Heartbreak for Jamshedpur U-18 in quarters

Mahilpur/Jamshedpur, April 23: Jamshedpur FC U-18’s impressive run in the AIFF Elite League came to an end after a hard-fought quarterfinal defeat to Bengaluru FC, with the match decided on penalties following a 2–2 draw in regulation time.

Jamshedpur began on a slow note and were made to pay when Bengaluru FC took the lead in the 16th minute from a corner. The Young Men of Steel gradually settled into the game and grew in confidence as the half progressed. Their persistence paid off just before the break when Alvin found the equaliser, bringing JFC back into the contest.

The second half saw Jamshedpur take greater control, enjoying more possession and attacking with intent. Mars and Krishna Tudu both came close as JFC pushed for the lead, but it was Bengaluru FC who struck again in the 64th minute, capitalising on a defensive lapse to regain the advantage.

Refusing to back down, Jamshedpur continued to press and were rewarded late in the game. In the 87th minute, Satyajit rose high to power in a header and level the scores once again, sending the match into a penalty shootout.

However, the shootout did not go Jamshedpur’s way, as missed attempts from Sana and Rayan proved costly. Bengaluru FC held their nerve from the spot to secure victory, bringing an end to Jamshedpur FC U-18’s spirited campaign despite a determined performance in the knockout clash.