The JSA League Premier Division final lived up to its billing as a high-octane encounter between Jamshedpur FC Reserves and Tata Steel, with the Jamshedpur FC Reserves emerging victorious in a dramatic 2-1 finish. The match, held at the iconic JRD Tata Sports Complex, was an intense showdown that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the very last minute.
The first half was a display of tactical brilliance and defensive resilience from both sides. Jamshedpur FC Reserves and Tata Steel, aware of the stakes, approached the game with caution yet intent, creating a balance between attack and defense. Despite numerous attempts to break the deadlock, the first half ended in a stalemate, with neither team able to find the back of the net.
As the second half commenced, the urgency to score became palpable. Both teams intensified their efforts, pressing forward with renewed energy and determination. The breakthrough finally came in the 74th minute when Vikas Nayak of Tata Steel capitalized on a well-orchestrated play, scoring a crucial goal that gave his team a 1-0 lead. The goal sent the Tata Steel supporters into a frenzy, as it seemed to put them on the path to victory.
However, Jamshedpur FC Reserves, known for their resilience, did not relent. As the clock ticked down and Tata Steel looked poised to claim the title, the drama unfolded in the dying moments of the match. In the 90+1 minute, Amzard Khan of Jamshedpur FC Reserves delivered a stunning equalizer, reigniting the hopes of his team and fans alike. The goal, scored in injury time, leveled the playing field at 1-1 and dramatically shifted the momentum of the game.
Just when it appeared that the match was heading into extra time, Bivan Jyoti Laskar of Jamshedpur FC Reserves produced a moment of brilliance. In the 90+4 minute, Laskar scored a sensational goal, sealing the victory for Jamshedpur FC Reserves with only seconds left before the final whistle. The last-minute goal not only clinched the match but also solidified Jamshedpur FC Reserves’ reputation as one of the most formidable teams in the league.
The final whistle confirmed Jamshedpur FC Reserves as the JSA League Premier Division champions, marking a memorable end to an extraordinary season. Tata Steel, despite their commendable performance, had to settle for the runner-up position.
In the post-match awards ceremony, Gramin Football Academy received the S Zubair Alam Memorial Trophy for Fair Play. The P Vijay Kumar Memorial Trophy for the highest goalscorer was jointly awarded to Vikas Nayak of Tata Steel and Amzard Khan of Jamshedpur FC Reserves. Ankit Kujur of Tata Steel was honored with the Ramesh Mehta Memorial Trophy for Best Goalkeeper, while Bivan Jyoti Laskar of Jamshedpur FC Reserves was named the Man of the Final, receiving the KC Murmu Memorial Trophy for his match-winning performance.
The award ceremony was graced by distinguished guests, including Chief Guest Mr. Sailesh Kr Singh, Deputy Chairman of Tata Workers Union, and Guest of Honour Mr. Mukul Vinayak Choudhari, Chief of Sports and CEO of Jamshedpur FC. The finale was further honored by the presence of Mrs. Vibhuti Dhand Adesara, Head of Sports - Events & Training Centres, Mr. Hemant Gupta, Head of Adventure Sports & Academies, and Mr. Sanjay Singh, Chairman of the Sports Advisory Committee and Vice President of Tata Workers Union.
This thrilling final will be remembered as a testament to the high caliber of football in the JSA League Premier Division, with Jamshedpur FC Reserves proving their mettle as deserving champions.
