PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, Jan 18: Stephen Eze’s sensational solo goal helped Jamshedpur FC secure a 1-1 draw against league leaders Mohun Bagan SG in a fiercely contested Indian Super League (ISL) match at the JRD Tata Sports Complex last evening.
This marked Jamshedpur FC’s first draw of the season, elevating them to second place on the points table with 28 points from 15 matches, while Mohun Bagan SG remains on top with 36 points from 16 matches.
The highlight of the match came in the 60th minute when Eze came up with a fantastic run that culminated in a goal for Jamshedpur.
The towering defender intercepted the ball 24 yards away from the goal, brushed past three Mohun Bagan defenders, and unleashed a clinical finish from the centre of the box into the bottom-right corner.
In the first half, Jamshedpur FC showed intent and created several opportunities, with Javi Hernandez leading the charge in attack.
Also Read- Sanjay Roy found guilty in RG Kar rape-murder case
Mohun Bagan SG’s defence remained resolute, and their goalkeeper Vishal Kaith made crucial saves to keep the hosts at bay. Albino Gomes, guarding Jamshedpur’s goal, was equally impressive, making several brave stops to deny Mohun Bagan an early lead.
The deadlock was broken in the 25th minute when Subhasish Bose capitalised on a corner.
Tom Aldred cleverly laid the ball off to Bose, who slotted it into the net, giving the visitors a 1-0 advantage.
Khalid Jamil made tactical adjustments at halftime, introducing Siverio, Seminlen Doungel, and Imran Khan. These substitutions injected fresh energy into Jamshedpur’s gameplay, but it was Eze who stole the limelight with his jaw-dropping equaliser.
The goal shifted the momentum in Jamshedpur FC’s favour, with the hosts mounting relentless attacks for the next 20 minutes. Siverio, Jordan Murray, and Mohammed Sanan all came close to scoring, but their efforts were thwarted by Mohun Bagan’s defence.
In the closing stages, Mohun Bagan SG regained composure and pushed forward in search of a winner. However, Albino Gomes, who was in stellar form, made several critical saves to ensure Jamshedpur held on for a well-deserved point.
Also Read- PM Modi distributes over 65 lakh property cards under SVAMITVA scheme
The result keeps Jamshedpur FC firmly in contention for a top-four finish, with a game in hand over Mohun Bagan SG.
Fans at the Furnace were treated to a thrilling encounter, with Eze’s extraordinary goal likely to be remembered as one of the highlights of the season.
In the next match, Jamshedpur FC face Hyderabad FC in away fixture on January 23, Thursday.
