Odisha FC suffered fifth defeat in the 2021-22 Hero Indian Super League (ISL) by going down to Kerala Blasters FC 0-2 in their 10th match at the Tilak Maidan Stadium in Vasco, Goa today. With this defeat, Bhubaneswar-based Odisha FC slipped the eighth spot in the league table with 13 points to their name.

On the other hand, the win over Odisha FC helped Kerala Blasters FC to reclaim top positon in the league table with 20 points from 11 games. Nishu Kumar (28th) and Harmanjot Khabra (40th) scored the two goals in the first-half.

Kerala looked the far better side from the off, stringing together a series of passes in the sixth minute to show early intent. Odisha got a chance to take the lead in the 26th minute when against the run of play Javi Hernandez forced Prabhsukhan Gill into a good save from a snapshot.

Two minutes later, Kerala nosed ahead. It was a piece of individual brilliance from Nishu Kumar who sent a curling effort into the top right corner from just outside the box after Adrian Luna set him up beautifully. Kerala doubled their lead five minutes to halftime, Luna involved again as he swung in a delectable corner for Khabra to head in.

Odisha tried to up the ante in the second half but Gill was in top form as he pulled off a brilliant save to deny Jonathas Cristian after the hour-mark. Jonathas got another chance to pull one back when Jerry Mawihmingthanga sent a crisp ball for him in the box but his header fizzed over the bar. Javi also got a free kick from a good position but his effort sailed over.
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PHOTO: Players of Kerala Blasters FC celebrate after the opening goal by Nishu Kumar against Odisha FC in Vasco on 12th January 2022.