Jamshedpur FC

Jamshedpur, August 17: Jamshedpur FC’s Durand Cup run came to an end on Sunday, but the Men of Steel walked off the JRD Tata Sports Complex pitch with their heads held high after a spirited display in front of their home supporters.

Despite a 0-2 defeat to Diamond Harbour FC in the quarterfinal, the performance was filled with relentless effort that kept the 12,000-plus crowd on their feet until the very last whistle.

The visitors struck early through Ruakima, who latched on to a long pass from Joby Justin in the third minute to put Diamond Harbour in front. JFC responded with wave after wave of attacks, with Jayesh Rane, Rei Tachikawa, and Sanan combining to carve out openings. Rane went closest in the first half with a curling effort that missed narrowly, while Praful and Sreekuttan also came close but could not find the finishing touch.

Diamond Harbour doubled their advantage in the 41st minute through a free kick, leaving JFC with a mountain to climb at the break. But the home side came roaring out in the second half. Pronay Halder saw a low header skim past the post, while Sanan and Praful were denied in quick succession by the rival goalkeeper. Late on, substitute VP Suhair almost found Nishu Kumar with a teasing cross before Jayesh Rane and debutant Manvir Singh combined to force another opening.

The moment that nearly turned the game came deep into stoppage time when Rei Tachikawa’s free kick was headed in by Praful, sending the stands into raptures. But celebrations were cut short by the assistant referee’s flag for offside, and with it went JFC’s final chance to mount a dramatic comeback.