Shillong, Mar 31 (UNI) Jamshedpur FC head coach Khalid Jamil was delighted with the effort of his players in their win over NorthEast United FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here.
The visitors arrived with a well-structured game plan and executed it effectively, securing a spot in the semi-finals with a win in Knockout 2 of the Indian Super League (ISL) match on Sunday night.
NorthEast United FC dominated the early exchanges, but Jamshedpur FC absorbed the pressure, waiting for opportunities on the counter. Their patience paid off near the half-hour mark when Stephen Eze capitalized on Ashutosh Mehta’s long throw-in, smashing the ball into the net. This was also their fifth goal from a throw-in this season—the most by any team.
Holding onto their lead at halftime, Jamshedpur FC produced a disciplined defensive display in the second half to repel NorthEast United’s relentless attacks. Javi Hernandez sealed the victory deep into stoppage time, ensuring their place in the final four.
“It is a very important victory. The players worked very hard. Whatever result we got is because of the players,” Jamil said at the post-match press conference.
The Highlanders had dominated Jamshedpur FC in both league-phase encounters, first with a commanding 5-0 home victory, followed by a 2-0 triumph in the return fixture.
However, the Men of Steel, despite coming into this fixture on the back of a difficult run of form, displayed resilience and determination—qualities that had defined their season under their Indian head coach. Their experience and well-executed tactics proved decisive as they now prepare for a semi-final showdown against League Shield winners Mohun Bagan Super Giant.
"I said before that this is the type of game where we need experienced players. Look at how Pronay (Halder), Eze, Javi, Ashutosh (Mehta), Jordan (Murray), Mobashir (Rahman), and (Muhammed) Uvais also used their experience," Jamil stated.
"Albino (Gomes) also used his experience from the start. So it was all about experience. Because if you don't use your experience, you are always under pressure," he added.
Apart from his stunning strike in the first half, the Nigerian centre-back was a commanding presence in defense, leading the backline with composure. He registered 11 clearances and six interceptions.
However, head coach Khalid Jamil credited Pronay Halder for providing solid support, seamlessly slotting into the centre-back role in Pratik Chaudhari’s absence. Halder matched Eze’s defensive output with 11 clearances of his own.
"Eze had a good understanding with Pronay. Pronay also played a major role today defensively," he commented.
UNI BM