germanpreet scored a goal after six years when he smashed home a rebound after Odisha keeper Kamaljit Singh blocked a cross from the right flank which fell to Germanpreet.

It was the first goal for the 25-year old since 2015 when he had netted for Dempo against Royal Wahingdoh. Despite being 1-0 down, Odisha continued to give Chennaiyin a tough time but failed to find the back of the net, also adding teeth upfront.

At the other end, Chennaiyin doubled their advantage courtesy of a scintillating solo effort from Murzaev. The 31-year old Kyrgyzstan footballer was unmarked and made the most of it with a long-range shot that arrowed past a diving Kamaljit and thudded into the back of the net.

Javi Hernandez scored a stunner in added time but it was too little too late and Chennaiyin bagged the all-important three points.
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PHOTO: OFC player Javier Hernandez is surrounded by Chennaiyin players at Tilak Maidan in Goa on 18 December 2021.