Odisha FC Assistant Coach Reflects on 3-0 Defeat to NorthEast United FC in ISL

Odisha FC assistant coach Santosh Kashyap acknowledged a tough outing as his team succumbed 3-0 to NorthEast United FC in ISL football today at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati. The Highlanders seized control early on, with Parthib Gogoi notching the opener in the 12th minute, followed swiftly by Nestor Albiach’s clinical finish. Konsam Phalguni Singh further extended the lead just before halftime, putting the visitors in a commanding 3-0 lead heading into the break.

Despite showing glimpses of promise in the second half through Cy Goddard and Aniket Jadhav, Odisha FC couldn’t find the back of the net, conceding to NorthEast United FC’s clinical display. Despite boasting 68% possession and 86% passing accuracy, the Kalinga Warriors couldn’t capitalize on their opportunities. A missed penalty by Roy Krishna further compounded their woes.

Kashyap expressed disappointment at the outcome, emphasizing missed chances and NorthEast United FC’s efficiency in the first half. The coach rotated his lineup strategically, focusing on providing rest to key players ahead of the forthcoming knockout stages. In a decision aimed at nurturing squad depth, three foreign players were substituted at halftime, granting Indian talents more playing time.

Reflecting on the match, Kashyap reiterated the importance of converting chances, a key aspect where his team fell short. Despite the defeat, he remained optimistic about the team’s morale, underscoring the learning opportunities gleaned from such encounters. Odisha FC’s focus shifts to the upcoming playoffs, with lessons learned from their final league stage fixture in Guwahati.

As the Kalinga Warriors prepare for the next phase of the competition, Kashyap’s tactical decisions and player rotations underscore a strategic approach geared towards long-term success in ISL football today. The team’s resilience in adversity and commitment to development signify a promising narrative as they set their sights on playoff glory.