Odisha FC produced a commanding performance to secure their first win of the Indian Super League 2025-26 season, defeating NorthEast United FC 4-1 at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Friday.
Spearheading the victory was Rahul KP, whose brace capped a clinical attacking display from the Juggernauts.
The result lifts Odisha FC to ninth in the standings with five points and two games in hand, while NorthEast United remain seventh with six points. More importantly, it signals a strong turnaround for Odisha after a slow start to their campaign.
Fast Start Sets the Tone
Odisha wasted no time in asserting themselves. Within six minutes, they capitalised on a defensive lapse from the hosts to take the lead. Rahim Ali applied pressure on goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh, forcing an error that allowed Rahul KP to collect the loose ball and finish calmly into the net.
The early goal gave Odisha momentum, but NorthEast responded quickly. Just four minutes later, Parthib Gogoi made a driving run down the left flank before finding Macarton Nickson inside the box. The midfielder showed composure to slot home a right-footed finish, restoring parity at 1-1 in the 10th minute.
The equaliser set up an open phase of play, with both sides pushing forward and creating opportunities. NorthEast looked dangerous through their wide players, while Odisha continued to probe through quick transitions.
Photo: Surajit Sharma /Focus Sports/ ISL
As the game settled, Odisha regained control, particularly in midfield where they began dictating the tempo. Their persistence paid off in the 24th minute, and it was debutant Subham Bhattacharya who stepped up.
From a well-delivered corner by Isak Vanlalruatfela, Rahim Ali flicked the ball into a crowded area, and Subham reacted quickest to stab the ball into the bottom corner. It was a composed finish from the 19-year-old left-back, marking a memorable debut with a crucial goal.
The goal shifted momentum decisively in Odisha’s favour. NorthEast struggled to regain their earlier rhythm, and their situation worsened in the 36th minute when right-back Muthu Mayakkannan was shown a straight red card for a foul on Rahul KP.
Reduced to ten men, the Highlanders found it increasingly difficult to contain Odisha’s attacking movements as the visitors carried a 2-1 lead into halftime.
Odisha Take Control in Second Half
Despite being a man down, NorthEast began the second half with intent, pressing higher up the pitch in search of an equaliser. However, Odisha’s defensive structure held firm, absorbing pressure and waiting for opportunities to counter.
Rahul KP came close to extending the lead in the 52nd minute during a fast break but failed to pick out a teammate in the final third. It was a warning sign for NorthEast, who were increasingly stretched as they pushed forward.
Odisha eventually capitalised on their numerical advantage in the 65th minute. A swift counter-attack saw Rahul KP break through on goal, and the winger showed composure to finish one-on-one with the goalkeeper, making it 3-1 and effectively putting the game beyond reach.
The visitors struck again just three minutes later, further underlining their dominance. A cross from Vanlalzuidika created chaos inside the box, eventually falling to Isak, whose powerful effort forced a desperate attempt at clearance from Bekey Oram. Unfortunately for the midfielder, the ball flew into his own net, extending Odisha’s lead to 4-1.
At this stage, the contest was effectively over. Odisha continued to control possession and create chances, with Isak testing Gurmeet Singh from distance in the 72nd minute.
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NorthEast attempted to mount a late response, but their efforts lacked precision. Thoi Singh and Asheer Akhtar both had opportunities, but neither could find the target.
The red card and Odisha’s clinical finishing had already taken a toll, and the hosts were unable to recover. Their defensive lapses and inability to manage key moments ultimately proved costly. Odisha FC’s performance was a demonstration of efficiency and adaptability. After conceding the equaliser early, they quickly regained control and made effective use of set-pieces and transitions.
Rahul KP’s movement and finishing were central to their attacking success, while Subham Bhattacharya’s debut goal added further impetus. Defensively, Odisha showed improved organisation, particularly in the second half when they managed the game effectively against a side chasing the result.
For NorthEast United, the match exposed vulnerabilities in defensive coordination and discipline. The red card proved to be a turning point, but even before that, they struggled to contain Odisha’s attacking patterns.
For Odisha FC, this victory is more than just three points it is a statement of intent. After a slow start to the season, they have now found momentum and will look to build on this performance in the coming fixtures. NorthEast United, meanwhile, will need to regroup quickly. While they showed glimpses of attacking quality, their inability to sustain pressure and handle adversity will be areas of concern.
In the end, Rahul KP’s brace and Odisha’s clinical execution ensured a comprehensive 4-1 win one that could mark the beginning of a stronger run in their campaign.
