Kochi: Noah Sadaoui’s late goal in the fifth minute of injury time propelled Kerala Blasters FC to a thrilling 3-2 victory over Odisha FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Monday night. The result extended Kerala’s unbeaten streak (W5 D2) in games where Noah has found the net, while Odisha FC are now winless in their last four matches.

Odisha takes an early lead
Odisha FC opened the scoring in the fourth minute through Jerry Mawihmingthanga. Dori’s headed pass set up Jerry, who adjusted impressively and directed a high-footed shot into the bottom right corner. Odisha’s defence stood firm in the first half, thwarting Kwame Peprah’s close-range attempt in the 36th minute after a squared pass from Noah Sadaoui.

Kerala finds an equaliser
Kerala Blasters equalised in the 60th minute when Korou Singh delivered a perfectly timed through ball. Kwame Peprah outpaced Odisha’s Mourtada Fall and Rohit Kumar, hammering the ball into the bottom left corner.

Kerala takes the lead
The Blasters intensified their attack in the 73rd minute. Adrian Luna curled in a cross from the right flank, which Noah headed towards Jesus Jimenez. Jimenez connected perfectly, driving the ball into the high centre of the net to give Kerala a 2-1 lead.

Odisha strikes back
Odisha FC equalised in the 80th minute after relentless attempts. Diego Mauricio’s free-kick, aimed at the top right corner, was saved by Sachin Suresh. The rebound fell to Saviour Gama, whose powerful shot was again stopped, but Dori pounced on the second rebound to score from close range.

Odisha reduced to 10 men
Odisha’s momentum was disrupted in the 83rd minute when Carlos Delgado received his second yellow card and was sent off. Kerala Blasters capitalised on the numerical advantage, intensifying their attack.

Noah’s decisive goal
In the fifth minute of added time, Noah Sadaoui delivered the match-winner. Receiving a pass from Vibin Mohanan on the left side of the box, Noah struck a powerful shot from an acute angle. Despite taking a deflection, the ball found its way into the bottom right corner, sealing three points for Kerala.

Upcoming matches
Kerala Blasters FC, now eighth in the standings with 20 points from 16 matches, will play NorthEast United FC on January 18. Odisha FC, on the other hand, will face Bengaluru FC on January 22.

With IANS inputs