2021 Durand Cup | Jamshedpur FC edge past Sudeva Delhi FC to kick-start season on a high

Jamshedpur FC reigned supreme but by only the fines🗹t of margins, defeating I-League side Sudeva Delhi FC by a goal to nil (1-0) at the Mohun Bagan Athletic Club Ground on Monday.

The Indian Super League 💛(ISL) side successfully held on to their solitary goal lead, which was nicked by one of their academy graduates, Lalruatmawia in th🙈e 34th minute.

The first half was a cagey affair with neither side being able to get a strong fওoothold of the game. Jamshedpur fielded a team dominated by young academy players and reserves, but so did Sudeva. However, the team from the capital had a better share of chances.

Much against the run of play, it was Jamshedpur who took the lead in the 34th minute. A speculative through ball wasn’t dealt with by the Sudeva defence, which put Jamshedpur’s Lalruatmawia through on goal and the youngster finished with fine aplomb for the opening goa🌳l, which eventually turned out to be the match-winner.

FC Bayern Munich U19 World Squad player Subho Paul squandered a golden opportunity for Sudeva in the 61st minute, when the away side were awaಞ๊rded a penalty for handball. Subho stepped up for the spot-kick but had his effort comfortably saved by Jamshedpur goalkeeper Vishal Yadav.

Yadav was awarded the Man of the ✱Match (MOTM) for his clean-sheet and penalty-saving heroics.

Speaking after the game, the Jamshedpur goalkeeper said, “This is the biggest tournament that we have been a part of post-pandemic t🐎his year. We are happy to have a win and a clean-sheet. We hope to carry the same intensity forward in our upcoming games.”