PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, Dec 30: Pratik Chaudhari’s decisive header in the 61st minute secured a vital 1-0 victory for Jamshedpur FC over Kerala Blasters FC in their historic 150th Indian Super League (ISL) match.
The win propelled the Men of Steel to fourth place on the ISL table, closing their year on a high at the JRD Tata Sports Complex on Sunday.
The match began with Kerala Blasters FC taking the initiative, pressing aggressively in the early stages.
However, Jamshedpur FC weathered the storm and gradually found their rhythm, gaining momentum as the first half progressed.
Jamshedpur nearly opened the scoring in the 8th minute when Rei Tachikawa’s header from the centre of the box, following a precise cross from Imran Khan, was saved by the Kerala goalkeeper.
The 34th minute provided Jamshedpur’s best chance of the first half. Javi Hernández pounced on a loose ball from the Blasters’ keeper, firing a shot on target that was deflected off a defender. Moments later, Hernández was set up again by Jordan Murray, but his effort was thwarted by Kerala defence.
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A minute later, Mohammed Sanan found himself with a clear opportunity from a long cross delivered from the right flank. However, the forward failed to make proper contact, squandering a golden chance to give Jamshedpur the lead.
After the half-hour mark, Jamshedpur took control of the game, dominating possession and creating several attacking opportunities. Kerala Blasters struggled to regain their footing as Jamshedpur applied relentless pressure.
In the 40th minute, Rei Tachikawa came close again with another header from the centre of the box, courtesy of a well-placed cross by Imran Khan. Unfortunately, the effort went high and wide, keeping the score goalless at halftime.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 61st minute when Pratik Chaudhari buried Stephen Eze’s pass into the bottom left corner of the net. The goal ignited the home crowd and shifted the balance decisively in Jamshedpur’s favour.
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Towards the end, S Doungel attempted to double the lead with two long-range efforts, both narrowly missing the target.
Despite Kerala Blasters’ attempts to find an equalizer, Jamshedpur FC’s defence stood firm, nullifying their attacks and ensuring a clean sheet.
Jamshedpur FC will face Bengaluru FC in their next home match on January 4 at the JRD Tata Sports Complex.
