Jamshedpur FC hold Bengaluru FC to 2-2 draw with late strike
Sergio Cidoncha’s injury minute strike salvaged a 2-2 draw for Jamshedpur FC against Bengaluru FC in a pulsating match of the Indian Super League here on Sunday. Nishu Kumar’s stunning volley at the stroke of half-time put the hosts ahead.
Youngster Gourav Mukhi made history when he came on for Jamshedpur FC as a substitute and scored on his debut to equalise. Later Sunil Chhetri’s header in the 88th minute was cancelled out by Cidoncha’s effort in added time (90+4). Tim Cahill and Michael Soosairaj got their much-awaited debuts in the Hero ISL as Jamshedpur FC head coach Cesar Ferrando named an attacking side to take on last season’s finalists.
Carles Cuadrat’s Blues were unchanged from their 10 win over defending champions Chennaiyin FC. Ferrando’s side started the game on the front foot but the first real threat came from the home side 12 minutes into the match. Udanta Singh’s blistering pace allowed him to race past winger-turned-left-back Bikash Jairu into space on the right flank. The winger’s cross, however, failed to reach Chhetri and was cleared by Tiri at the centre of the box.
Cahill looked to get on the act by teasing a through-ball into space for Jerry Mawhmingthanga. The right-sided winger had time to pick out Soosairaj’s run into the box but the youngster’s cross was struck with too much force.
Jamshedpur piled up the pressure as the first-half progressed but their final delivery into the box lacked clarity. Mario Arques struck a dangerous free-kick at Gurpreet Singh’s goal but it sailed inches over the bar.