Mohammedan Sporting Club finally broke their duck in the Indian Super League 2025–26 season, earning a gritty 1-1 draw against Odisha FC at the Kalinga Stadium on April 17. While the result does little to lift Mohammedan from the bottom, now with one point from eight matches, it offers a much-needed psychological boost. Odisha, meanwhile, moved to 12th with six points from seven outings after failing to capitalise on their lead.
Cautious first half ends with Odisha edge
The opening phase of the contest was measured, with both sides focused on midfield control and defensive discipline. Odisha dominated possession, while Mohammedan looked sharper on transitions. Chances were limited early on, but the visitors gradually found rhythm. Hira Mondal and Mahitosh Roy attempted long-range efforts, while Lalremsanga Fanai came agonisingly close after a fluid attacking move involving Adison Singh. Odisha responded with intent, as Subham Bhattacharya threatened during a scramble, and Isak Vanlalruatfela, alongside Lalrinfela Khiangte, stretched the defence with clever runs.
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The breakthrough arrived five minutes before half-time. Isak initiated a counterattack and combined with Lalrinfela, whose precise through ball released Suhair VP. The forward finished clinically with a powerful left-footed strike past Padam Chettri to give Odisha a 1-0 lead. Mohammedan nearly equalised before the break, but Adison Singh was denied by Amrinder Singh.
Adison strike seals comeback points for Mohammedan
Mohammedan returned after the interval with greater urgency and attacking intent. Their persistence paid off in the 56th minute when Hira Mondal’s overlapping run resulted in a low cross into the box. Adison Singh timed his run perfectly and finished into the top corner to restore parity at 1-1. The match opened up thereafter, with both teams pushing for a winner. Mohammedan looked threatening on the counter, with Adison and Llangaihsaka combining effectively, while Odisha maintained control through structured possession.
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Late chances fell Odisha’s way, with Rahim Ali nearly capitalising on a goalkeeping lapse and Isak forcing a sharp save from Padam Chettri. Carlos Delgado also came close from a set-piece, but lacked precision. Despite late pressure from both sides, neither could find a decisive goal, as the match concluded in a competitive stalemate, marking Mohammedan’s first point of the campaign.
