ISL 2021-22: Jamshedpur FC move closer to shield with Odisha FC win

Panjim: Tournament dark-horses Jamshedpur FC moved a little closer to get their hands on the Indian Super League shield with a 5-1 win against Odisha FC. The Kalinga Warriors were rendered to 10 men after Jonathas De Jesus recieved a straight red.

Being favourites of the game, Jamshedpur FC started the game on a brilliant high. Daniel Chima Chukwu opened the scoring for the Men of Steel in the 23rd minute before scoring another just three minutes later. A poor defending from Odisha FC let JFC go into the lemon break with a  goal lead after Ramfangzauva slotted one past Jamshedpur FC to reduce the deficit.

Coming from the break, Jamshedpur maintained their dominance, as it took only nine minutes for JFC youngster Ritwik Das to register the third for the Jamshedpur. The winger forced the ball from the bottom corner after Greg Stewart lobbed the ball inside the Odisha FC box restoring the two goal lead.

The night went worse for the Kalinga Warriors as Jordan Murray scored his third goal of the season and the fourth of the night in the 71st minute. Odisha FC’s misery continued as Jonathas Cristian picked up his second yellow card of the night in the 74th minute. That red card left Garcia’s team with ten players on the field.

With only three minutes left from the end of the regular time, substitute Ishan Pandita scored added another to the tally. Pandita won the ball from the Odisha FC defenders and produced a powerful strike that sealed three points for his team.

This result means that Jamshedpur FC remain at the top of the points table – three points clear of second-placed ATK Mohun Bagan. Odisha FC, on the other hand, end their season and find themselves soiled in seventh place.

Owen Coyle’s men will take on ATK Mohun Bagan on Monday in their last league game. With top spot still up for grabs, Jamshedpur FC would want to make sure that they end their league campaign on a high.