Jamshedpur FC kicked off their Season 2021-22 campaign after a long break due mandatory quarantine. After being unable play two games and having only a few days to train ahead of #JFCFCG, Owen Coyle and his men knew what’s at stake tonight given and to say they gave a thrilling output would be an understatement.
The game kicked off at the Athletic Stadium, Bambolim with FC Goa applying pressure on Jamshedpur’s defence from the get go. A close chance was produced early on by FC Goa at the edge of the box, but the crucial back 4 of Jamshedpur FC comfortably kept the ball away from danger. Although Goa tried their level best to get inside the box, Jamshedpur defenders and midfielders stood strong to keep the ball out of harm’s way.
The game continued with a constant push and pull from both sides as either tried to one up each other. An FCG corner led to a dangerous shot by opposing attacker but Superman Rehenesh saved the day with a brilliant block. A few more kicks here and there and Greg won a free kick by putting his body on the line to win an air ball. However, it turned into a missed opportunity due to a mishap inside the box after the attempted cross from the free kick. Greg whipped the ball in from the right flank towards the far post, but the FC Goa keeper caught the ball with ease, and that’s how a goalless first half came to an end with both sides with similar amount of opportunities in their locker. Both Jamshedpur men and Gaurs showed signs of fatigue and physical stress by the end of the first 45.
The Men of Steel and Gaurs returned with renewed energy and the second half kicked off with tons of opportunity, however with no changes to either side. Around 49th minute, Jamshedpur picked up their momentum. New signing and Nigerian striker, Daniel Chima, gave Jamshedpur the much-needed lead with a sublime shot on target, thus marking his debut officially as a memorable one. With renewed sense of energy and positivity, Jamshedpur kept pressing with a more attacking mind-set and got the desired result with debutant, Daniel Chima’s nice overhead pass from Dinliana thus leading to a power-loaded goal.
FC Goa tried to level the score with more attacks but the Jamshedpur defence and Rehenesh in particular stood like a wall between the post and the Gaurs, denying every goal-scoring opportunity that the opposition tried to create. Both sides kept pushing from both ends in the last 20 minutes. With many substitutes from the teams, the fresh legs took complete opportunity to get goals for their respective teams and that’s how a thrilling night ended with Jamshedpur FC scoring a win and creating their first ever double over FC Goa.
With their 3rd consecutive victory in the pocket, Jamshedpur FC walked out with a clean sheet, 3 points while climbing up the league table to number 2.
