Jamshedpur FC became the first team to qualify for the semi-finals in the Kalinga Super Cup 2024 as they became victorious against Kerala Blasters in a 2-3 high-stakes drama.
The game kicked off with an electrifying moment in the 16th minute when Daniel Chima Chukwu, for Jamshedpur FC, came inches away from glory. A perfectly timed long ball from Provat Lakra set the stage, but the custodian of Kerala Blasters FC thwarted Chima's attempt with a save. However, the mood quickly shifted in the 28th minute when Kerala Blasters FC was awarded a penalty. Diamantakos converted the spot-kick, putting his team ahead 1-0.
The resilient spirit of Jamshedpur FC shone through in the 33rd minute when Daniel Chima Chukwu, undeterred by the earlier miss, capitalized on a cross from Muhammad Uvais to score a sensational equalizer. As the game progressed into the second half, strategic substitutions were made, with Alen Stevanovic and Steve Ambri coming in for Len and Germanpreet in the 46th minute.
The 57th minute saw a brilliant link-up play between Alen and Chima, resulting in a goal that gave Jamshedpur FC a 2-1 lead. A penalty in the 60th minute, expertly converted by Diamantakos, brought Kerala Blasters FC back into the game, leveling the score at 2-2. The rollercoaster continued with a substitution in the 66th minute, as Alen's injury led to Sanan taking the field for Jamshedpur FC.
In the 68th minute, the pendulum swung back in Jamshedpur FC's favor as Chima was fouled in the box, earning them a penalty. Jeremy Manzorro stepped up and made no mistake, putting Jamshedpur FC ahead 3-2.
A late substitution in the 81st minute saw Jitendra Singh coming in for Imran Khan, adding fresh legs to Jamshedpur's lineup. Despite Chima's effort going just wide in the 89th minute, Jamshedpur FC held onto their lead. The drama didn't end there, as a surprising red card was shown to Chima in the 90+4 minute.
However, TP Rehenesh, Jamshedpur FC's goalkeeper, made an important save in the 90+6 minute, denying Kerala Blasters FC a goal from a free-kick resulting from Chima's challenge.
In a fitting conclusion, Daniel Chima Chukwu was awarded the Kalinga Player of the Match.
