Jamshedpur, March 5 – Following a thrilling comeback win away against East Bengal FC in Kolkata, Jamshedpur FC returns home to face Inter Kashi at the JRD Tata Sports Complex in Jamshedpur on Friday. They are looking to continue their strong start to the season after winning three of their opening matches.
Jamshedpur entered the match after a stellar victory in Kolkata, where they defeated East Bengal in a closely contested game. Despite going down 1-0 at halftime, the "Steel Men" showed remarkable character in the second half. Captain Steven Eze equalized, and substitute Rei Tachikawa scored a late winner in the 87th minute to secure all three points.
Head coach Owen Coyle praised the team's resilience after the win, but emphasized that the focus is now on the next challenge.
“We were delighted with the win against East Bengal and how the players came back from behind. Going behind meant we had to show our character, resilience, and belief. The players did that and played some great football to earn a fantastic three points,” he was quoted as saying by the franchise in a release on Thursday.
Inter Kashi, the new entrants to the league after promotion from the second division, will be playing their fourth match of the campaign. After drawing their first two games, they secured their first victory with a spirited win over Kerala Blasters FC and currently sit sixth in the table.
Coyle expects a challenging match against a well-organized opponent. “Inter Kashi have shown in all three games that they are a very good side, and they remain unbeaten. They played against Kerala, which is always a tough venue, and performed very well. They have the mentality of champions from last season, and it will be another tough game for us,” he said.
One of the key reasons behind Jamshedpur's strong start has been their defensive discipline. The team has conceded only one goal in three matches, with the defense maintaining excellent organization and composure under pressure.
Defender Pratik Chaudhari credited the team's collective effort for their defensive solidity. “It comes down to hard work. The coaching staff have worked tirelessly with us to maintain our defensive shape both with and without the ball. We stay compact and organized as a team, and that discipline has helped us concede fewer goals and pick up important points,” he said.
In attack, the creativity of Madih Talal and the presence of Nikola Stojanovic have added an extra dimension to Jamshedpur's play. Talal's ability to unlock defenses and Stojanovic's attacking movement have helped the "Steel Men" create several scoring opportunities this season.
Jamshedpur's squad depth has also played a crucial role, with substitutes making decisive contributions in recent matches. Vincy's winner against Punjab FC came late in the game, while Tachikawa's impact from the bench secured victory against East Bengal.
With the team returning to the Furnace, Coyle has urged the supporters to turn up in numbers and create their trademark atmosphere. “The supporters are the heart of our club. They are vocal, colourful, and they give the players incredible energy. I would say come along, bring your family and friends, fill the stadium and help us create a great atmosphere at the Furnace,” he said.
