Jamshedpur FC fought back to secure a 1-1 draw against Kerala Blasters FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi during the Indian Super League 2024-25 season on Saturday.

Korou Singh scored a stunning goal to put Kerala Blasters ahead in the first half. However, Milos Drincic’s own goal in the second half allowed Jamshedpur FC to equalize. As a result, Kerala Blasters FC are now out of playoff contention. Their maximum possible points tally (31) is one short of NorthEast United FC’s sixth-place total (32), with two matches remaining.

Kerala Blasters Take Control

At first, both teams played cautiously but gradually gained confidence. Since Kerala Blasters FC needed a win, they showed more urgency. Meanwhile, Jamshedpur FC, already in the playoffs, played with less pressure. In the 16th minute, Khalid Jamil replaced the injured Shubham Sarangi with Nikhil Barla. Meanwhile, Kerala Blasters FC dominated possession. Then, in the 23rd minute, Adrian Luna surged through the middle and passed to Kwame Peprah on the left. Peprah had space, but Jamshedpur FC defenders reacted quickly to clear the danger. Eventually, the hosts broke the deadlock in the 35th minute. Albino Gomes launched a goal kick that Dusan Lagator headed away. Immediately, Korou Singh controlled the ball with a header, leaving Stephen Eze behind. He sprinted past three defenders and fired a powerful strike from a tight angle, beating Albino Gomes to give Kerala Blasters the lead.

Jamshedpur FC Strikes Back

After halftime, both teams made substitutions. Danish Farooq replaced Yoihenba Meetei for Kerala Blasters. At the same time, Jamshedpur FC brought in Mobashir Rehman for Sourav Das. Unlike the first half, the second half started with high intensity. Early on, Stephen Eze met a corner kick with a powerful header, forcing a save from Nora Fernandes. Despite their efforts, Jamshedpur FC struggled to create chances. In the 59th minute, Khalid Jamil substituted Rei Tachikawa for Lazar Cirkovic to strengthen the midfield. Then, in the 86th minute, the equalizer arrived. Sreekuttan sent a cross from the right wing. The ball deflected off Milos Drincic and rolled into his own net, giving Jamshedpur FC a crucial goal. In the final minutes, Kerala Blasters FC pushed forward, searching for a winner. However, Jamshedpur FC defended well and secured a valuable point away from home.

Key Performer of the Match

Despite an error leading to the goal, Stephen Eze (Jamshedpur FC) delivered a strong defensive performance. He led the backline, making two tackles, two clearances, and three interceptions. Additionally, he completed 25 of his 32 passes.

What’s Next for Both Teams?

Looking ahead, Kerala Blasters FC will host Mumbai City FC in Kochi on March 7. Meanwhile, Jamshedpur FC will return home to face Odisha FC on March 5.