Jamshedpur FC remained in contention for a play-off spot after sneaking a 1-0 win against Mumbai City FC in the Indian Super League clash at the JRD Tata Sports Complex here on Friday.
After a goalless first half, Jamshedpur stepped up the pressure and found the match-winner through Memo in the 80th minute.
The result sees Jamshedpur inch to within a point of fourth-placed NorthEast United, while Mumbai remains second, four points ahead of Cesar Ferrando’s team.
The game got off to a scruffy start with several niggly fouls despite Jamshedpur enjoying most of the early possession. The first chance came in the 15th minute when Mumbai’s Paulo Machado curled a freekick inches over the crossbar.
Jamshedpur was not to be left behind as Farukh Choudhary stung the palms of Mumbai custodian Amrinder Singh from about 25 yards.
The visitor then had a great chance to take the lead when Rafael Bastos sent an angling cross into the box but Machado could not keep his effort on target at the far post.
The patchy nature of the match continued and Jamshedpur was fortunate to stay level before half-time when Moudou Sougou nearly capitalised on a terrible back pass from Pratik Chowdhury. However, Jamshedpur goalkeeper Subrata Paul was alert to avert the danger.
The second half got off to some end-to-end action before Jamshedpur seized control. Exquisite passing in midfield, led by Mario Arques and Pablo Morgado, saw Jamshedpur create several chances but struggle to finish them.
A cross from Arques in the 65th minute was almost turned in by Lucian Goian, whose attempted clearance saw the ball bounce just wide of the post. Jamshedpur kept asking the Mumbai defence questions but to no avail.
Jamshedpur was finally rewarded in the 80th minute for its perseverance after a freekick was awarded for a foul on Morgado.
Sergio Cidoncha swung the ball into the Mumbai box and Amrinder only managed to get a weak punch to the effort. The ball fell for Memo, who sent a looping header past Amrinder into the far corner to give his side the all-important lead.
The home side saw the game out without much hassle to remain in contention for a play-off spot.
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