Jamshedpur FC edged Kerala Blasters FC 1-0 at the JRD Tata Sports Complex on Sunday, snapping the visitors’ six-game unbeaten streak in the Indian Super League (ISL). Pratik Chaudhari’s second-half goal proved decisive, propelling the Men of Steel from eighth to fourth in the standings with 21 points from 12 matches.
The tightly contested game saw Kerala Blasters struggling to find rhythm early on. Their first real chance came in the 30th minute when Noah Sadaoui showed his creativity in the final third. Receiving a long ball from Naocha Singh on the left edge of the box, Sadaoui expertly controlled it and delivered a stylish outside-of-the-boot cross to Kwame Peprah. However, Peprah’s header soared high and wide, squandering the opportunity.
Four minutes later, Javi Hernandez failed to capitalize on a golden chance. After initiating a promising move from midfield, Hernandez passed to Rei Tachikawa, who found Imran Khan on the right wing. Imran delivered a curling cross into the box that Kerala goalkeeper Sachin Suresh misjudged. The ball landed at Hernandez’s feet, but his tame shot was easily dealt with by the defense.
The second half began with Kerala Blasters on the offensive. In the 53rd minute, Naocha Singh unleashed a powerful strike from outside the box, forcing a diving save from Jamshedpur goalkeeper Albino Gomes. Despite Kerala’s pressing, it was Jamshedpur who found the breakthrough eight minutes later.
The decisive moment came in the 61st minute when a scramble in Kerala’s box left the ball loose. Jamshedpur defender Pratik Chaudhari seized the opportunity, rifling a shot into the bottom left corner. It was Chaudhari’s first ISL goal since December 2021 and only the third of his career.
Kerala Blasters pushed for an equalizer, but their lack of precision in the final third proved costly. Their inability to keep a clean sheet away from home extended to 14 games over the past calendar year, a glaring defensive issue for the Kochi-based side.
Jamshedpur’s victory not only ended Kerala’s unbeaten run but also underscored their growing resilience. Speaking after the match, Chaudhari expressed his delight, saying, “It feels incredible to contribute to such an important win. This team is finding its rhythm, and we’re ready for the challenges ahead.”
For Kerala Blasters, the loss serves as a wake-up call as they look to tighten their defense and reignite their campaign. Meanwhile, Jamshedpur continues to gain momentum, eyeing a strong finish to the season.
