ISL 2021-22: This win puts us in contention for semi-final – Odisha FC’s interim head coach Kino Garcia

Odisha FC was able to bag three crucial points after they defeated SC East Bengal by 2-1 at the Tilak Maidan Stadium in the 84th match of the Hero Indian Super League on Monday. The club’s interim head coach Kino Garcia reckons this important win puts them in contention for the semi-final spot.

This was Odisha’s sixth win of the season and they are currently in the sixth position in the standings. Odisha has lost six matches while three of their games have ended in draws. Ergo, they have 21 points under their belt and they are five points away from table-toppers Hyderabad FC, but the latter has played 14 matches.

Sharing his thoughts on the game, Garcia said in the post-match press conference, “My thoughts, I’m really happy today because after playing a draw against Goa. That draw felt like a loss because we were winning until they scored a goal in the 95th minute. So, winning today was important for us, that puts us in contention for the semi-finals. Really happy about the result, we have to improve some aspects but happy about the victory”.

Garcia added that this win was very important as this gives them a chance to be in the semifinals.

He added, “For us, it’s really important because a win today as it gives us a chances of being in the semi-final. This win was really tough. There are a lot of good teams involved in this process. But we knew SC East Bengal have improved a lot under Mario Rivera. So, we knew this match gonna be really tough. We were really aware of the situation and we knew that a victory today for us was really important”.

Odisha FC took a total of four shots on target and had a possession of 52%. In fact, Odisha had dominated the first half but could only find the back of the net once in the first 45 minutes. Jonathas had put them in front in the 23rd minute. However, Perosevic equalized for SC East Bengal in the 64th minute. Javi H. scored the winner for Odisha FC in the 75th minute of the game.

He added, “In the first half, we were better. But it’s true that we didn’t create many chances even even we had more possession that time. I feel that we have a pleasant first half. In the second half, I think that SC East Bengal improved and maybe also because we were a little nervous because we wanted to win this match, some bad passes and little misunderstanding in the team. After the draw, we started attacking again and we had some clear chances to score the second and maybe another goal”.

Garcia added that their entire focus is on the next match against defending champions Mumbai City FC. The interim coach revealed they will analyse the goal difference later.

Garcia concluded, “Maybe, now we have five matches to go. So now I’m thinking about the against Mumbai, which go to be a tough game. Also, both sides will be playing for a spot in the semi-finals. After the game, we’ll see if goal difference is important”.