Sports Odisha came from behind to hold Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) Women FC to 1-1 draw in their Indian Women League (IWL) clash at the OSAP 7th Battalion Ground in Bhubaneswar today. Pyari Xaxa struck in the 89th minute to help Sports Odisha salvage a point.

The team from West Bengal was on the attacking foot right from kickoff and found several breakthroughs in the first half. Naorem Sumila Chanu, Sandhya Kachhap and Ngangom Anibala Devi all came close to scoring but failed to convert in the attacking third.

On one occasion in the 29th minute, Sports Odisha almost took a surprise lead in the game. However, a strike by Pyari Xaxa from inside the box was ruled out by the referee for a foul that took place in the build up.

Eventually, the Sports Odisha defence paved the way and SSB Women took a much-needed lead in the 41st minute. Sandhya Kachhap came in from the right flank and bundled the Sports Odisha goalkeeper to find the back of the net.

Sports Odisha enjoyed more possession of the ball in the second half. In the 87th minute, Pyari Xaxa missed a golden opportunity to pull one back for the local side. The forward failed to place the ball inside an open goal following a mismatch from the SSB Women goalkeeper.

However, Pyari went on to make amends and scored in the 90th minute. She beat the SSB Women goalkeeper in a one-on-one situation and slotted the ball home to make it 1-1. The goal came in at a crucial time for Sports Odisha as the referee blew the full-time whistle, resulting in both sides taking home a point each.
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PHOTO: Sports Odisha striker Pyari Xaxa poses with the Player of the Match prize after their IWL match against SSB Women in Bhubaneswar on 14 May 2022.