Kerala Blasters FC pulled off a stunning comeback in stoppage time to defeat Odisha FC 2-1 in an electrifying ISL 2025-26 fixture at Kochi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The game on April 23 was a testament to the league’s high stakes, with every minute delivering edge-of-the-seat action.
From kickoff, Kerala asserted dominance. Kevin Yok’s dynamic presence on the left repeatedly exposed Odisha’s vulnerabilities. The breakthrough came in the 12th minute when Victor Bertomeu pounced on a rebound from Hitesh Sharma’s blocked effort, rifling it into the net to make it 1-0.
Odisha fought back valiantly, leveling the scores through Rahim Ali’s superb strike in the 27th minute. The halftime whistle blew with the game poised at 1-1, as defenses held firm amid a flurry of opportunities.
Post-interval, Odisha pressed hard, pinning Kerala back with sustained pressure. Yet, the Blasters’ defense, marshaled by a sharp goalkeeper, repelled every threat. Tension mounted as the clock ticked down, but a crucial corner in added time changed everything. Mathias Hernandez, introduced from the bench, leaped to connect with a pinpoint cross, heading it goalward in the 90+3rd minute for the winner.
Odisha’s desperate attempts to salvage a point were in vain. Kerala now sits ninth with 11 points, boosting their playoff aspirations. Odisha, stuck on six points after eight matches, face an uphill struggle in 13th spot. This triumph highlights Kerala’s knack for dramatic victories in the ISL.
