Nandakumar, Victor Rodriguez and Diego Mauricio were instrumental in Odisha FC’s victory against Northeast United in the Super Cup semi-final at Manjeri on 22 April. Photo Credit: Sakir Hussain
Odisha FC suffered an early goal shock but came back strongly to end Northeast United’s spirited campaign in the Super Cup on Saturday. Odisha won the second semi-final 3–1, with Nandakumar scoring two goals.
But Northeast’s prolific scorer Wilmer Jordan Gill was the first to find the net. A long ball down the right flank by the famous Sheriff from his own half was met by Rocherzela, who gave a cross to Jordan Gill. The Colombian showed his class as he slotted the ball home for his seventh goal of the tournament.
But, Northeast’s lead did not last long. Just eight minutes later, Jerry Mvimingthanga sent a superb cross from the right to Nandakumar, who headed it neatly in.
Although both sides continued to create chances in the first half, neither could score. At half time the score remained 1-1.
Odisha looked more dangerous in the second half. Nandkumar was the main reason for this as he kept the Northeast defense under constant pressure.
Eighteen minutes into the second half, he put Odisha ahead with a fierce shot towards the roof of the net. It was a great finish to his 1-2 with Víctor Rodríguez. Then, Diego Mauricio put NorthEast ahead of the match with a strong drive from the edge of the box to the far post.
In the final, to be played in Kozhikode on April 25, Odisha will take on Bengaluru FC.
Result: Odisha FC 3 (Nandakumar 10 and 63, Diego Mauricio 86) bt Northeast United 1 (Wilmer Jordan Gill 2).