PANJIM: Mohammad Mobashir’s first-half stunner proved to be the only difference in the game as Jamshedpur FC returned to winning ways after defeating Odisha FC 1-0 in the Indian Super League at Athletic Stadium, Bambolim, on Monday.
It was a much-needed win for Owen Coyle’s side, which had not seen a win in their last five games. The positive result also saw them move to 18 points from 15 games and inch closer to the top four finish, while the defeat left Odisha FC at the bottom leaving them in a tight situation to qualify for the playoffs.
There were a couple of changes in both teams who fielded their strongest eleven as they looked to end their winless streak. Stuart Baxter handed the first start to Bradden Inman and also started Paul Ramfangzauva while Peter Hartley and Mobashir were the two changes for Jamshedpur.
Jamshedpur new signing Seiminlen Doungel forced Arshdeep Singh into action early on when he dispossessed Rakesh Pradhan and on entering the box tried his luck at goal but the custodian was not ready to let him score.
Meanwhile, Odisha came close to scoring when they did everything right, but fumbled right in front of the goal. That was the closest the teams came to scoring when Ramfangzauva set Jerry Mawihmingthanga through in the Jamshedpur penalty area, and the latter beat a market before losing possession to Narender Gahlot. The ball rolled towards Manuel Onwu, who fumbled in front of the goal, before being cleared out for a corner.
Stephen Eze and Hartley were impressive for JFC in defense while their attack was equally better with Doungel impressing for his new team. JFC created chance after chance and missed them too. Farukh Choudhary was guilty of squandering a sitter after he struck over the bar from close range.
After repeatedly knocking at the door, JFC finally broke the deadlock just before the breather when Mobashir’s cross to Nerijus Valskis ended in the goal. Valskis moments confused Arshdeep which let him off track as the ball landed into the goal.
Doungel was in the thick of the action for the JFC. His pace on the flank created a constant threat to the opponents. At the other end, Arshdeep was at his best for Odisha, if not for the custodian’s brilliance, the team would have conceded more. Arshdeep stopped Alexandre Lima‘s effort from a distance and then denied Choudhary with a fine save.
Odisha had a late penalty claim when Diego Mauricio was tripped in the area by TP Rehenesh, but the referee turned down the appeal.
TODAY’S FIXTURE: East Bengal v. Bengaluru FC , at Tilak Maidan, Vasco, at 7:30 p.m.
