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A clash between two free scoring sides in the Indian Super League was predicted to be a high scoring affair. On the contrary, Jamshedpur FC and FC Goa played out a goalless draw at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Goa. With more than just three points on the line in this one, the match did not live up to its billing with both sides failing to find their stride in the final third.
Jamshedpur FC welcomed back Sergio Cidoncha into the starting XI after a long injury hiatus while Michael Soosairaj also made his comeback from an injury. Farukh Choudhary started upfront for the visiting side whereas it was Raju Gaikwad who partnered Tiri at the heart of the defence.
First real action in the game was witnessed in the 18th minute when Dhanachandra Singh made a last-ditch tackle to deny Goa’s Jackichand Singh from running through at goal. The fullback was then involved at the other side of the field as his testing cross in to the Goa box had Carlos Pena worried in the 23rd minute.
Jamshedpur FC’s first good chance arrived in the 26th minute when Sergio Cidoncha’s free-kick missed the target by a whisker as his effort nestled against the side netting. Both sides left a lot to be desired when they went into the break with honours shared.
FC Goa missed a glorious chance in the 55th minute when Seriton Fernandes’ cut back failed to reach Corominas in the box. After the hour mark, the game opened up as both sides were involved in some serious end-to-end stuff for the next 15 minutes. Jamshedpur FC had a brilliant chance to go ahead in the 63rd minute but Robin Gurung’s cut back to Mario Arques fell just behind the midfielder who could guide his header just over the bar.
The visitors again went close in the 68th minute when Michael Soosairaj delivered a pinpoint cross to Sergio Cidoncha. The Spaniard connected his header well but it went straight into the hands of Mohammad Nawaz. In a flurry of chances for the away side, Farukh Choudhary then delivered a fizzing cross into the box which just missed to reach Mario Arques who was positioned infront of the goal.
Jamshedpur FC introduced Tim Cahill, Malsawmzuala and Jerry Mawia in the second half to change the narrative but in the final 15 minutes of the game, it was the home side that went closest in breaking the deadlock. Coro produced a flash of brilliance in the 84th minute to get past Zuala in the box and was one on one with the goalkeeper.
At that moment, it felt the moment stood still and the only people who were in action in the stadium were Coro and Subrata Paul. As they say that the biggest of moments call upon the biggest of characters, Subrata Paul rose up to the test and produced a stunning save to deny the Goan talisman from opening the floodgates.
Then in the 90th minute, Paul again came to Jamshedpur FC’s rescue as he produced a magnificent reactionary save to deny Brandon Fernandes. The referee soon called for the final whistle with both sides having to settle for a hard-fought point. Jamshedpur FC’s defence has to be commended for the hard yards they put to keep the famed FC Goa attack at bay, keep a clean sheet and pick up some confidence for the remaining games.
Jamshedpur FC will now travel to Kolkata to face ATK on February 3.
