Holders odisha fc

Kalinga Super Cup: Holders Odisha FC took another step towards defending their Kalinga Super Cup crown beating Mumbai City FC 1-0 in an ill-tempered yet action-packed semifinal on Thursday. They will face East Bengal in the final on Sunday (January 28).

Mumbai City came flying out of the blocks and almost had the lead in the second minute of the game. From a corner, Jorge Pereyra rose highest at the near post to glance a header towards goal. Agonizingly, though, his attempt hit the inside of the post and bounced out, cleared to safety by Mourtada Fall.

It was as good as it got for Mumbai City in the first half though, and soon enough Odisha were dictating the play, albeit without much effect. Almost all their attempts came via hopeful punts from distance, with Roy Krishna and Isak Vanlalruatfela coming closest to opening the scoring for the home side. The goal finally came right on the edge of halftime, and though wholly deserved also seemed cruel to Mumbai City who had slowly edged their way back into the game.