Jamshedpur (Jharkhand) [India], September 21 (ANI): Jamshedpur FC orchestrated a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory against Mumbai City FC to claim their first home win of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season at the JRD Tata Sports Complex on Saturday. Despite trailing by a goal initially, the Men of Steel displayed remarkable resilience and tactical brilliance.

The match saw Spanish midfielder Javi Hernandez as the linchpin for Jamshedpur FC’s resurgence. His efforts came to the fore after Jordan Murray had equalized following Nikolaos Karelis’ opening strike for Mumbai City FC. The game started with Mumbai City FC asserting dominance early on. In the fifth minute, Yoell van Nieff seized an opportunity by intercepting the ball from Javi Hernandez and attempting a long-range shot that narrowly missed the target.

Jamshedpur FC soon responded with their own chance in the eighth minute. A corner taken by Imran Khan saw Pratik Chaudhari head the ball towards Javier Siverio, who then set it up for Jordan Murray. Murray’s shot, however, was deflected out for another corner. The subsequent corner nearly resulted in a goal as Tiri’s clearance hit the crossbar, causing a scare for Mumbai City FC.

The intensity of the match escalated when Thaer Krouma won a crucial header against Stephen Eze, allowing Nikolaos Karelis to net the first goal, putting Mumbai City FC ahead. Moments later, Karelis almost doubled the lead but was thwarted by goalkeeper Albino Gomes and Stephen Eze’s timely clearance.

Jamshedpur FC gradually found their rhythm, particularly in the third quarter of the first half. Consecutive attacks initiated by Imran Khan from the right flank bore fruit when one of his crosses was expertly converted by Jordan Murray, leveling the score. Another cross from Khan shortly thereafter found Javier Siverio, whose header was saved by Mumbai’s goalkeeper Phurba Lachenpa.

Approaching halftime, Jamshedpur FC secured the lead thanks to a brilliantly executed free-kick by Javi Hernandez. His set-piece from the right flank navigated past a bewildered Mumbai City FC defense and a confused Lachenpa, nestling into the net.

The second half began with Jamshedpur FC maintaining their momentum. In the 46th minute, Javi Hernandez set up Jordan Murray with a precise chip, but a crucial intervention by Valpuia prevented a goal. Almost immediately afterward, Stephen Eze came close to scoring off an inviting cross from Imran Khan, but Lachenpa’s reflexes kept Mumbai City FC in the game.

Persistence paid off for Jamshedpur FC when Seiminlen Doungel delivered a perfect cross for Javi Hernandez, who didn’t hesitate to slot in his second goal of the evening, leaving Lachenpa sprawled and helpless.

Mumbai City FC attempted to claw back into the match in the later stages. In the 77th minute, Yoell van Nieff showcased his dribbling prowess just outside Jamshedpur’s penalty area and unleashed a curling shot that beat Albino Gomes, reducing Jamshedpur’s lead. Despite mounting pressure from Petr Kratky’s side in search of an equalizer, Jamshedpur FC’s disciplined defense held firm, ensuring their hard-fought victory.

This thrilling encounter highlighted Jamshedpur FC’s resilience and strategic acumen, setting a high bar for their future performances this season.