Jamshedpur, April 5 — Ritwik Das came off the bench to set up the winning goal in Jamshedpur FC’s pulsating 2-1 victory over Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the first leg of the ISL semi-final, but the winger insists the job is far from over.

“Yes, we got a goal advantage but nothing is finished yet,” Ritwik said, reflecting on the assist that led to Javi Hernández’s late winner. “They are Mohun Bagan and we are facing them on their ground. We will give our best.”

In front of a roaring 20,968-strong crowd at the Furnace, Ritwik described the motivation that coursed through the squad playing their first-ever home semi-final. “This was the first semis we played in front of our home crowd. The last one was during COVID, so everyone was motivated to give their best for the team and for the supporters,” he said. “This mentality helped us move forward.”

The crowd played a key role in lifting the players through tense moments in the second half when Mohun Bagan dominated possession. “It felt like we were playing with an extra man,” Ritwik added. “This support motivated each and every one of us to push harder.”

Heading into the second leg at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium, Ritwik knows the challenge will only get tougher. “Obviously, it will be a hard fight because they are the best team in the league with great players. They won’t give up. But neither will we. We will give everything to win the match.”

Reflecting on a roller-coaster season that saw the Red Miners claw their way back into contention under head coach Khalid Jamil, Ritwik pointed to unity as the biggest takeaway. “Stick together, keep unity and create a good environment,” he said. “In the game of life, there will be ups and downs. But that doesn’t mean we stop or lose our values and faith.”

Jamshedpur FC’s gritty win over the league’s most star-studded team was a statement — not just of tactical execution, but of belief and collective spirit. And with players like Ritwik leading the charge, the dream of a first ISL title feels more alive than ever.