Can Jamshedpur FC Overcome Diamond Harbour for a Semifinal Spot?

Jamshedpur, Aug 16 (NationPress) As the knockout stage approaches, the confident home team Jamshedpur FC will take on the fearless debutants Diamond Harbour FC in the third quarterfinal of the Durand Cup at the JRD Tata Sports Complex. Jamshedpur FC secured their quarterfinal spot by topping Group C, while Diamond Harbour FC advanced as one of the top second-placed teams.

Interim head coach Steven Dias, who stepped in after Khalid Jamil joined the national team, has instilled tactical sharpness and motivation in the squad. Dias praises the seamless transition and acknowledges the enthusiastic home crowd for boosting the team’s morale.

Coach Dias emphasized their strategy, stating, “Tomorrow we face Diamond Harbour FC for the first time, and we recognize they are a formidable opponent, unbeaten in their last 23 matches. We must remain cautious and focused. My players are fully prepared. Playing at our home ground is always special, and I urge all our supporters to come out and cheer us on. We will give everything to win and secure our place in the next round.”

While Jamshedpur FC enters the match fresh off a flawless group stage campaign, boasting victories of 3-2 against Tribhuvan Army FC, 1-0 against Indian Army Football Team, and 2-0 over 1 Ladakh FC, Diamond Harbour FC started strong with a 2-1 win against Kolkata giants Mohammedan SC, followed by a stunning 8-1 victory over Border Security Force, though they faced a setback with a 1-5 loss to Mohun Bagan Super Giant. Ultimately, a goal difference of +4 allowed the debutants to secure their spot in this knockout match.

Diamond Harbour FC has emerged as a surprise package this season, arriving at the Durand Cup with an impressive unbeaten streak of 23 consecutive matches across competitions.

Head coach Kibu Vicuna is optimistic ahead of the clash, saying, “We didn’t achieve the desired outcome in our last match, but that’s part of the game. What’s important is learning from our mistakes, remaining focused, and concentrating fully on the upcoming match. We know it will be a tough challenge against JFC, an ISL team with quality players. However, we are determined to ensure our journey doesn’t end in the quarter-finals. The boys have trained diligently, prepared thoroughly, and we will give our all to achieve the desired result.”

For Steven Dias’ Jamshedpur FC, the challenge lies in maintaining their winning momentum while finding ways to penetrate a team that excels in collective determination. Jamshedpur will leverage their home advantage, tactical discipline, and fan support, but they must not underestimate a Diamond Harbour FC side that has displayed remarkable audacity and ambition on the grand stage.

Jamshedpur FC will depend on their well-rounded Indian squad, featuring experienced players such as Pronay Haldar and Ashutosh Mehta, alongside promising talents like Praful Kumar Y.V, Vincy Baretto, Nikhil Barla, Ritwik Das, and Mohammad Sanan. With the addition of Japanese forward Rei Tachikawa, they aim to clinch victory in front of their home supporters and advance to the semi-finals.

Diamond Harbour’s starting striker Clayton Silva is questionable for this crucial match due to injury, but they have a capable backup in the seasoned Luka Majcen, who has netted four goals in the tournament. He will be well-supported by Jobby Justin and Girik Khosla, as well as experienced players Halicharan Narzary and NaroHari Shrestha when needed. The defense, led by Spaniard Mikel Kortazar and Melroy Assisi, is prepared to face Jamshedpur and will be aware of their set-piece heavy attacks.