Chukwu scores on his debut to help Jamshedpur climb up to 2nd place

Striker Daniel Chima Chukwu scored on his debut in Jamshedpur’s 1-0 win over FC Goa at the GMC Athletic Stadium on Friday night. Goa created plenty but were unlucky not to score even once. 

While the Red Miners were decisive, the Gaurs were wasteful in the opposition penalty box; they hit the crossbar thrice over the ninety minutes while also forcing Rehenesh TP into making a strong save on a couple of occasions. 

Goa dominated possession throughout, and it was they who carved out the game’s first big opportunity through some good combinations and wing-play. Aibanbha Dohling, by the left touchline, rifled in a cross into the six-yard box where it was met by defender Ivan Gonzalez, whose subsequent header rattled the framework.

The ball bounced kindly for Edu Bedia, but the playmaker’s fierce volley was saved, sensationally, by Rehenesh; the custodian barely got his foot to it and diverted it away from danger. 

Jamshedpur took the lead in the 49th minute with their only shot on target all night. Laldinliana Renthlei played Chukwu in behind the Goa backline with a long ball from defence.

The forward held off a challenge from Anwar Ali before firing a powerful shot from a tight angle, and the ball was spilled over the line by goalkeeper Naveen Kumar. Minutes later, Boris Singh Thangjam found himself with a yard of space inside the Goa box, but the youngster’s shot was scuffed – and off-target. 

Goa hit the bar again in the 63rd minute. Anwar ghosted in behind his marker during a set-piece and met Edu’s inswinging delivery from the right half-space but could only divert it onto the crossbar. Then, it was Airam Cabrera’s turn to hit the framework, as he did in the 81st minute from a cut-back into the centre of the box.

Despite Goa’s several misfires, Rehenesh was alert to any potential dangers late on; the goalkeeper smothered substitute Leander D’Cunha before he could get his shot away in the 84th minute.

2021/22 Indian Super League Top 4

Rehenesh’s efforts, combined with the opposition’s poor finishing, helped Jamshedpur see out a 1-0 win. The Red Miners climbed up to second, thanks to the result – they are now only a point behind leaders Hyderabad FC despite playing a game fewer.