Kerala Blasters FC head coach Mikael Stahre expressed mixed emotions after his side played out an exhilarating 2-2 draw against Odisha FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) on Thursday.

The Blasters started strongly, dominating the early stages and deservedly taking the lead through Noah Sadaoui. Just three minutes later, Sadaoui set up Jesús Jiménez to double the advantage, putting Kerala Blasters FC firmly in control.

However, Odisha FC mounted a quick response, with an own goal by Alexandre Coeff giving them a lifeline before Diego Mauricio's strike levelled the score, completing a dramatic comeback within 36 minutes.

Although Stahre was disappointed to see his side surrender a two-goal lead, he was overall pleased with the performance of his players.

“We followed the game plan perfectly. We really looked like a team that played fast and aggressive, and we truly deserved the two goals,” Stahre said in the post-match press conference.

“We conceded a goal out of nowhere, and then suddenly we lost a little bit of momentum and they got into the game. And they're playing at home with the fans as well. So, for a few minutes, it was a little bit sloppy defensively, and then they came into the game. First of all, losing that 2-0 lead was really painful, but I must say that I'm really proud of the guys (because) of how they came back in the second half,” he added.

Stahre reiterated his feelings about the missed opportunity to secure a victory after leading by two goals but acknowledged the positive shift in his team's performance during the second half, where they created more clear-cut chances than the opposition.

“Overall, it's more positive than negative, that's for sure. But of course, when we are 2-0 up, it's painful not to win the game. At the same time, they equalized early, so they also had plenty of time to react. So, I'm not super happy, I'm not super disappointed; I'm something in between,” Stahre opined.

The Blasters are currently on a three-game unbeaten run following their defeat to Punjab FC in the opening Matchweek. They head into the international break with five points from four games.

Stahre shared his thoughts on the team’s progress, noting their positive strides while recognizing the need for continued improvement.

“We are progressing, and that's the most important thing. Even if, at the end of the day, it's about winning games, right now I think everyone feels that we are energetic, we are working hard, we show attitude, and we are playing for each other, and we're playing for the fans,” he commented.

Kerala Blasters FC will next travel to Kolkata for another away fixture, this time against newly promoted Mohammedan SC, after the break.