Team Goemkarponn
Panjim: Jamshedpur FC delivered a commanding performance at the JRD Tata Sports Complex on Sunday night, securing a 3-1 victory over FC Goa in a crucial Indian Super League (ISL) encounter.
Despite a spirited second-half fightback, the Gaurs were undone by the hosts’ clinical finishing, slipping to third place in the league standings as a result.
Right from kick-off, Jamshedpur FC signaled their intent, creating wave after wave of attacks primarily through the flanks. FC Goa’s defence found itself under intense pressure, struggling to contain the Men of Steel while also being restricted in their own attacking movement.
The first-half water break at the 30-minute mark provided a brief respite for the Men in Orange, but it did little to halt the hosts’ momentum. Just four minutes later, the deadlock was broken in spectacular fashion by defender Lazar Cirkovic. Latching onto a pass from Javi Hernandez just outside the box, Cirkovic unleashed a powerful left-footed shot that soared past a diving Hrithik Tiwari into the top-right corner.
Jamshedpur doubled their advantage almost immediately, scoring again in the 37th minute. Mohammed Sanan’s initial attempt from a tight angle forced a block from Tiwari, but the ball slipped right through the Goa custodian into the path of Javi Siverio, who made no mistake in slotting it into an empty net.
Despite being second-best for most of the first half, the Gaurs found a way back into the contest just before halftime. Brison Fernandes picked out Ayush Chhetri with a well-timed pass from the left flank, and the young midfielder struck a first-time shot from outside the box, finding the top-right corner past goalkeeper Albino Gomes.
The goal marked Chhetri’s first in the ISL for FC Goa and gave his side a much-needed lifeline heading into the break.
FC Goa then emerged with renewed energy after the interval, playing with greater intent and finally putting the Men of Steel on the backfoot. They carved out several opportunities, but the home side’s disciplined defensive line, combined with last-ditch blocks and clearances, kept them at bay.
And just as the visitors seemed to be building momentum, Jamshedpur struck again in the 68th minute. A well-worked corner found Javi Siverio in the box, and the striker rose highest to nod the ball home from close range, restoring the hosts’ two-goal cushion.
In an attempt to salvage something from the game, Goa head coach Manolo Marquez turned to his bench, bringing on Armando Sadiku, Sahil Tavora, Jay Gupta, Mohammad Yasir and Muhammed Nemil. The side threw everything forward in the closing stages, launching a barrage of attacks that mirrored Jamshedpur’s early dominance.
Khalid Jamil’s boys, however, remained resolute, frustrating the Gaurs and securing a crucial victory.
The result further sees Jamshedpur leapfrog FC Goa into second place with 34 points, while the Gaurs, now third with 33 points, must quickly regroup with six league games remaining. Despite the setback, their spirited second-half display will offer some encouragement as they prepare to face Odisha FC at home on Thursday, February 6.
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