Jamshedpur FC edged past Nepal’s Tribhuvan Army FC 3-2 in a five goal thriller in the Group C opener at the JRD Tata Sports Complex in Jamshedpur on Thursday.
The Nepal Army side came from behind to equalise twice but Nikhil Barla’s strike ensured that the Red Miners to start their campaign with a win.
Jamshedpur coach Khalid Jamil fielded an all Indian eleven which included new signings Manvir Singh, Jayesh Rane, Nishu Kumar, Sarthak Goloui and Vincy Baretto while Tribhuvan Army named a strong lineup in a 4-4-2 formation with Nawayug Shrestha and skipper George Prince Karki leading the attack line.
Sarthak Goloui took advantage of a mistake by the opposition goalkeeper Samit Shrestha, who failed to gather a long throw-in by Praful Kumar YV to give JFC the lead in the fourth minute.
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The home team continued to threaten the side from Nepal especially with its set piece routines which were plenty, but could not take its chances to score a second. TAFC took advantage of that and scored the equaliser in the 26th minute through its captain George. The striker received a pass from Gillespye Karki and found the bottom left corner.
The Red Miners regained their lead within four minutes after Manvir put the finishing touches to a neat team move. C. Hriata released Vincy Barretto into space and the striker dodged a challenge and released the unmarked Manvir, who rounded the goalkeeper and calmly slotted the ball into the open net.
The pace of the match slowed down in the second half until Tribhuvan Army centre back Ananta Tamang produced a belter of a goal. The Nepalese international’s effort from 35 yards away found the top corner beyond the outstretched hands of the goalkeeper.
The Nepal side could not maintain the lead for long again as JFC took the lead for the third time in the match through substitute Nikhil Barla. TAFC defence could not clear Sanan Mohammed’s cross and Nikhil Barla’s side footed effort crept into the net through the near side of the post.
Content Source: sportstar.thehindu.com