IWL 2023-24: East Bengal face their 4th consecutive defeat; Odisha outclass them by 4-1 at home

Odisha FC extended their winning streak with a commanding 4-1 triumph over East Bengal FC in the IWL 2023-24 on Thursday at East Bengal Ground, Kolkata. The goal-scorers for Odisha were Juli (6'), Pyari (22'), Win (26'), and Malati (90+4').

The hosts initiated the game's proceedings, with Win attempting a lobbed through ball on the right flank in the 5th minute. However, Michel intercepted it, sending it out for a corner.

In the 6th minute, Odisha quickly seized the lead as Astam delivered an excellent corner kick to the far post, where Juli slotted the ball into the net. The score stood at EBFC 0 - 1 OFC.

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The 7th minute saw Karthika's attempt to chip the ball over the keeper, hitting the crossbar. In the 17th minute, Indumathi's long free-kick was collected by Melody despite the presence of Juli and Pyari.

Pyari extended the lead in the 22nd minute, skillfully cutting inside from the left flank and releasing a potent shot into the top right corner, for one of the best goals of IWL 2023-24 so far. The score became EBFC 0 - 2 OFC.

In the 26th minute, Melody's failure to secure the ball allowed Win to calmly finish the chance, further extending the lead to EBFC 0 - 3 OFC.

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Sanju's brilliant cross to Win in the 31st minute and Win's subsequent shot hitting the crossbar highlighted the first half. Despite numerous attempts, the score remained EBFC 0 - 3 OFC at halftime.

The second half witnessed Grace's off-target shot in the 50th minute from Sanju's corner, followed by East Bengal FC scoring their opening goal in the 63rd minute, making it EBFC 1 - 3 OFC. Sibani Devi's off-target shot from inside the box went straight into the goal after deflecting from Manisha Panna.

In the 68th minute, Win's header from Indumathi's superb cross went wide. In the dying minutes, Win's precise through ball set up Malati for a half-volley, securing a 4-1 victory. The final score read EBFC 1 - 4 OFC.

Odisha FC will face Kickstart FC at Bangalore Football Stadium on January 24th in their upcoming match while East Bengal will face Gokulam Kerala FC on 23rd January 2024 at East Bengal ground.

IWL 2023-24 points table after this match