PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, March 31: Jamshedpur FC delivered a gritty performance to defeat NorthEast United FC 2-0 in a high-stakes Indian Super League (ISL) playoff clash at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong on Sunday evening.
A first-half strike from Stephen Eze and a stoppage-time goal from Javi Hernandez sealed the victory, sending the Men of Steel into the semi-finals, where they will face Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the first leg at the Furnace on April 3.
The match kicked off at a blistering pace, with both teams playing end-to-end football. Jamshedpur had an early opportunity in the 4th minute when Jordan Murray headed the ball into the path of Sanan, but the youngster’s shot lacked power and was easily gathered by the goalkeeper. NorthEast responded in the 8th minute with a close call, as Macarton Nickson’s deflection nearly crossed the line before Albino Gomes pulled off a crucial goal-line save.
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Eze’s key goal in first half
Jamshedpur grew into the game and found the breakthrough in the 29th minute. Off a well-delivered free-kick, Stephen Eze controlled the ball inside the box and slotted it past the NorthEast goalkeeper, giving JFC a crucial lead.
The Highlanders pushed for an equalizer, but Jamshedpur’s backline held firm, taking a 1-0 lead into halftime.
The second half saw NorthEast United increase the intensity, searching for a way back into the contest. Jamshedpur nearly doubled their lead in the 50th minute when Javi Hernandez set up Rei Tachikawa on a counter, but the Japanese midfielder, sliding in to connect, narrowly missed the ball. Despite relentless pressure from NorthEast, Jamshedpur’s defense remained rock-solid, not allowing any clear-cut chances.
Jamshedpur holds firm amid late red card
In the 80th minute, JFC made their first substitution, with Javi Siverio replacing the injured Rei. A minute later, Ritwik Das came on for Sanan to add fresh energy. JFC had another golden opportunity in the 83rd minute when Murray set up Siverio, but his shot sailed just over the bar.
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Drama unfolded in the 89th minute when Mobashir Rahman was shown a red card, leaving Jamshedpur to battle with 10 men. With eight minutes of added time, NorthEast threw everything forward, but Jamshedpur struck on the counter. In the 99th minute, Ritwik Das dribbled past defenders and set up Javi Hernandez, who finished clinically to secure the 2-0 win.
With this result, Jamshedpur FC booked their spot in the ISL semi-finals. The Men of Steel will now face Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the first leg of the semi-finals at the Furnace on April 3, as they continue their journey towards ISL glory.
