Bagan, Odisha game postponed, Goa edge Chennaiyin 1-0

MARGAO, Jan 8: A player at ATK Mohun Bagan has tested positive for COVID-19 leading to a deferment of their match against Odisha FC on Saturday. The information on the postponement was stated by a message from ATK Mohun Bagan on Saturday afternoon.
“Hero Indian Super League (ISL) has decided to postpone Match No. 53 between ATK Mohun Bagan and Odisha FC scheduled to be played today, Saturday, January 8, 2022, at PJN Stadium in Fatorda. The League will look to reschedule the fixture to a later date, “read the message from the club.
“The decision has been taken in consultation with the League’s medical team after a ATK Mohun Bagan player tested positive for COVID-19. The League will work closely with the medical experts to monitor and ensure the safety of all the players and support staff in the squad and others involved,” said the statement.
The ISL is being held behind closed doors, across three stadiums in Goa owing to the pandemic.
This is the first official COVID positive test in almost a season and a half of ISL being held in bio-bubbles in Goa.
With vaccines available this time, this edition of the ISL began with over 98% of those connected with the competition having completed two doses of vaccination. Most of those who had not had shots were development players, many of whom were below 18 when the competition began in November, 2021.
Later, Jorge Ortiz handed FC Goa an 82nd minute winner in their match against Chennaiyin FC at the Athletic Stadium in Bambolim.
Ortiz got possession and saw Chennaiyin goalkeeper Debjit Majumder off his line before taking a shot that sailed into the right top corner. FC Goa have struggled to find momentum this season despite the appointment of new head coach Derrick Pereira and are placed 8th in the standings. (Agencies)