MANJERI: NorthEast United FC's dream run in the Super Cup finally came to an end as Odisha FC registered a 3-1 comeback win in the second semifinal at Sports Council Stadium, Payyanad here in Manjeri on Saturday.
Nandha Kumar (10, 63) and Diego Mauricio (86) scored for Odisha after Jordan Gill gave an early lead for NEUFC.
NEUFC, who started with five Kerala players, had a dream start as they went ahead in the very first minute. Roccharzela gave a fine cross into the box, which was received by Jordan Gill, who calmly slotted the ball into the net to put his team 1-0 up.
But the Highlanders' joy was short-lived as Odisha scored the equaliser nine minutes later. Jerry Mawihmingthanga moved into the NEUFC area from the right, beating NEUFC defender Alex Saji.
He put the ball into the path of a running Nandha Kumar and the latter shot the ball past NEUFC custodian Mirshad K to score the equaliser. After the halftime break Odisha increased the pace.
In the 63rd minute, they were rewarded when Nandha Kumar completed his brace with one of the most beautiful goals of the tournament.
Nandha, after receiving the ball from the centre, made a good run through the left and played a one-two with Victor Rodriguez. As soon as he got the ball back, Nandha unleashed a shot that bludgeoned the top of the NEUFC net leaving Mirshad helpless.
After conceding the lead, NEUFC stepped up a gear. However, their raids into the Odisha half didn't fetch them a goal.
Against the run of play, Odisha extended the lead in the 86th minute as Mauricio, who was having a dream game, finally scored a thoroughly-deserved goal.
Capitalising on a rebound, Mauricio showed his skills to dodge past a NEUFC defender and slotted the ball into the bottom corner of the net to seal the game for Odisha.
Odisha FC will now take on Bengaluru FC in the final on Tuesday.
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