ISL 2024-25: Resilient Jamshedpur Defeats Punjab FC 2-1, Climbs to Third Position

New Delhi, Jan 28 (NationPress) Pratik Chaudhuri and Javi Hernandez both found the net as Jamshedpur FC narrowly defeated Punjab FC 2-1 in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Tuesday. The Men of Steel have now ascended to third place in the standings with 31 points from 17 matches, thanks to 10 victories and a draw, just two points behind second-placed FC Goa (33).

Jamshedpur FC opened the scoring with a header from Pratik Chaudhuri in the 41st minute, followed by a second goal from Javi Hernandez early in the second half. Although Punjab FC fought hard to recover, Ezequiel Vidal’s goal was merely a consolation. This defeat marked a seventh consecutive match without a win for Punjab FC (2D, L5). The hosts came out strong, launching multiple attacks against Jamshedpur FC's defense, while the visitors sought chances to counter.

Due to Punjab FC’s relentless pressure, the first opportunity of the match arose for Luka Majcen in the eighth minute. The sequence began with Asmir Suljic, who passed to Muhammad Suhail on the right side. Suhail delivered a precise cross to Majcen, but his shot was thwarted by Albino Gomes. Meanwhile, Jamshedpur FC also created a few chances involving Javier Siverio and Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC) graduate Mohammed Sanan. The Men of Steel primarily relied on their left flank, but Punjab FC's defense managed to hold firm.

Ricky Shabong had a chance to score in the 21st minute after a combination with Suljic forced another save from Albino. With Suljic leading the charge, Punjab FC continued to apply pressure on Jamshedpur FC’s defense, with Majcen and Suhail contributing significantly. The contest shifted in the 41st minute when Jamshedpur FC took the lead, courtesy of Pratik Chaudhuri’s goal. The defender leaped highest during a corner taken by Rei Tachikawa and sent it past Muheet Shabir to give Jamshedpur FC the advantage against the run of play.

The goal invigorated Punjab FC as they ended the first half strongly, with Suljic and Abhishek Meetei testing the goalkeeper. However, none of their attempts were enough to equalize before the break.

At the start of the second half, Panagiotis Dilmperis replaced Filip Mrzljak with Ezequiel Vidal. Things took a turn for the hosts when a clearance from Muheet deflected off Javi Hernandez and found its way into the net in the 48th minute.

The sequence began with a back pass from Nikhil Prabhu to Ivan Novoselec, who then played a loose ball back to Muheet. Under pressure from Javi, the goalkeeper hurried his clearance, resulting in an unfortunate own goal.

Punjab FC managed to pull one back in the 58th minute when Vidal struck from distance, surprising the entire Jamshedpur FC defense, including Albino. The Argentine’s shot swerved past Pratik and nestled into the bottom right corner, marking the 10th goal conceded by Jamshedpur FC from outside the box this season.

In the 60th minute, Dilmperis introduced Petros Giakoumakis and Leon Augustine to inject fresh energy into the attack, replacing Majcen and Suhail.

Both teams made further substitutions in pursuit of energy as the match progressed. While Punjab FC pushed for an equalizer, Khalid Jamil ensured his side had the right personnel to thwart their efforts.

In the 80th minute, Khalid opted for a defensive strategy, bringing on Stephen Eze to secure the lead, substituting Tachikawa in midfield. Leon found an opportunity in the 85th minute, but his weak shot from the edge of the penalty area was easily cleared by Pratik. Despite several attempts by Punjab FC and their coach to find combinations for an equalizer, they ultimately fell short against a well-organized Jamshedpur FC side, who claimed their 10th victory of the season.

Punjab FC is set to face Bengaluru FC on February 1, while Jamshedpur FC will challenge FC Goa on February 2.