Odisha FC assistant coach Anthony Fernandes lauded his team’s character after a 2-2 draw against NorthEast United at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhuvneshwar in the ongoing Indian Super League on Monday.

After a goalless first half, Alaaeddine Ajaraie continued his purple patch, scoring the game’s opener in the 67th minute. However, Thoiba Singh equalized for the Kalinga Warriors but Ajaraie once again restored Highlanders’ lead as he scored his second goal in the 83rd minute.

Isak Ralte scored the equalizer for the home team in the stoppage time to help his team share the spoils.

“For us, it was a very well-fought match. We had our chances. We could have won this match. But the character of the players to come back from a goal down and again equalize in the last minute itself shows the character of the team, that the team is hungry and trying to do their best. But we are very proud of the way our team fought back after going one or two goals down,” Fernandes said in the post-match press conference.

Fernandes showered praise on Isak Ralte, who made a comeback to the team after a long time. Ralte replaced Jerry Mawihmingthanga after the halftime break.

“Isak for us, is coming after a long break. He was on a recovery part, so we knew he couldn’t finish the game. That is the reason why we started him late. But he coming in brought extra energy to the team. There were a lot of positives to take from it. You can see it by the result itself. An assist and a goal on a comeback, it shows the character of the player. The way he is playing, it is going to help us going forward,” Fernandes said.

Odisha FC will next take on FC Goa at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Goa on Thursday.