Jamshedpur FC on Thursday consolidated their chances of qualifying for the Hero Indian Super League semi-finals as they shocked Mumbai City FC with a 2-1 win at Mumbai Football Arena in Mumbai.
Jamshedpur were second best to Mumbai City for long spells, particularly in the second session. The visitors took the lead in the first half after Sanju Pradhan turned the ball into his own goal in the 37th minute. In the second session, Mumbai equalised through Everton Santos in the 79th minute. But just when it seemed like the match was heading for a draw, substitute Bikash Jairu scored with six minutes left to be played to hand Jamshedpur an important win.
Today's victory propelled Jamshedpur to the top four for the first time in this season. The debutants now have 22 points from 14 matches and are placed fourth. However, this was Jamshedpur's 14th match - the most by any team in the league so far.. With just four matches left to be played, not everything is in their own hands but the Steve Coppell boys will return home happy that they are still in the race.
Mumbai City are placed sixth with 17 points from 13 matches.
Bikash Jairu was the man who made the victory possible with a late strike but the Hero of the night was Subrata Paul. The goalkeeper made several superlative saves and was responsible for keeping the visitors in the game.
Jamshedpur started with positive intent but lacked the cutting edge infront of goal as the strikers misfired. They needed an own goal from Sanju Pradhan to surge ahead in the 37th minute.