UditVani, Jamshedpur: Jamshedpur FC narrowly missed out on securing a result as Hyderabad FC edged them 3-2 in a closely-fought encounter at the GMC Balayogi Athletic Stadium in the Indian Super League (ISL) match.
Despite leading at halftime, the Jamshedpur were undone by Hyderabad, marking JFC’s first loss in five matches.
Jamshedpur started the game cautiously, fending off Hyderabad’s early pressure.
However, the hosts capitalized on their first big opportunity in the 12th minute. Manoj Mohammad surged down the left flank and delivered a pinpoint low cross that Muhammed Rafi hammered into the net.
Jamshedpur, trailing 0-1, mounted an immediate response. Jamshedpur’s talisman, Javi Hernandez, showcased his class and composure to score two penalties in quick succession. In the 24th minute, Javi earned the first penalty after his sharp footwork drew a foul from Manoj inside the box.
He coolly slotted the ball into the bottom right corner to level the scores.
Just three minutes later, Jordan Murray’s persistence forced Hyderabad defender Alex Saji to commit another foul inside the penalty area. Javi stepped up again, this time sending the goalkeeper the wrong way with a clinical strike to the bottom left corner, giving Jamshedpur a 2-1 lead.
The visitors continued to press, and Murray came close to extending the lead, but his shot from an Imran Khan cross went high and wide, missing a golden opportunity to put the game further beyond Hyderabad’s reach.
The hosts equalized in the 69th minute through a move by Ramhlunchhunga, whose precise pass found Joseph Sunny.
The Hyderabad forward directed his shot into the top right corner, making it 2-2.
Hyderabad’s winner came just five minutes later. Receiving a pass from Manoj Mohammad, Alba unleashed a strike from outside the box.
Jamshedpur FC pushed hard in the final stages, with Hernandez getting excellent chances only to by denied by Hyderabad goalkeeper twice and woodwork.
With the defeat, Jamshedpur FC remain on 28 points from 15 matches, are in contention for the playoffs with a game in hand.
Jamshedpur will play Punjab FC in their next away match on January 28.
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