Jamshedpur, Bengaluru share spoils in an dramatic encounter
Late goals in Hero ISL Match 9 before the first season break, kept the audience on edge of their seats as it set up an unforgettable night of football at the Kanteerava Stadium on Sunday, with Jamshedpur FC holding Bengaluru FC to a 2-2 draw.
Nishu Kumar’s stunning volley at the stroke of half-time put the hosts ahead. Youngster Gourav Mukhi made history when he came on for Jamshedpur FC as substitute and scored on his debut to equalize. Sunil Chhetri’s header in the 88th minute was cancelled out by Sergio Cidoncha’s effort in added time (90+4).
Tim Cahill and Michael Soosairaj got their much-awaited debuts in the Hero ISL as Jamshedpur FC head coach Cesar Ferrando named an attacking side to take on last season’s finalists. Carles Cuadrat’s Blues were unchanged from their 1-0 win over defending champions Chennaiyin FC.
Ferrando’s side started the game on the front foot but the first real threat came from the home side 12 minutes into the match. Udanta Singh’s blistering pace allowed him to race past winger-turned-left-back Bikash Jairu into space on the right flank. The winger’s cross, however, failed to reach Sunil Chhetri and was cleared by Tiri at the centre of the box.
Cahill looked to get in on the act by teasing a through-ball into space for Jerry Mawhmingthanga. The right-sided winger had time to pick out Soosairaj’s run into the box but the youngster’s cross was struck with too much force. The Men of Steel piled up the pressure as the first-half progressed but their final delivery into the box lacked clarity. Mario Arques struck a dangerous free-kick at Gurpreet Singh’s goal but it sailed inches over the bar and had the goalkeeper’s eyes on its trajectory all the way through.
The midfield battle was proving to be difficult to win for both teams. The forwards were kept under watch and the ball was often played into the wide areas for crosses into the box. Sunil Chhetri’s clever free-kick from the right flank was aimed at Xisco Fernandez who was waiting at the edge of the box. The Spanish midfielder’s sweet volley flew inches past the post and was an alarm signal for what was to come.
Two minutes later, another free-kick, earned by Miku and taken by Xisco, was headed clear initially by Tiri. The ball fell to Nishu Kumar outside the box who unleashed a stunning strike into the top left corner of the net, leaving Subhasish Chowdhury helpless and stunned.
Miku was proving to be a difficult for the Jamshedpur defence. He ran in behind the defence and squared a good through-ball across the face of goal, inviting Chhetri who failed to make a connection. Ferrando replaced defender Gaikwad with Mobashir Rahman and the midfielder almost pulled off another long-range goal. A brilliant strike from outside the box was kept out of the top right corner of the net by the outstretched hands of Gurpreet Singh.
With 19 minutes left on the clock, young forward Gourav Mukhi replaced Jerry to become the youngest ever player to make his debut in ISL. Ten minutes into his debut, the youngster produced a moment of brilliance to bring Jamshedpur back into the game.
Mukhi out-muscled Serran as he raced into the box to receive Maria Arques’ chip and slotted the ball past Gurpreet Singh for the equalizer. Just as the Blues faithful thought they were done for the day, Harmanjot Khabra’s long ball into the box from the right flank was headed into the net by Sunil Chhetri to put the hosts back into the lead in the 88th minute.
However, Jamshedpur FC showed gumption as they pulled one back right at the death. Arques’s cross into the box saw Cidoncha place his effort into the far post to ensure that they pick a crucial point away from home. A hard fought draw earned today kept Jamshedpur FC unbeaten run here at the Kanteerava Stadium.
Also Read: Brilliant Goa gun down defending champions
Also Read: Probables for China friendly announced, 13 U23 players in the
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more updated on Mumbai & Indian Football
I-League 2: MH Oranje FC flares an important 3-0 victory over Sporting Goa in an crucial encounter
Maharashtra Oranje FC returned to winning ways with a 3-0 win over Sporting Goa to lift themselves to 7th spot in the I-League 2 table In a high-stakes I-League 2…
Roundup: Chennaiyin FC win against KBFC as RFYC, Bengaluru FC play gripping draw in RFDL National Group Stage in Mumbai
Mumbai, April 16: Bengaluru FC and Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC) played out a goalless draw at the Reliance Corporate Park (RCP) in Navi Mumbai in the National Group Stage…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
Millat FC win 5-2 to stay in title race, Hope United enters top 3 in the league table
Title contenders Millat FC kept their unbeaten run on with cruising 5-2 win over Kalina Rangers, Hope United picked up a come from behind win. Millat FC rode on Duane…
Mohun Bagan Super Giant crowned ISL Champions 2023-24 after 2-1 win in title-winning clash against Mumbai City FC
Kolkata, April 15: Mohun Bagan Super Giant became the Indian Super League (ISL) Champions by defeating Mumbai City FC by 2-1 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata tonight. The…
Kerala Blasters FC bag winning momentum before playoffs with solid 3-1 win against Hyderabad FC
Hyderabad, April 12: Kerala Blasters FC ensured that they will enter the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 playoffs with a win at their back after defeating Hyderabad FC by 3-1…
ISL 2023-24 Knockout 1 Preview: Playoffs fever grips the ISL as Odisha FC host Kerala Blasters FC with a semi-final spot at stake
Bhubaneswar, April 18: Odisha FC and Kerala Blasters FC will face each other in the first match of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 playoffs at the Kalinga Stadium in…
Attacking talents flourish, defensive stability define league’s best: ISL 2023-24 Statistical Breakdown
The Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 league stages rounded off with Mohun Bagan Super Giant becoming the League Champions for the first time in the history of the competition. They…
Ivan Vukomanovic: Seeing Kerala Blasters FC players shine for the national team gives me great satisfaction
Kerala Blasters FC head coach Ivan Vukomanovic is into his third season in the Indian Super League (ISL) and he has naturally overseen the rise of multiple young players who…
NorthEast United FC end their campaign on a high with feisty 3-0 victory over Odisha FC
Guwahati, April 13: NorthEast United FC bowed out of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 on a high with a resounding 3-0 victory against Odisha FC at the Indira Gandhi…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…