Jamshedpur FC defeated East Bengal 2-0 with Albino Gomes as the hero, continuing East Bengal’s winless run. Can East Bengal bounce back in ISL 2024-25?
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| Picture Credit - East Bengal/x.com |
Jamshedpur FC garnered an important triumph in their match against East Bengal FC, registering a 2-0 win at their home ground, the JRD Tata Sports Complex, thereby continuing the winless streak of the Red and Gold Brigade on the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25. East Bengal created a plethora of chances; however, they failed to score a single goal hence the frustration of Bino George the interim coach of East Bengal deeper as his side continues to suffer.
On the flip side, the goalkeeper Albino Gomes went above and beyond expectations, putting up a valiant performance characterized by several saves including a game-changing penalty save that earned him the Hero of the Match title. This victory not only strengthens Jamshedpur’s aim of finishing in the top four, but it also increases the pain for East Bengal who are yet to win in this campaign.
Match Overview
From the first whistle, both teams showed their ambitions to attack in every possible way and it was a very entertaining, back and forth kind of first period.
East Bengal, despite winning the battle in the majority of the match and coming up with numerous chances to score, failed to do so. Cleiton Silva especially had a terrible display as he wasted a number of gilt edged opportunities, a penalty kick included. Frustration was rife amongst East Bengal supporters as Silva stayed off the scored sheet while Jamshedpur fans were at ease.
The critical junctions in the match were brought about more by the effective performance of Jamshedpur and the rather regretful performance of East Bengal. A Rei Tachikawa strike in the 19th minute gave the Men of Steel an early lead, followed by an unfortunate own goal by East Bengal’s Lalchungnunga in the 65th minute which buried them for home side.
First Half: Jamshedpur Takes the Lead Despite East Bengal’s Dominance
The initial period began on a very fast pace as both sides were eager to score the first goal of the match. In the 11th minute, Prabhat Lakra made an accurate pass to Mahdi Talal, but the midfielder failed to score as the shot went wide.
In the 15th minute, Jordan Murray of Jamshedpur tested the East Bengal’s goalkeeper Debjit Majumdar with a firm header but the keeper made an amazing save to prevent him from scoring.
But almost immediately in the 19th minute, Lalchungnunga made an atrocious mistake, which led, rather unfortunately, to Rei Tachikawa finishing in style to make it 1-0 to Jamshedpur. Here was East Bengal’s poor defensive work coming out in the open.
East Bengal did not relent and continued to search for an equalizer, with Cleiton Silva being quite the culprit of missed chances. He first shot well over the crossbar in the 31st minute before making an even poorer effort that dribbled straight into Albino Gomes in the 34th minute. Silva’s profligacy continued troubling East Bengal as the score line read 1-0 in favor of Jamshedpur at half time.
Second Half: Albino Gomes Saves the Day, Lalchungnunga’s Own Goal
The second half resumed in the same high pace, with both sides more intent on attacking. Cleiton Silva could have easily made it 1-1 in the 50th minute, but his attempt with the head went wide again.
In the 53rd minute, Jamshedpur had an opportunity to be two goals up when an Imran khan’s cross was poorly defended by Héctor Yuste and the ball rattled the wood work. It was a close call for East Bengal but their good luck was not to last.
In the 62ND minute, East Bengal was awarded a penalty after the referee deemed Cleiton Silva had been fouled inside the box. Saul Crespo took the penalty kick but it was easily saved by Albino Gomes who became the most successful save of penalties in the history of ISL. This particular moment turned the tide of the game as Amra Bengal began to lose faith and hope while Jamshedpur began to take over the game.
The last nail in the coffin was made in the 65th minute when Lalchungnunga inadvertently scored an own goal while trying to cut out a cross. This incident for once completed the evening for East Bengal as it was again fatal defensive howlers that let them down.
Albino Gomes: The Hero of the Match
There’s no question that Albino Gomes was the star of the show. The Jamshedpur goalkeeper made numerous saves, including stopping a penalty, to keep a clean sheet and ensure his team’s victory. His performance was crucial in shutting out East Bengal’s attack and securing all three points for the Men of Steel.
East Bengal’s Struggles Continue Despite Coaching Change
Despite a change in management, with Bino George replacing Carles Cuadrat as interim coach, East Bengal’s fortunes remain the same. They have now lost six consecutive matches, and while they created chances, the lack of finishing and defensive lapses once again proved their undoing.
Cleiton Silva, the team’s main attacking threat, was particularly wasteful, and his inability to convert his opportunities will undoubtedly be a talking point as East Bengal looks to find answers to their ongoing struggles.
Jamshedpur FC: Eyes on the Playoff Push
For Jamshedpur FC, this win provides a significant boost to their playoff hopes. They displayed resilience, soaked up pressure, and capitalized on the mistakes made by East Bengal. Khalid Jamil’s side will need to build on this momentum as they aim to climb the league table and solidify their chances of a top-four finish.
