In a thrilling Matchweek 4 clash of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25, Jamshedpur FC secured a hard-fought victory against East Bengal FC at the JRD Tata Sports Complex on Saturday, October 5.
Rei Tachikawa opened the scoring for Jamshedpur in the first half, while an own goal by Lalchungnunga in the second half sealed the win for the Men of Steel.
The match started with Jamshedpur FC applying early pressure. In the fourth minute, a well-placed cross from Imran Khan found Jordan Murray in the East Bengal penalty area, but Lalchungnunga intervened to clear the threat. Shortly after, East Bengal began to find their rhythm. Anwar Ali received a long ball from Madih Talal and made a determined run, but his ambitious shot sailed over the crossbar.
East Bengal’s first notable chance came in the 11th minute, when Provat Lakra played a beautiful through ball to Talal. Despite beating defender Stephen Eze, Talal’s shot went wide of the target. Just three minutes later, he nearly set up a goal when his mis-hit fell to Cleiton Silva, but Talal’s follow-up was too weak to test Jamshedpur’s goalkeeper, Albino Gomes.
The breakthrough came in the 21st minute when Rei Tachikawa unleashed a stunning long-range shot that found the back of the net, putting Jamshedpur FC ahead. East Bengal’s Silva had a chance to equalize shortly after, but his attempt from close range went over the bar.
East Bengal started the second half on a positive note, with Nandhakumar finding space to dribble past Eze. However, his shot was easily saved by Gomes. Jamshedpur FC extended their lead in the 70th minute when an attempt from Imran Khan deflected off Lalchungnunga, resulting in an own goal.
Despite trailing, East Bengal continued to push for a comeback. Hector Yuste nearly scored with a header that struck the crossbar in the 73rd minute. Talal had another opportunity to narrow the gap in the 83rd minute, but his long-range shot was expertly tipped over by Gomes.
With this victory, Jamshedpur FC leaves East Bengal FC struggling, marking their fourth straight defeat of the season.