Jamshedpur, Jan 17 (NationPress) Stephen Eze netted a crucial goal in the second half, allowing Jamshedpur FC to draw 1-1 against reigning champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant during the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season match held at the JRD Tata Sports Complex on Friday night. The Mariners, leading the league, initially took the advantage in the first half with a goal from Subhasish Bose, but Jamshedpur FC fought back to equalize when Eze scored at the 60-minute mark.

This draw sees the Men of Steel rise to second place in the standings, trailing the Mariners by eight points (28) with one game in hand, having played 15 matches compared to the Kolkata team’s 16.

The match began energetically, with both teams attempting to assert control, but the first 15 minutes yielded few significant chances. The Mariners came close to scoring twice in the 17th minute. Jamie Maclaren managed to connect with a long pass in the penalty area, but Eze intervened to clear the threat. Shortly after, Jason Cummings sent a brilliant through ball to Liston, yet Eze was again on hand to avert danger.

The persistence of Mohun Bagan Super Giant bore fruit in the 25th minute when Tom Aldred headed the ball from a corner taken by Cummings. Subhashis reacted quickly, flicking the header past Albino Gomes to score for the visitors. Aldred almost doubled their lead in the 36th minute after receiving a pass from Maclaren, but Eze was there once more to block his shot.

As the first half progressed, Alberto Rodriguez attempted to set up Liston with a delicate pass, but the winger missed a prime chance to extend their lead. Just before halftime, Maclaren and Cummings combined well, but Albino made a straightforward save.

Following the break, coach Khalid Jamil opted for a tactical shift, substituting Sourav Das, Imran Khan, and Lazar Cirkovic for Javier Siverio, Mobashir Rahman, and Seiminlen Doungel, adopting a more direct style. The game turned in the 60th minute when Eze dashed past several Mohun Bagan defenders with a remarkable run, entering the penalty box and slotting the ball into the bottom right corner past Vishal Kaith.

The equalizer invigorated the home fans and shifted the momentum towards Jamshedpur FC. In response, Jose Molina replaced Cummings with Greg Stewart. After a brief lull, Rei Tachikawa came on for Jordan Murray to bolster the midfield, while Dimitri Petratos was brought in for Maclaren to push for a late winner.

The Mariners nearly clinched victory when Petratos found Liston in space, but Albino managed to deflect his shot. Towards the end of the match, Rodriguez had a golden opportunity from a set-piece but narrowly missed the target. Both sides pushed forward but failed to score again, resulting in a hard-fought draw.

Next up for Jamshedpur FC is a clash with Hyderabad FC on January 23, while Mohun Bagan Super Giant will face off against Chennaiyin FC on January 21.