Hugo Boumous' late strike helped Odisha FC edge past 10-men East Bengal FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) at the Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Thursday.

With this hard-fought victory against the Red and Gold Brigade, Sergio Lobera's men are now unbeaten in their last five matches and climbed to the third spot with 19 points from 13 games. Moreover, the Kalinga Warriors completed their third league double over East Bengal FC in the league, having previously done so in the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons.

Jeakson Singh received a second yellow card in the 43rd minute, leaving Oscar Bruzon's side down to 10 men. However, the Kolkata giants demonstrated their utmost fighting spirit and determined character as they fought toe-to-toe against Odisha FC's offensive unit.

Despite the hosts scoring the opener through Lalchungnunga, Odisha FC delivered an instant response as they equalized the scoreline within two minutes courtesy of Jerry Mawihmingthanga's goal. The Kalinga Warriors generated numerous attacking moves throughout the game but were denied by the woodowork and keeper Prabhsukhan Gill.

However, Lobera's men's persistence paid off in the 81st minute when Boumous sealed all three points for the visitors with his sublime finish, presenting no chance for Gill.

After the match, Boumous caught up with indiansuperleague.com, sharing his thoughts on the victory against East Bengal FC, his return to Kolkata, and more in an exclusive interview.

The French attacking midfielder acknowledged the challenges posed by East Bengal FC but shared his delight in registering another victory after an engaging fight during the entire 90 minutes.

"I come back for the first time with a new team, Odisha FC; we got the three points. Tonight it was not easy; East Bengal FC have improved a lot," Boumous said.

"Since they have the new head coach (Bruzon), they are very strong. They got the red card; even we knew it would not be easy, we managed to get the three points. It's perfect," he added.

With his winning goal against East Bengal FC, Boumous now has nine goal contributions against the Kolkata giants, including four goals and five assists. This is the highest such tally by any player against the Red and Gold Brigade in the league.

While quizzed about whether he enjoys playing against East Bengal FC compared to other teams, he said: " I have no favourite opponent. I play against all the teams; I give my best every time on the pitch against East Bengal FC, FC Goa, Kerala Blasters FC and Mumbai City FC."

Boumous had a memorable stint in Kolkata as he played three seasons for Mohun Bagan Super Giant before joining Odisha FC. The versatile midfielder won the ISL Cup in the 2022-23 season and clinched the Durand Cup in the 2023-24 season with the Mariners. Boumous recalled his Mohun Bagan SG days and had a message for their fans.

"It was a great night to come back here to Kolkata. So many good memories with my previous club, so many nights here at the Salt Lake, good memories with Derbies against East Bengal FC," he reminisced.

"Message to the fans from Kolkata: I miss them, of course, because they are undoubtedly the best in the country. I was to say hi to them and wish them the best," Boumous left a heartwarming message for the Mariners' passionate fanbase.

Boumous urged his teammates to carry forward the positive momentum in the forthcoming games with Odisha FC having been unbeaten in five matches now.

"Definitely, we have to keep going. Game after game we have to (keep) fighting. Hopefully, we'll give our best."

Odisha FC will next face another Kolkata side, Mohammedan Sporting Club, in an away fixture on December 27. Boumous didn't want to underestimate the opponent considering their recent form and expects a challenging game against the Black and White Brigade.

"Mohammedan SC are last on the table, but they are not the worst team in the league," he stated.

"I have watched them very closely. They have good players; maybe they have a lack of experience because they come from the I-League, but I think they have a good coach, they have good players, they play very well, but they didn't manage to get many points, so we'll have to be careful against them because they are a good team," he signed off.

Related tags:

Odisha FCMohun Bagan Super GiantEast Bengal FC2024-2025 Hugo Boumous