Odisha FC Beat Sporting Club Delhi 2-1 to Boost Survival Hopes in ISL 2025-26

May 09, 2026: Odisha FC registered a crucial 2-1 victory over Sporting Club Delhi in their Indian Super League 2025-26 clash at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi on Friday, May 8. The Juggernauts delivered a disciplined performance and capitalised on their early chances to secure three valuable points in their fight against relegation.

First-half goals from Suhair VP and K Lalrinfela (Mafela) gave Odisha FC complete control of the contest before Matija Babovic converted a second-half penalty for the hosts. Despite SC Delhi dominating possession for large phases of the game, Odisha FC defended resolutely to hold onto their advantage until the final whistle.

Suhair VP was one of the standout performers for the visitors with an energetic display in attack, while Mafela controlled the midfield brilliantly and was deservedly named Player of the Match.

The victory lifted Odisha FC to 11th place in the standings with 10 points from 11 matches, moving them above Chennaiyin FC and NorthEast United FC. Sporting Club Delhi remained in 10th position on goal difference despite having the same number of points.

The comeback push falls short tonight, but we’ll come back stronger. #SportingClubDelhi #SCDelhi #AbDilliKiBaari #SCDOFC #ISL12

{ Sporting Club Delhi, SCD vs OFC, Sporting Club Delhi vs Odisha FC, ISL 12 } pic.twitter.com/Wueaxy5Lf9

— Sporting Club Delhi (@OfficialSCDelhi) May 8, 2026

Odisha FC Shock Hosts With Early Goals

Odisha FC stunned the hosts with an aggressive opening and took the lead as early as the fourth minute. Sanathoi Singh Heikrujam delivered an excellent cross into the box, where an unmarked Suhair VP rose high to guide a header into the net and make it 1-0.

SC Delhi attempted to settle into the game and gradually increased their control in midfield, but Odisha struck again in the 13th minute after forcing a turnover. Lalthathanga Khawlhring, popularly known as Puitea, produced a precise assist for Mafela, who calmly fired a low right-footed shot beyond goalkeeper Nora Fernandes to double the advantage.

The home side responded positively after conceding twice and began creating chances before half-time. Lamgoulen Gou and Matija Babovic both tested the Odisha defence with efforts on target, while Mohammed Aimen missed a promising opportunity in the 44th minute after being set up brilliantly by Babovic. However, Odisha FC maintained their composure and entered the break with a two-goal cushion.

SC Delhi Fight Back After the Break

SC Delhi returned with greater attacking intent in the second half and introduced Julio Rivas in an attempt to increase the pressure on the visitors. Mohammed Aimen forced Odisha goalkeeper Anuj Kumar into a save in the 58th minute, but the visitors continued to frustrate the hosts with organised defending.

As the match became increasingly physical, several players entered the referee’s book. Odisha’s Subham Bhattacharya and goalkeeper Anuj Kumar received yellow cards while trying to break the rhythm of the home side’s attack.

The breakthrough finally arrived for SC Delhi in the 74th minute when Odisha conceded a penalty after Puitea handled the ball inside the box while attempting a clearance. Matija Babovic stepped up confidently and converted the spot-kick with precision to reduce the deficit to 2-1.

Odisha FC Hold Nerve in Tense Final Moments

Odisha FC nearly restored their two-goal lead five minutes later, but substitute Kartik Hantal squandered a golden one-on-one opportunity from close range. That miss kept SC Delhi alive heading into the final stages of the encounter.

The hosts pushed hard for an equaliser during the closing minutes, with Julio Rivas and Sourav K both forcing important saves from Anuj Kumar. Seven minutes of stoppage time added further tension to the contest, while tempers flared late on as Ousmane Fané and Clarence Fernandes were booked.

Despite the late pressure, Odisha FC remained compact defensively and successfully saw out the match to claim a massive away victory that could prove decisive in their battle for survival this season.