Thoi Singh’s Late Equaliser Rescues a Point for Inter Kashi Against Odisha FC

Inter Kashi staged a late fightback to earn a 1-1 draw against Odisha FC in Match 8 of the Indian Super League (ISL) at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Pune on Saturday, October 17. 

Thoi Singh scored in the closing stages to cancel out an own goal by Inter Kashi defender Pratik Chaudhari, ensuring the points were shared after a closely contested encounter. Odisha appeared on course for victory after taking the lead in the 56th minute, but Inter Kashi continued to push forward and eventually found their breakthrough through a well-placed left-footed finish. The result reflected a contest in which both teams created opportunities but neither managed to establish lasting control.

Inter Kashi began positively, looking to test Odisha’s defensive organisation through Sajad Parray and Wayne Vaz. Parray had an opportunity to open the scoring inside the first 15 minutes when he attempted a left-footed effort from outside the penalty area, but his shot went wide.

Vaz also threatened during the opening exchanges after being set up by Jitendra Singh. However, his effort failed to find the target, allowing Odisha to escape without conceding an early goal. Odisha gradually responded with attacking opportunities of their own. Rahim Ali was involved in one of the visitors’ promising moves in the 22nd minute, but his attempt from the left side of the box was blocked by the Inter Kashi defence.

Set pieces provided another route for Odisha to apply pressure. The visitors continued to look for openings, with Rahim getting another chance in first-half stoppage time. His effort went wide, however, as neither side could break the deadlock before the interval.

The goalless first half left the match finely balanced, with both teams having created chances but lacking the finishing touch needed to take the lead.

Chaudhari’s own goal gives Odisha the advantage

Inter Kashi resumed the second half with attacking intent. Rosenberg Gabriel and Wayne Vaz both attempted to make an impact, but Odisha’s defenders managed to block their efforts and keep the score level.

The breakthrough arrived in the 56th minute, although it came through an unfortunate moment for the hosts. Inter Kashi defender Pratik Chaudhari inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, handing Odisha FC a 1-0 advantage.

The goal changed the complexion of the contest. Odisha now had a lead to protect, while Inter Kashi were forced to search for an equaliser against a side that had shown its ability to frustrate attacks. The visitors nearly doubled their advantage in the 76th minute. Mahmoud Eid connected with a pass from Lalrinfela Khiangte and threatened to put Odisha in a stronger position.

Inter Kashi goalkeeper Albino Gomes produced an important save to deny Eid, keeping his side within reach of a comeback. The intervention proved significant as the hosts continued to press for a goal that would restore parity.

Inter Kashi’s persistence finally paid off late in the second half. Following a set-piece situation, Thoi Singh found space in the centre of the penalty area and struck a left-footed effort into the bottom-left corner. The finish brought Inter Kashi level at 1-1 and rewarded the hosts for continuing to attack despite falling behind to Chaudhari’s own goal. Singh’s equaliser also ensured that Odisha’s defensive efforts and earlier advantage would not be enough to secure all three points.

With the score level, Inter Kashi pushed forward in search of a winner during the closing stages. Aritra Das had an opportunity to threaten directly from a free kick, but his attempt sailed high and wide.

Odisha held on through the remaining minutes, while Inter Kashi could not find the decisive second goal. The match therefore ended in a 1-1 draw, with both teams taking a point from the encounter.

For Inter Kashi, the late equaliser provided some reward for a performance in which the team continued to create opportunities and refused to let the own goal determine the outcome. Gomes’ save in the 76th minute also helped preserve the possibility of a comeback.

Odisha, meanwhile, will be left to reflect on a missed opportunity to secure victory after taking the lead. Chaudhari’s own goal had given the visitors an advantage, but Singh’s late intervention denied them the full reward for their efforts.

The draw was the outcome of a competitive encounter in Pune, where both sides had periods of attacking promise but struggled to convert their chances consistently. Inter Kashi ultimately secured a point through Singh’s composed finish, while Odisha were unable to hold on to their second-half lead. With neither side finding a winner in the closing minutes, the spoils were shared in Match 8 of the ISL.