Tag: Jamshedpur FC

Jamshedpur FC beat Kerala Blasters FC by 1-0 at the JRD Tata Sports Complex in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 tonight.
by Abhishek Shukla

Jamshedpur FC jump four places to the fourth spot after a slender 1-0 victory against Kerala Blasters FC

Jamshedpur, December 29: Jamshedpur FC beat Kerala Blasters FC by 1-0 at the JRD Tata Sports Complex in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 tonight. A second-half strike by Pratik Chaudhari ensured that Jamshedpur FC broke the Kochi-based team’s six-game-long unbeaten streak against them. The Men of Steel accordingly jumped four positions from the eighth place to the fourth spot in the standings as a result of this win, now boasting 21 points from 12 matches.

Kerala Blasters FC took their sweet time to get their feet into the proceedings, but their first proper goal-scoring chance emerged through an exemplary effort from Noah Sadaoui in the final third in the 30th minute.

Naocha Singh undertook the direct route, launching a long ball for Noah at the edge of the left side of the 18-yard box. The attacker brought the ball down with a deft first touch. He then had two chances, either to sprint ahead and make a cross with his left foot or cut inside the box. Instead, he made a creative cross from the outside of his boot for Kwame Peprah at the centre of the box. Peprah had ample time to head the ball in, but his aerial effort was directed high and wide to the right off target.

Four minutes later, Javi Hernandez squandered an excellent chance, as he failed to strike the ball to close out a move that he began with his vision from the centre of the field. Hernandez laid the ball for Rei Tachikawa, who passed it on to Imran Khan on the right flank. Imran curled in a cross from distance for Jordan Murray, but Sachin Suresh got at the end of the delivery first. The goalkeeper couldn’t clear the ball properly and it ended up landing at Hernandez’s feet in the middle of the box. The attacking midfielder’s right-footed shot lacked enough power to make its way past the away team’s custodian though.

Kerala Blasters FC began the second half on the front foot, and Naocha almost broke the deadlock in the 53rd minute with a thunderous shot from outside of the 18-yard box on the left side upon receiving a pass from Noah. Naocha backed his instincts to test his luck from distance and it required a diving Albino Gomes to save the shot on the bottom left corner.

Jamshedpur FC found the eventual breakthrough from a powerful shot taken by defender Pratik Chaudhari in the 61st minute. The Kerala Blasters FC unit made repeated attempts to clear a cross earned by the Men of Steel, but Chaudhari pounced upon a loose ball and netted it into the bottom left corner to score only his third-ever ISL goal, and first since December 2021 (for BFC vs CFC). Upon conceding this goal, Kerala Blasters FC have now gone an entire calendar year, i.e. 2024, without keeping an away clean sheet, despite playing 14 games on the road in this period.

Seiminlen Doungel came on as a substitute for Imran in the 72nd minute, and made some startling efforts from outside of the box, once each in the 80th and 88th minutes of the match respectively. However, both shots were wayward, and didn’t extend their lead, but ensured that Kerala Blasters FC were pushed back in the final 15 minutes of the game.

Key Performer of the Match

Pratik Chaudhari (Jamshedpur FC)

The defender put in an incredible shift at the back, making nine clearances, in addition to nestling the only strike of the match.

What’s next for both teams?

Jamshedpur FC will play their next match against Bengaluru FC on January 4. Kerala Blasters FC are set to feature against Punjab FC on January 5.

Brief Scores

Jamshedpur FC 1 (Pratik Chaudhari 61’) – 0 Kerala Blasters FC

Stats Pack

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by Abhishek Shukla

Race for playoff spots intensify with a rejuvenated Jamshedpur FC hosting upbeat Bengaluru FC

Jamshedpur, 10 February 2024: The Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 looks set to witness another nail-biting clash when Bengaluru FC travel to take on Jamshedpur FC at the JRD Tata Sports Complex on February 11, Sunday, at 7:30 PM IST. There are teams that get on a sudden positive run of things upon the arrival of a new head coach, but the momentum that the Red Miners find themselves in currently is truly distinct and remarkable. Their improvement in performances under the tutelage of Khalid Jamil was visible in the Kalinga Super Cup, where they arguably beat all odds to make it to the semi-final.

They resumed the ISL campaign sluggishly, conceding a lead to settle for a 1-1 draw against NorthEast United FC. However, it was their second-half comeback by three goals that saw them beat Mumbai City FC 3-2 that made all heads turn.

The Islanders were taken aback by the energy and enthusiasm that Jamshedpur FC approached the second half on an away turf. They must be taking a lot of confidence from that performance at home against the Blues, who bounced back to winning ways with a comfortable 1-0 win over their southern rivals Chennaiyin FC.

The scoreline might suggest otherwise, but the Gerard Zaragoza-coached side was in control of the proceedings throughout the 90 minutes or so. They created chances aplenty, and gave away few of them, a pattern that the team would be hoping to see a repeat of against Jamshedpur FC. Zaragoza will want his forwards to put more chances to bed though, and whether they have improved on the finishing bit of things will be closely monitored in the coming clash.

What’s at stake?

Jamshedpur FC

Not many teams manage to overcome a two-goal deficit at the home of Mumbai City FC, and Jamil must be credited for optimising the strength of the squad at his disposal. His next task must be to blend in a sense of consistency within the team, so that they can produce such impressive results regularly. The previous game between the two sides had resulted in a 1-0 win for the Blues, with Javi Hernandez converting a penalty at the brink of half-time.

Jamshedpur FC does not boast of a positive record against Bengaluru FC lately, having lost each of their previous four games against the Blues. Further, the team has not been in the best of touch in their home turf either, being winless in their previous five ISL fixtures at the JRD Tata Sports Complex. A distinct feature of the Jamshedpur FC gameplay has been their tendency to commit fouls, making 12.6 of them on an average in each match, which is the highest amongst all teams this season.

Jamshedpur FC has appeared to be more lethal moving forward since Jamil came on board. Imran Khan has been sharp from the flank and Jeremy Manzorro has been equally proficient delivering sharp passes into the final third. TP Rehenesh has been solid between the posts, thwarting the waves of attacks the opposition unleashes upon him. The head coach will want all his players from the back to the front to be at the top of their game to hold a promising looking Bengaluru FC unit.

Bengaluru FC

Zaragoza must be pleased with the clean sheet that Bengaluru FC kept in the last game, as the club invested heavily in strengthening their defence in the January transfer window. The duo of Nikhil Poojary and Chinglensana Singh add impressive sharpness to the back, and it was in fact Poojary’s industriousness moving forward that helped them produce the move that led to the winner by Ryan Williams against Chennaiyin FC.

A win here will help Bengaluru FC secure their outright most consecutive victories against a single opposition in ISL history, having won four successive games against Jamshedpur FC. The Blues will want to address some concerns at the back, having given away goals in each of their last seven away matches.

This has not been the best of the seasons in the ISL for them, which reflects in the 14 points that they have garnered after 14 games, i.e. the least that the Blues have ever gotten at this stage of the competition. Moreover, the 22 goals they have conceded is their highest ever tally after 14 matches of any ISL season, and these are the loopholes they must look to look after in the next eight encounters.

These are the areas that Bengaluru FC should look to double down upon. Hernandez and Chhetri joined hands for some unique set-piece routines that unfortunately for them could not be converted against Chennaiyin FC, but similar efforts against Jamshedpur FC with slightly better efficiency could reap rich dividends for them.

Key Players

Imran Khan (Jamshedpur FC)

Imran Khan has been a brilliant prospect under Jamil’s watch, scoring once each in the last couple of matches. He has gotten into formidable goal-scoring positions, and shot sharply and on target, beating the goalkeeper from distance. The attacker has been equally involved in creating opportunities for fellow forwards. With 80% accuracy, he has attempted 26 passes per game and also created 14 goal-scoring opportunities. He has made nine interceptions and earned 13 fouls, showing his engagement in all facets of the gameplay. Imran will be looking to boost his goal contributions as the season progresses but he will have his task cut out against a newly bolstered Bengaluru FC backline.

Nikhil Poojary (Bengaluru FC)

Nikhil Poojary can be heralded as one of the most complete fullbacks in the ISL currently. He is defensively tenacious, unafraid to commit to challenges, neatly recovering possession and keeping things safe for his side on his end of the field. Offensively, he is very creative, and even eager to do something in the frontline for his fellow forwards.

He takes the backline higher up on the field, dissects the opposition’s defence with razor sharp passes, but most importantly ensures that all of this doesn’t lead to any sort of complacency in the backend of the field for him. He has made 24 tackles and 28 clearances in 13 league appearances this season, but was arguably a misfit in a misfiring Hyderabad FC unit. Will things turn around for him and Bengaluru FC in the rest of the campaign? Let’s wait and watch.

Head-to-Head

Played – 13

Jamshedpur FC – 4

Bengaluru FC – 6

Draws – 3

Trivia: Jamshedpur FC has not scored in their last three encounters against Bengaluru FC.

Team Talk

“I have said it earlier also that whatever results we have gotten is because of the players. The foreign players are very mature and they are working hard. The senior Indian players are doing well and the youngsters are trying their best too. So it’s a mix of efforts from everyone,” Jamshedpur FC head coach Khalid Jamil remarked in the pre-match press conference.

“It’s an important game for us, but just as important as it was for us against Chennaiyin FC or for them against Mumbai City FC. They are amongst the five-six teams fighting for the sixth spot and it’s the most difficult ISL season in the last 10 years in that regard,” Bengaluru FC head coach Gerard Zaragoza said ahead of the match.

ISL Fantasy

Javi Hernandez (9.8cr)

Constant source of creativity to score and produce goal-scoring chances

Nikhil Poojary (3.6cr)

Can set up goals for their forwards

Daniel Chima Chukwu (5.8cr)

A lively figure for JFC at the tip of the attack

Where to Watch

Fans across the country can catch the action in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Malayalam. Fans can watch the action on linear channels like Sports18 Khel (Hindi), Sports18 1 HD (English), Sports18 3 SD (English, Hindi, Malayalam and Bengali), VH1 SD & HD (English), Surya Movies (Malayalam), News 18 Kerala (Malayalam – select matches) & DD Bangla (Bengali). Fans can also catch the action streaming Live for free on JioCinema, the home of Indian football. In addition to this, as part of FSDL’s partnership with OneFootball, ISL live streams and highlights of all matches of the upcoming 2023-24 season will be delivered across more than 190 countries.

Points Table

by Abhishek Shukla

Mumbai City FC looks to overcome significant departures against rejuvenated Jamshedpur FC

Mumbai City FC and Jamshedpur FC will square off in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 at the Mumbai Football Arena (MFA) on February 4, Sunday at 7:30 p.m. (IST). This game will mark the return of Khalid Jamil with his first game for JFC in Mumbai, the place that propelled him to coaching success back when he coached Mumbai FC in the I-League.

Jamil has had a terrific impact on the Red Miners since he replaced Scott Cooper at the helm. He spearheaded them to the semi-final of the Kalinga Super Cup, which is a remarkable feat given that they have won only twice and lost seven times in their 13 league encounters so far.

They sealed a 1-1 draw against NorthEast United FC on Wednesday, but will want to go one step ahead and inflict a loss upon the Islanders in their own backyard. Mumbai City FC have endured an exciting campaign in their bid to defend their League Winners Shield title. They lost all their games in the AFC Champions League, suffered a series of unconvincing results given the quality of their squad, and saw the departure of their head coach Des Buckingham to Oxford United FC.

They went into the break with a terrific victory against Chennaiyin FC at home, and will wish to pick up from there against Jamshedpur FC, whose fortunes have been on the rise in the last month or so.

However, the Islanders have been dealt with major blows in the winter transfer window, with key players like Greg Stewart, Abdenasser El Khayati, and Rostyn Griffiths leaving the club. Head coach Petr Kratky has been served a challenge straightaway upon his arrival, and how he works his way around them will go a long way in deciding his credentials at the City Football Group (CFG) owned outfit.

What’s at stake?

Mumbai City FC

Regardless of the numerous key departures this season, the Islanders have to fight till the end to not slip away from their pursuit of challenging for the top honours on the domestic front.

At this stage, it appears that the trio of Kerala Blasters FC, Odisha FC, and FC Goa have somehow beaten the Islanders in terms of points as well as performances. However, Mumbai City FC are defending the shield for a reason and they are well aware of the measures that they must take to overtake the aforementioned set of teams to attain their objectives.

They are often a difficult team to beat at home, and are arguably better placed in terms of the quality present in their ranks vis-à-vis Jamshedpur FC. Interestingly, they have never won consecutive matches against the Red Miners in the ISL. However, they have not been defeated at the MFA even once in this ISL campaign, and Kratky will be hoping to extend that record when his men take the field on Sunday evening.

Jamshedpur FC

Jamshedpur FC has been a recharged unit since Jamil’s appointment, with the tactician arguably setting them up in a way that optimises their strength. Whilst Cooper’s philosophy was broadly focused on playing a possession-based brand of football, Jamil stresses on a strengthened backline supported by industrious midfielders and quick wingers. He has a striker in Daniel Chima Chukwu, who can be a threat in the air and equally skilful with his feet inside the box.

Moreover, Jamil is perhaps better placed to optimise the qualities of his domestic contingent, which is reflected in the growing confidence of Imran Khan with which he found the back of the net against the Highlanders. Overall, he has given an impression that he understands what this squad can offer him and is working towards ensuring that they get the expected results regardless of the opposition they are facing.

Key Players

Yoell van Nieff (Mumbai City FC)

The Dutch defensive midfielder will have added responsibility to shoulder the responsibilities of the defensive unit in the absence of Griffiths. Van Nieff has made eight appearances in ISL 2023-24, recording an 82% passing accuracy, making seven interceptions, and earning 14 fouls. He has created a goal-scoring opportunity in every game, which suggests that he is constantly looking for avenues to breach the opposition’s defensive line.

It is possible that he could be pegged in a deeper role to make up for Griffiths, and whether that negatively impacts his forays moving forward remains to be seen. However, with the going away of multiple star international players, the significance of van Nieff increases massively in the Mumbai City FC unit. A terrific second half of ISL 2023-24 will help him individually and result in overall better performances from the team’s end as well.

Imran Khan (Jamshedpur FC)

The Jamshedpur FC midfielder has averaged 76.6 minutes per field across his 10 appearances in the ISL this season. He has created 14 goal-scoring chances, netted and assisted once each, and been quick on his feet whilst winning 13 fouls in total. Imran has made eight interceptions, made an average of 27 passes per game, and been a lively presence whether through the centre or even via the flanks.

He has been booked only once so far, and his strike against the Highlanders means that he will be beaming with confidence coming into this fixture. Jamil has never lost a game against Mumbai City FC in the ISL, and the contributions of Imran will be essential in keeping that record intact come Sunday. Interestingly, he has been very neat in his passing, completing 80% of them in this campaign and by the looks of it; his role and responsibilities are only going to get bigger and better in Jamil’s watch.



Head-to-Head

Played – 12

Mumbai City FC – 4

Jamshedpur FC – 5

Draws – 3

Trivia: Jamshedpur FC have won only once in their seven away fixtures in the ISL 2023-24.

Team Talk

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“There was a lot of opportunities to give to these young boys and I’m very happy and I’m looking forward to work with them more. We missed players due to national team duties, and they need to just keep working hard,” Mumbai City FC head coach Petr Kratky said in the pre-match press conference. 

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“In the second half, everybody tried, but they came hard at us for the equaliser and they got it. But we tried and that’s a good point, but I wanted to get three points, which would’ve been better for us,” Jamshedpur FC head coach Khalid Jamil reflected on their draw against NorthEast United FC in the last game.

ISL Fantasy

Rahul Bheke (4.1cr)

Proactive approach in moving the ball higher up the field

Lalengmawia Ralte (4.9cr)

Guaranteed contributions on both attacking and defensive fronts from the middle

Daniel Chima Chukwu (5.5cr)

Constant goal-scoring threat from the JFC ranks


Where to Watch

Fans across the country can catch the action in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Malayalam. Fans can watch the action on linear channels like Sports18 Khel (Hindi), Sports18 1 HD (English), Sports18 3 SD (English, Hindi, Malayalam and Bengali), VH1 SD & HD (English), Surya Movies (Malayalam), News 18 Kerala (Malayalam – select matches) & DD Bangla (Bengali). Fans can also catch the action streaming Live for free on JioCinema, the home of Indian football. In addition to this, as part of FSDL’s partnership with OneFootball, ISL live streams and highlights of all matches of the upcoming 2023-24 season will be delivered across more than 190 countries.

Point Table

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by Abhishek Shukla

Jamshedpur Football Club sign midfielder from ATK

Jamshedpur, November 30, 2018: Jamshedpur FC are ecstatic to announce that the club has completed the signing of 21-year-old midfielder, Malsawmzuala on loan from ATK. The youngster has penned a deal with the the Jharkhand-based side and is now available to feature for the club for the remainder of the Indian Super League 2018/19 season.

Starting his footballing journey with his local club, Chanmari FC in Mizoram, Malsawmzuala quickly climbed the ladder and impressed the scouts at Bengaluru FC. The youngster joined BFC in 2015 and instantly became a regular in the side.

Malsawmzuala made important contributions for the club in I-League and also in the AFC Cup. He made 15 appearances for the club and scored 1 goal; a 30-yard stunner against East Bengal in a crucial I-League encounter.
Malsawmzuala also has Indian Super League experience under his belt as the boy from Mizoram had joined Delhi Dynamos on loan in 2016. He made four appearances that season for the Dynamos and also scored a goal against FC Pune City.

The youngster joined ATK ahead of the ongoing season but has not been able to garner regular playing time in the Steve Coppell managed side. Malsawmzuala will now be hoping to kick-start his ISL journey with Jamshedpur FC.

Malsawmzuala has also represented India at the U-19 level and was previously included in the Indian senior team squad for the World Cup qualifiers in 2016 alongside his soon to be teammate, Sumeet Passi. The midfielder is touted as a huge talent and is predicted by many to become the Indian midfield mainstay for the years to come.

Malsawmzuala is a defensive midfielder that excels in breaking up play and helping his side win back possession. He is also comfortable when on the ball and has an ability to test the opponents with his long-range shooting. The youngster will surely play a key role in the ongoing season for Jamshedpur FC with his ability to destruct and dictate the game from the centre of the park.