Late strike sees Jamshedpur and Bengaluru share the spoils

Bengaluru FC took the lead twice through Nishu Kumar and Sunil Chhetri, but Jamshedpur FC came from behind both times to take home a point from the game.

Jamshedpur FC's Sergio Cindoncha celebrates after equalising against Bengaluru FC in the final minutes of the game.

Jamshedpur FC (JFC) scored in the final minute of the game, through Spaniard Sergio Cinconcha, to draw the game 2-2 against Bengaluru FC (BFC) at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on Sunday.

Sunil Chhetri’s header in the 87th minute helped BFC negate a 80th minute equaliser from Indian Super League (ISL) debutant and 16-year-old super substitute Gourav Mukhi, who also became the youngest ISL goal scorer in the process.

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Chhetri could have sealed the win for BFC in the 92nd minute after Miku set him up one-on-one with Jamshedpur keeper Subhasish Roy, but the home skipper - who had time to take his shot - saw his shot hit the left post and sail away. That miss turned costly as JFC equalised a minute later. Nishu Kumar, with his fantastic half-volley, was the other goalscorer of the day.

Cautious start to the game

Contrary to the exhilarating finish, it was a slow start to the match with both teams trying to get a feel of its opponent. They were not many chances in the opening minutes of the game but the Blues upped the ante and began dominating.

Unlike the first match against Chennaiyin FC, Bengaluru looked a lot more fluid on the field today. Erik Paartalu, a livewire in the midfield, orchestrated Bengaluru FC’s penetration into the opposition’s half. From the 10th minute, it was largely Bengaluru dictating the play with its quick passing. Tiri, the Jamshedpur captain, led by example and contained the Miku-led BFC attack.

 

Bengaluru won a freekick in the 44th minute. Jamshedpur managed to clear the initial ball but Nishu Kumar was quick to pounce onto the second ball and hit a half-volley into Subhasish Roy's goal. It was the second time in as many matches that Bengaluru scored just before the half time.

Tim Cahill, who made his ISL debut today, was considered fit enough for 70 minutes of action by coach Cesar Ferrando during the media interaction the previous day. Staying true to his word, Ferranho substituted him for Carlos Calvo in the 72nd minute. Cahill didn’t come close to scoring his 200th career goal, but was an influential presence on the field.

A goal from him would have comforted the travelling supporters, but Gaurav Mukhi and Sergio Cindoncha ensured the fans had enough reasons to smile.