ISL: Jamshedpur FC defeated FC Goa 1-0.© ISL
Jamshedpur FC dealt a huge blow to FC Goa’s aspirations for a play-off spot with a lone victory in an Indian Super League (ISL) match on Friday. The win moved Owen Coyle’s men to second in the standings but kept Derrick Pereira’s men in ninth place with four games without a win. The only goal came through Daniel Chima Chukwu (49th minute), who scored on his first appearance for Jamshedpur after signing for them in the January transfer window. The match got off to an eventful start with Chukwu’s left shot just wide of the target.
On the other side, Ivan Gonzalez hit the bottom of the bar with a header. The rebound fell to Edu Bedia whose low shot was saved brilliantly by TP Rehenesh. The Gaurs threw more consecutive strikes at the JFC defense, but to no avail.
The first half was tough to say the least, leading to three yellow cards for Alex Lima, Anwar Ali and Daniel Chukwu respectively.
The injuries and stoppages led to four minutes of extra time, but neither team managed to break through the defense and score the opening goal.
The second half started with JFC pushing for a goal, which they got through debutant Chukwu, whose volley was too powerful for Naveen Kumar.
The custodian got the ball with both hands but couldn’t prevent it from sliding into the back of the net.
Ali came close to equalizing for the Gaurs after the hour, but the ball didn’t go in after hitting the crossbar for the second time.
On the stroke of the 80th minute, Airan Cabrera hit the crossbar for FC Goa for the third time with a left-footed volley.
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FC Goa coach Pereira made numerous changes to change the course of the match. Despite creating a plethora of chances, the equalizing goal eluded them as Coyle’s men defended their lead with a collective force and secured the three points.
FC Goa faces an ambitious Odisha FC in Bambolim on Tuesday, while Jamshedpur FC awaits the challenge of an in-form Bengaluru FC at the same venue on Saturday.
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