The Indian Super League (ISL) Matchday 2 is underway so far two matches have been played. It has been an exciting week in Matchday 1 and the second week. On Friday Odisha FC (OFC) faced Punjab FC (PFC) away from home at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Delhi. The two teams had different starts to their campaign. Odisha lost their first game. The Shers won their first game in the very last minute of the game.
The game on Friday started well. Odisha started well better in the game, they were looking lethal in the attack. However, soaking in the early pressure Punjab counter-attacked and they found the opener nearing the half-hour mark of the game. After a superb pass from Filip Mrzljak led open the Kalinga Warriors’s defense. Nihal Sudeesh made the run and scored a top-class goal beating Amrinder Singh at the far post.
After conceding Sergio Lobera’s side was looking very rusty and opened up at the back. The Shers were looking lethal in the attack and could have doubled up their lead. However, during the lemon break the sides went back to the dressing room with a 1-0 advantage for Punjab. The second half also started similarly with Punjab having the best of chances but failing to convert.
Sergio Lobera will be sacked if Odisha fails another match
Lobera’s side had two chances to equalise. They missed it by fine margins. Another counterattack left the Odisha defense open and Leon Augustine sealed the match in the 89th minute goal making it 2-0. However, one was pulled back by Odisha in the dying moments. Hugo Boumous’s shot struck the bar hit Ravi Kumar’s head and went in as own goal.
Has Lobera’s tactical gamble caused problems for Odisha? The Spanish coach is one of the most successful coaches in the ISL history. However, this time the tactics of the manager have not worked out well for the side. They have lost two back-to-back games. They next face Jamshedpur FC at home. Lobera’s men will look to secure all three points and make a comeback in the competition.
