PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, April 4: It was an intense match! Jamshedpur FC’s resilience and late drama with Javi Hernandez’s goal electrified the atmosphere at The Furnace.
The Furnace roared as Jamshedpur FC clinched a crucial 2-1 victory over ISL Shield Winners Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the first leg of their Indian Super League (ISL) semi-final in front of more than 20,000 crowd at the JRD Tata Sports Complex on Thursday evening.
A late strike from Javi Hernandez sealed the win, setting up an intense second-leg battle in Kolkata, where a draw would be more than enough for Jamshedpur to reach the final.
Siverio Strikes First
Jamshedpur FC came into this game knowing the importance of a strong start, and they found their breakthrough in the 24th minute.
A well-worked set piece saw Stephen Eze rise high and head the ball into the box, where an unmarked Javi Siverio nodded it past the Mohun Bagan SG goalkeeper, sending the home crowd into raptures.
The Furnace was in full voice, pushing the team forward, but Mohun Bagan, with their attacking firepower, remained a threat. Just 10 minutes later, the visitors came agonizingly close to equalizing as a powerful effort struck the crossbar.
Albino Gomes reacted quickly to grab the loose ball before it crossed the line, keeping Jamshedpur’s lead intact.
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Cummings Levels the Score
Mohun Bagan SG’s persistence paid off in the 37th minute. A well-taken free kick by Jason Cummings found the top right corner, leaving Albino with no chance.
The visitors had restored parity, silencing the Jamshedpur crowd momentarily. The rest of the first half saw both teams probing for another goal but without success. As the halftime whistle blew, the score remained 1-1, setting the stage for a tense second half.
A Magic Moment
After the break, Mohun Bagan took control of possession, pinning Jamshedpur back and testing their defensive resilience.
However, Khalid Jamil’s men stood firm, absorbing the pressure without conceding clear-cut chances.
As the game wore on, it seemed destined for a draw. In the 90+1st minute, Jamshedpur FC found their golden opportunity.
Ritwik Das, coming on as a substitute, was released on the counter-attack. He sprinted down the flank before cutting the ball back to Javi Hernandez, who calmly slotted it home, sparking wild celebrations across the stadium.
The Road to Kolkata
With this victory, Jamshedpur FC took a slender 2-1 advantage into the second leg in Kolkata on April 7.
Mohun Bagan SG will be desperate to turn the tie around at home, but Jamshedpur now know that a draw will be enough to book their place in the final.
The second leg in Kolkata is going to be a thriller, especially with Mohun Bagan SG looking to overturn the deficit at home.
Do you think Jamshedpur can hold on, or will Mohun Bagan mount a comeback?