Even though the stakes were not at an all-time high at the JRD Tata Sports Complex in Jamshedpur, FC Goa, and Jamshedpur FC produced an absolute classic of a game as the former clinched all three points with a stoppage-time winner and kept their meager hopes of making the top two of the ISL 2023/24 table alive. However, Khalid Jamil’s side ended their campaign on a disappointing note even after creating chances and playing good football, perfectly summing up their entire season.
The Juggernauts were coming into their last game after a disappointing loss to Chennaiyin FC and as a result, were out of the playoff race. Khalid Jamil however did not want to utilize and try out his fringe and youth players for this game and played the same team, with the exception of goalkeeper Vishal Yadav, who was replacing TP Rehenesh.
FC Goa, on the other hand, were full of confidence after they thrashed Hyderabad FC in their previous encounter. Goa had confirmed their spot in the top six and the playoffs way before but still had something to play for as the Gaurs still had an outside chance of finishing in the top two of the ISL table if they won both their remaining games and some of the other games go in their favor. Manolo Marquez started their key player Noah Sadaoui who came off the bench last week and scored a memorable hattrick. Key midfielder Rowlin Borges replaced the young Ajay Dev Chhetri in the holding midfield position.
The first half was filled with some end-to-end action and goals. Jamshedpur started the game on a positive note as they played direct football and created chances early on. Their early domination did not go to waste as the hosts opened the scoring in the 17th minute through Rei Tachikawa. The Red Miners outnumbered the Gaurs near their goal after a corner, and Tachikawa found himself in the right place at the right time for his left-footed volley to land at the back of the goal.
Khalid Jamil’s men could have doubled their lead just minutes later after Javier Siverio’s shot brilliant shot hit the crossbar but instead, it was the Gaurs who equalized just a minute later as star winger Noah Sadaoui controlled a long ball expertly, went past his markers with ease and blasted it past the goalkeeper in the 21st minute of the game.
FC Goa extended their momentum, seizing the lead seven minutes later. Noah Sadaoui delivered a high cross to Carlos Martinez, who skillfully controlled it with a precise first touch inside the box. With a powerful strike, Martinez beat the keeper decisively, leaving no chance for a save. Despite falling behind, Jamshedpur maintained their confidence, continuing to create opportunities throughout the first half. However, luck evaded them as Manzorro’s impressive shot from outside the box narrowly missed, striking the crossbar once more.
In the second half, Jamshedpur FC didn’t take a step back and kept knocking on the door through attempts by Pratik Chaudhari, Javi Siverio, and Mohammed Sanan. Jamil’s men showed great character and they reaped their rewards as Len Doungel controlled a ball played to him by Manzorro, hustled the ball past the defenders, and slotted the ball past the goalkeeper, finishing a brilliant goal and equalizing the game for the home team in the 73rd minute.
FC Goa had to win to have any chance of finishing in the top two spots and bypassing the playoffs and a few minutes later, Borja Herrera came extremely close to scoring with his thunderbolt of a long shot but just like the two Jamshedpur attempts, the crossbar yet again, kept on being the goalkeepers’ best friend.
In stoppage time, just when it was looking like the match would end in a draw, Borja Herrera’s left-footed shot was too tough for goalkeeper Vishal Yadav to handle as he fumbled a shot he should have saved and FC Goa won the game in the 95th minute of the game, causing a major disappointment and heartbreak for the home team.
FC Goa third in the table
As Jamshedpur FC’s disappointing campaign got an even more heartbreaking ending, FC Goa ended the matchday in third place on the table with 42 points, the same as title challengers Mohun Bagan SG. Manolo Marquez will be hoping his team wins their last game of the season against Chennaiyin FC and Mohun Bagan SG drop points in their next two games to finish second.
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