ISL 2021-22: Jamshedpur FC edge closer to League Shield with win over Odisha FC

Updated: May 16, 2023, 11:59 pm

Daniel Chima Chukwu celebrates opening the scoring for Jamshedpur against Odisha
Daniel Chima Chukwu celebrates opening the scoring for Jamshedpur against Odisha
R.Parthibhan/Focus Sports/ISL

Jamshedpur FC took a major step towards securing the Indian Super League (ISL) Winner's Shield after a dominant 5-1 victory over Odisha FC at the Athletic Stadium in Bambolim. Daniel Chima Chukwu (23', 26') scored a first-half brace to take his season's tally to nine goals before Paul Ramfangzauva (45+1') pulled one back for Odisha. However, goals from Ritwik Das (54'), Jordan Murray (71') and Ishan Pandita (87') ensured a sixth consecutive win for Owen Coyle's men.

With one match remaining between them and ATK Mohun Bagan, Jamshedpur have to avoid defeat to win the league stage.

Odisha FC were dealt a major blow early in the game after losing Aridai Cabrera to injury. At the other end, Greg Stewart yet again played a major role in the first goal of the match as his free-kick hit the crossbar and fell to Daniel Chima Chukwu. The striker made no mistake in scoring the rebound.

Odisha FC managed to make things worse for themselves shortly after when Paul Ramfangzauva made an error in his own final third. Stealing the ball away from the midfielder, Chukwu added a second for his team. Odisha, with their backs against the wall, showed grit before the half ended. They managed to halve JFC's lead thanks to the strike from Paul, who made amends for his earlier error.

The second half saw more zeal from Odisha FC as they tried to find the equaliser. However, it was Jamshedpur who found the back of the net through Ritwik Das. The winger combined brilliantly with Stewart, latched on a through ball, and rifled his shot into the bottom right corner.

The evening became harder for OFC with Jordan Murray getting on the scoresheet after coming on from the bench. To make matters worse for Kino Garcia and co, Jonathas was shown a second yellow card for unsportsmanlike behaviour, which saw him leave the field, reducing the team to 10-men. A late strike from Ishan Pandita saw JFC score their fifth goal and secure a dominant win.

The next outing for Jamshedpur FC will see them involved in a highly anticipated top of the table clash with ATK Mohun Bagan in the last league match of the season at the PJN Stadium on Monday. On the other hand, Odisha FC's season is over.