Fall scored with a powerful header in the 61st minute as India’s Odisha edged Bashundhara Kings 1-0 to finish as the Group D winners on 12 points, two ahead of their Bangladeshi opponents. Fall celebrated by cradling his arms before he was mobbed by his teammates at the Kalinga Stadium.

“The celebration was for my twins. I had twin babies (several) days before, because of which I was off from a couple of matches. This goal is a gift for them,” Fall said.

“The game we just witnessed holds great significance. We had eagerly awaited this moment, but we had also nurtured a deep belief in its realisation. From the very first minute of the tournament, it seemed highly unlikely that we would achieve such a remarkable position.”It is indeed a remarkable achievement as Odisha kicked off their campaign with two consecutive defeats but four wins on the trot secured them a deserved place in the knockout stage, with head coach Sergio Lobera attributing the feat to teamwork.

“It is a significant accomplishment. Today, we have created a milestone in the club’s history. This achievement is the result of the extensive effort put forth by the club, its staff, the players, and our loyal supporters. We take great pride in representing our club and India on this platform and attaining such a triumph,” said Spaniard Lobera.“For our team, the task posed a greater challenge as locating spaces in the adversary’s half proved to be more laborious. Undoubtedly, our opponents possess a formidable array of players skilled in orchestrating counter-attacks, affording them occasional opportunities to create scoring chances.

“However, I firmly believe that my players adeptly handled the circumstances with great poise and efficiency.”

Odisha will now await the knockout stage draw, which is scheduled to be held in Kuala Lumpur on December 28.