Jamshedpur, December 7: Mars Ningthoujam struck four times as Jamshedpur FC outclassed SAIL Football Academy, Bokaro, in their U-18 AIFF Elite League opener at Flatelet, Jamshedpur, on Sunday.
Last year’s runners-up showed their quality as they overcame a slow start before taking complete control of the match. Mars found the net in the 38th, 45th, 51st and 61st minutes, while Gopal Munda added another in the 55th to seal a resounding victory.
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SAIL Bokaro’s intense and physical style initially restricted Jamshedpur’s forward movements, but once the hosts settled and found their rhythm, the goals began to flow. Jamshedpur gradually took charge of the proceedings, with early attempts from Rayan and Mars missing the target by narrow margins.
In the 24th minute, Lawmsangzuala’s attempt from the edge of the box flew over the bar. Moments later, Jamshedpur’s pressure finally paid off when Lawmsangzuala threaded a brilliant penetrating pass to Mars, who calmly slotted past the goalkeeper to give his side the lead.
The duo combined again just before half-time, with Mars lifting the ball over the advancing goalkeeper to make it 2–0 at the break.
Jamshedpur resumed strongly in the second half. Mars completed his hat-trick in the 51st minute by finishing a precise cross from Gopal Munda. Four minutes later, Gopal got on the scoresheet himself, converting a pass from Mars to extend the lead to 4–0.
The final goal arrived in the 61st minute, with Mars coolly finishing a one-on-one with the goalkeeper to seal a memorable four-goal performance.
The team will now travel to Varanasi to face Inter Kashi in their away match in Varanasi on December 13th.
Result: Jamshedpur FC 5 (Mars Ningthoujam 38, 45, 51, 61; Gopal Munda 55) bt SAIL Football Academy 0
