ISL: Jamshedpur FC eke out win vs Mumbai City, Mohammedan register first point

ISL: Jamshedpur FC held off a resilient Mumbai City to eke out a hardfought 3-2 win on Saturday, September 21. In the other match debutants Mohammedan FC registered their first points with a 1-1 draw against FC Goa.

In Short

• ISL saw two thrilling matches on Saturday, September 21
• Mohammedan FC registered their first point of the season with 1-1 draw
• Javi Hernandez scored two goals in Jamshedpur's 3-2 over Mumbai

On Saturday, Jamshedpur FC triumphed over Mumbai City FC with a hard-fought 3-2 victory at the JRD Tata Sports Complex, marking their first home win of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season. The match featured a standout performance from Spaniard Javi Hernandez, who struck twice, finding the back of the net in the 44th and 50th minutes. Jordan Murray also contributed to the scoreline with a goal in the 36th minute. With this achievement, Hernandez became the third player in ISL history to score for five different clubs.

The game began with Mumbai City FC asserting themselves early on, dominating possession and creating several chances. In the fifth minute, Yoell van Nieff capitalized on a mistake from Javi Hernandez, snatching the ball and curling a shot from distance that went inches wide. Just a few minutes later, Jamshedpur FC earned their first real opportunity following a corner. Pratik Chaudhari headed the ball down to Javier Siverio, who set up Jordan Murray for a shot that was deflected out for another corner.

As the action intensified, Nikolaos Karelis struck first for Mumbai City in the 18th minute. He won a header and collected the ball, unleashing a powerful shot that rattled the net past goalkeeper Albino Gomes. However, the lead was short-lived as Jamshedpur regrouped. They pressed back and found the equalizer just before halftime. In the 44th minute, Hernandez’s expertly taken free-kick evaded the confusion and misjudgment among the Mumbai defenders and goalkeeper Lachenpa, curling into the back of the net to give Jamshedpur a 1-1 scoreline at halftime.

The second half started with Jamshedpur continuing where they left off, showcasing a strong offensive strategy. In the 46th minute, Hernandez set up Murray for what could have been a goal, but a timely intervention by Valpuia thwarted the danger. Just moments later, Stephen Eze had a chance to score from a cross by Imran Khan, but his header was saved by Lachenpa.

Jamshedpur’s persistence paid off in the 50th minute when Seiminlen Doungel delivered a brilliant cross into the penalty area. Hernandez was on hand to finish, striking the ball into the framework and leaving Lachenpa stranded. With Hernandez’s second goal of the evening, Jamshedpur led 2-1.

Despite falling behind, Mumbai City FC slowly began to claw their way back into the match. Their efforts were rewarded in the 77th minute when van Nieff, demonstrating impressive dribbling skills, curled a shot past Gomes to reduce the deficit to 3-2. With time running out, Mumbai City intensified their attacks, creating a tense atmosphere as they sought an equalizer. However, Jamshedpur's disciplined defense held firm, preventing any further breakthroughs.

In another notable match on the same day, debutants Mohammedan Sporting Club played to a 1-1 draw against FC Goa at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan. Mohammedan Sporting started the match strongly, controlling much of the play and creating multiple scoring opportunities. Carlos Franca was particularly active, testing the FC Goa backline with relentless runs and clever positioning.

Franca’s best opportunity came in the 12th minute when he rifled a shot that narrowly missed the target. A few minutes later, he executed a clever one-two pass with Lalremsanga, only to see a potential goal thwarted by a crucial interception from Nim Dorjee. Despite the frustration of missed chances, Franca kept pushing forward, striking the crossbar with a powerful shot that showcased his skill and determination.

The hosts finally broke the deadlock in the 66th minute when they were awarded a penalty after Onaindia brought down Franca in the box. Alexis Gomez confidently converted the penalty, marking Mohammedan Sporting's first goal in the ISL and sending their supporters into a frenzy.

However, FC Goa wasn’t finished yet. In stoppage time, Armando Sadiku managed to head the ball home following a well-placed cross from Aakash Sangwan, salvaging a point for the visitors and ensuring a dramatic finish to the match.

Both matches highlighted the intensity and competitive spirit of the Indian Super League, with teams showcasing their attacking flair and resilience. As the season progresses, fans can expect more thrilling encounters and memorable moments on the pitch.