Varanasi, December 13: A dramatic last-minute header from Heeranganba Seram helped Jamshedpur FC U-18 salvage a hard-earned 2–2 draw against Inter Kashi in their first away outing of the AIFF Elite League on Saturday.
Jamshedpur, who led at half-time courtesy of an own goal, were made to fight till the very end after Inter Kashi turned the game around in the second half. Seram’s late intervention ensured the young Men of Steel returned home with a deserved point from a demanding away fixture.
Jamshedpur began the match on the front foot and created several early chances. In just the fourth minute, Mars Ningthoujam came close to opening the scoring, but his header drifted narrowly wide. Sustained pressure followed, with JFC winning a series of corners and pinning Inter Kashi back in their own half.
The breakthrough arrived in the 13th minute when Seram attempted to thread a pass through to Mars inside the box. Inter Kashi defender Lunlensang Khonsai, under pressure, inadvertently diverted the ball into his own net, handing Jamshedpur an early lead. The visitors maintained control for large spells and went into the break with a 1–0 advantage.
The second half, however, saw a shift in momentum. Inter Kashi drew level after capitalising on a miscommunication following a free-kick situation. Jamshedpur responded positively and nearly restored the lead in the 58th minute, when Ayangsana Meitei rose to meet a Mars cross, only for his header to be tipped over the bar by the goalkeeper.
Inter Kashi then struck a blow in the 64th minute, scoring on the counter to take a 2–1 lead and put Jamshedpur under pressure. The visitors continued to push forward, creating chances in search of an equaliser. Substitute Rayan missed a clear opportunity, while Seram also fired over from close range with the goal at his mercy.
The game opened up further after Inter Kashi were reduced to ten men in the 86th minute, with Khunumayum Priyokumar shown a second yellow card. Jamshedpur made the numerical advantage count in stoppage time. Satyajit Das delivered a precise corner, which Seram met with a well-timed header to bring the scores level and cap a spirited comeback.
Jamshedpur FC U-18 will next face AIFF FIFA Talent Academy, Bhubaneswar, in their upcoming Elite League fixture on December 20 at Jamshedpur.
