Jamshedpur : After a pulsating first-leg victory at the Furnace in front of a packed crowd of 20,968, Jamshedpur FC head to Kolkata to face Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the decisive second leg of the ISL 2024-25 semi-final on April 7 at VYBK Stadium.
With a narrow 2-1 lead in hand, the Red Miners are just 90 minutes away from reaching the final, but standing in their way is the League Shield-winning MBSG side, eager to turn the tide in front of their home supporters.
The Salt Lake Stadium is expected to be filled with thousands of green and maroon faithful, but Jamshedpur FC have shown all season that they thrive under pressure.
Head coach Khalid Jamil, the only Indian head coach in the ISL playoffs, has emphasized discipline and mental strength, especially with key players like Eze, Mobashir and Ashutosh missing due to suspension.
Jamshedpur have the momentum, having defeated NorthEast United in the Eliminator and then overcoming MBSG in the first leg.
But history favours the Kolkata giants, who have an unbeaten record against JFC at home in the ISL.
However, Jose Molina’s side have struggled in playoff matches recently, with just one win in their last six postseason encounters.
Without Eze marshalling the defence, the onus will be on Pronay Halder who has seamlessly slotted into a defensive role.
Jamshedpur’s attacking transitions have been sharp, with Siverio and Javi Hernandez both finding the net in the first leg.
Ritwik Das, whose crucial assist for Javi’s late winner turned the tie, will again be vital on the break.
Mohun Bagan, meanwhile, will look to dominate possession and use the width of the pitch.
Jason Cummings, who scored from a set piece in the first leg, remains a major threat, and their midfield depth means JFC will need to stay compact and sharp off the ball.
For Jamshedpur FC, this isn’t just another semi-final. It’s the first time they’re competing for a place in the final with fans backing them at every step — something that was missing during their previous playoff run in the bio-bubble.
As midfielder Sreekuttan put it, “The mood in the camp is positive, but focused. We know it’s not done yet. This is the final push.”
A draw will be enough for Jamshedpur to progress. But, the team has made it clear they are not going to sit back.
The kickoff time is at 7.30 pm and the match will be live on JioHotstar and StartSports 3.
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