Odisha FC Bask In Kozhikode Rain, Beat Bengaluru FC To Win Super Cup

Odisha FC were crowned the champions of the Super Cup football tournament after they prevailed over Bengaluru FC 2-1 in the summit showdown here on Tuesday, winning their first silverware. While Brazilian Diego Maurício struck both goals for the winners in the first half, Sunil Chhetri scored from a penalty in the 84th minute to reduce the margin for Bengaluru FC. Up against seasoned opponents in the shape of Bengaluru, Odisha did all the damage in the first half with two goals from Maurício. Clifford Miranda also made history, becoming the first Indian coach to win the Super Cup.

Bengaluru FC, playing their third final of the season, started off as the more authoritative of the two sides in a rain-marred kick-off.

The Blues kept plenty of possession in the opposition half, while Odisha, who had conceded two early goals in their last two games, were content with sitting back, making a cautious start to their first-ever final.

However, as the rain died down, so did Bengaluru's command on the ball. Odisha began causing trouble from set-pieces, with Carlos Delgado's close-range volley from Sahil Panwar's corner providing them their first real chance. Sandesh Jhingan was on hand to make a last-ditch block for Bengaluru.

The breakthrough came in dramatic fashion for Odisha in the 23rd minute as Gurpreet Singh Sandhu made a hash of what should have been a routine collection from a harmless-looking Maurício free-kick.

The Brazilian's shot was aimed straight at the Bengaluru custodian, who had his entire body behind the ball but let it slip out of his hand and trickle past the goalline.

Maurício went close again just a few minutes later, heading a Jerry Mawihmingthanga cross wide of the far post. But there was no stopping