(Football news) A clinical 3-0 win by Jamshedpur FC over Hyderabad at the Athletic Stadium in Bambolim on Tuesday ensured that the Red Miners progressed to the top of the Indian Super League table and now have 37 points from 18 games. The result also means that Jamshedpur FC have qualified for the semi-finals for the first time.

An own goal by Chinglensana Singh in the 5th minute helped Jamshedpur FC take the lead before captain Peter Hartley doubled the advantage in the 28th minute. Daniel Chima Chukwu scored his fifth goal since joining the club in the 65th minute, thereby ensuring that all three points went to the Red Miners against rivals Hyderabad FC who are in 2nd place with 35 points but have played a game more. 

What makes this result even more impressive is that Jamshedpur FC have managed to defeat formidable opponents despite the absence of their star player Greg Stewart. The Scottish footballer is serving a one match suspension after picking up four yellow cards in the current campaign. The game started frantically, with Chinglensana scoring an own goal after Mobashir Rahman’s shot took a deflection and wrong-footed the goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh who was playing in the absence of Laxmikant Kattimani. 

The opening blow dealt a big blow to Hyderabad FC as Jamshedpur went on to dominate the match, maintaining possession in the final third and effectively pressing their opponents. Aniket Jadhav had an opportunity to score after beating his marker but failed to find the target. Jamshedpur FC doubled their advantage in the 28th minute from a set piece as Alexandre Lima whipped in a corner and Hartley rose highest to guide the ball into the back of the net with a towering header. 

Despite the 2-0 advantage, Jamshedpur FC didn’t rest on their laurels in the second half and Hartley came close to scoring his second of the match from a corner while Chima missed the target from his opportunity. However, the in-form Nigerian did manage to score the third goal, finding the back of the net from a poor clearance by Khassa Camara after being set up by Lima. Three minutes after the goal, Mobashir received a red card after fouling Akash Mishra. Hyderabad FC had an opportunity to score a consolation goal but Javier Siverio missed from close range, thereby ensuring Jamshedpur FC received a clean sheet.

Jamshedpur FC will take on Odisha FC in their next match on Friday, 4th March at the GMC Athletic Stadium while Hyderabad FC will face Mumbai City FC on Saturday, 5th March.

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