Guwahati, April 27: Football 4 Change staged a spirited comeback to hold Jamshedpur FC to a 2-2 draw in an exhilarating AIFF U-17 Elite League playoff Group D encounter at SAI Ground 2 in Guwahati on April 27.
The Young Men of Steel started strongly, dominating possession and dictating the pace of the game in the first half. Gopal Munda opened the scoring in the 13th minute, followed by Alvin Khyriem doubling the advantage in first-half injury time, giving JFC a comfortable 2-0 lead at the break.
However, the momentum shifted dramatically in the second half. Football 4 Change came out with renewed energy and took control of proceedings. Their persistence paid off when Kishore Tiwari pulled one back for F4C in the 56th minute.
JFC had a golden opportunity to regain their two-goal cushion after being awarded a penalty shortly after. But Lawmsangzuala, who stepped up to take it, missed, allowing F4C to grow in confidence and push JFC back.
Goalkeeper Ritabrata Sarkar stood tall, making at least two outstanding saves to keep JFC in the lead. However, fortune turned against JFC when Rashithoi was sent off in the 86th minute after receiving a second yellow card. From the ensuing free-kick, Football 4 Change found the equaliser.
With the draw, Jamshedpur FC sit atop Group D with four points after two matches. Football 4 Change have one point from a single game and are set to face Mumbai City FC next. JFC’s qualification hopes now depend on the outcome — if Football 4 Change beat Mumbai City FC by a margin of more than four goals, JFC will be knocked out. If F4C beat Mumbai City FC then the group winner will be selected by draw of lots.
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