Playing better football in patches, Jamshedpur took the lead four minutes before break through midfielder Rahman and held on to the slender lead to earn three important points and jump two places to sixth spot on the table. JFC now have 18 points from 15 matches while Odisha remained rooted to bottom playing a match less.
Jamshedpur FC broke their five-match winless streak as they rode a soft goal from local boy Mohammad Mobashir Rahman to pile more misery on Odisha FC and win their Indian Super League tie 1-0 at GMC Stadium in Bambolim on Monday.
The former Tata Football Academy cadet floated in a cross from more than 30 yards out for Nerijus Valskis, with Odisha centre-back Gaurav Bora by the Lithuanian striker’s side. Valskis tried his best to reach for a tap-in but failed to get any touch before the ball dropped in front of Odisha goalkeeper Arshdeep Singh and went home. Arshdeep, otherwise brilliant to deny Jamshedpur at least a couple of times, could have done better this time but the Chandigarh lad paid the price for expecting a heavier touch, and deflection, from Valskis..Odisha were lacklustre to say the least.
Except for Jerry Mawihmingthanga on the right flank, no one was enthusiastic enough to create any problem for the Red Miners. Brazilian striker Diego Mauricio, who has scored seven out of 13 goals for Odisha, looked to have a bad day in office and failed to be at right position for Jerry’s passes most of the time. Thus, Jerry’s efforts failed to bear any fruit for the beleaguered Juggernauts as they succumbed to their eighth defeat of the season. Seiminlen Doungel, playing his second match of the season for the Men of Steel after joining them on loan from FC Goa, was livewire on the right wing to create most the chances for Owen Coyle-coached side and could have turned provider for a couple of more goals but for his teammates’ wastefulness in the attacking third.
Hero of the Match – Seiminlen Doungel
Seiminlen Doungel was a lively presence on the pitch and tormented Odisha’s defenders from start to finish. Besides setting up a few good chances for his teammates with his pin-point crosses, Doungel also tested the goalkeeper with shots in both halves. Defensively, he contributed two blocks, two clearances and four successful tackles.
Other Match Awards
Club Award – Jamshedpur FC
DHL Winning Pass of the Match – Seiminlen Doungel