In a four-goal thriller, Mumbai City FC scored a second-half equaliser to dash Jamshedpur FC’s hopes to win their first Indian Super league home game at the JRD Tata Complex in Jamshedpur. Mumbai’s Thaigo Santos and JFC’s Izu Azuka scored a brace each.
Opening goal of the match was a sensational effort that saw Thiago Santos skipping past four Jamshedpur defenders in tight space and curling it past the net, leaving goalkeeper Subrata Paul surprised.
Unperturbed by the setback, the home side got back in the front seat before the end of first half as Nigerian Striker Izu Azuka scored twice in space of as many minutes (43rd and 45th minute).
Jamshedpur defended compactly after that as they awaited their first win at their home stadium. But their hopes were cut short as Thiago scored his brace in the 71st minute to restore parity in the match.
Both teams had clear chances to find match-winning goal after that but lack of precision saw no further goal as match ended in a draw after referee blew the final whistle rejuvnated NEUFC welcome Goa
The arrival of former Chelsea FC manager Avram Grant as technical advisor has reignited hopes that NorthEast United FC can still salvage their chances despite a poor start in the fourth edition of Hero Indian Super league.
The man who took English Premier league giants Chelsea to the final of the UEFA Champions league in 2008 has already joined the club and there is genuine belief that a turnaround is possible, starting with their home tie against FC Goa at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati, on Saturday.
NorthEast United are ninth on the table with four points from seven matches. Only Delhi Dynamos have fared worse in the league.
"The mood has changed (in the dressing room) with arrival of the new (technical) advisor. The boys are geared up and ready for tomorrow's match," goalkeeping coach Joseph Siddy said during the pre-match media interaction.
With three home matches in a row against FC Goa (January 6), ATK (January 12) and Chennaiyin FC (January 19), the conditions are ideal for the former Ghana national team coach to turn things around.
"It will help the team with the new advisor. His experience and coaching style will motivate us and will give us the confidence to do well in future matches," said Siddy.
It may not be all that easy with FC Goa as their opposition on Saturday. The Goans showed remarkable spirit to snatch a point against ATK in their previous game and are now targeting the top spot.
FC Goa are placed fourth with 13 points from seven matches and will return to the top of the table should they score a comfortable victory.
"All the teams are well balanced. They are equal and it's the small details which make the difference in each game," said FC Goa chief coach Sergio lobera, unwilling to take their poorly-performing rivals lightly.