Jamshedpur FC ready for Mohun Bagan
Hosts look to overturn poor record against Mohun Bagan
Jamshedpur, April 2: Jamshedpur FC are set to host Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) in the first leg of their Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 semifinal fixture on Thursday. This will be the first time that these two sides meet in the playoffs, with MBSG reaching the last-four courtesy of winning the ISL League Shield, whereas the Red Miners defeated NorthEast United FC 2-0 in the one-legged eliminator.
Jamshedpur FC have not secured a victory in their previous six matches against Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the ISL, losing on four occasions. Another failure to win here will make it their longest winless run in front of any opponent in the competition.
Meanwhile, MBSG have been unbeaten on the road in the previous six games, winning thrice and scoring 13 goals at the expense of conceding merely thrice. Avoiding a loss here will not only mark a new club record for their longest such streak away from home in the league but also enable them to enter the second and decisive leg in Kolkata high on confidence.
Jamshedpur FC have the advantage of making a strong start to the semifinal tie, but they have lost both of their last two games here – with their last longer losing streak at the stadium coming between November and December 2022, of three games each.
Jamshedpur FC have seen a purple patch upfront in 2025, scoring the most goals (22) since the start of the calendar year – one more than Mohun Bagan Super Giant (21), who are the highest scorers in the league with 47 strikes.
MBSG have won just one of their last six ISL playoff matches in regulation or extra time (D3 L2), including a 1-3 defeat to Mumbai City FC in last season’s final. They will want to set this record straight to clinch the ISL Cup after falling short at the final hurdle last season.
Head coach Jose Molina remains unbeaten in the ISL playoffs (W1 D2) from his tenure with ATK in 2016. If he avoids a defeat here, Molina will surpass John Gregory (W2 D1 in 2017-18 for Chennaiyin FC) to become the tactician with the longest unbeaten streak in the playoffs.
Jamshedpur FC’s head coach, Khalid Jamil, outlined an optimistic perspective before the fixture. “This match is very different from the one we played yesterday. It’s a two-legged tie, so the dynamics change completely. We have to approach it with a clear strategy, keeping in mind that this is only the first step. We are playing against a very strong team, and we need to remain positive in our mindset. The fact that we will be at home in front of our fans is a big advantage, and we must make the most of it. We have to focus on getting a positive result and putting ourselves in a strong position before the second leg. Mohun Bagan has a great track record, and we respect that, but we will fight for every moment in this game.”
On Mohun Bagan Super Giant
“They are a top side with high-quality players. They have been champions before, and that experience gives them an edge. We have to be cautious and disciplined in our approach. But at the same time, I believe they will also be thinking about us. A match of this magnitude requires both teams to be fully prepared, and it will come down to how we adapt to different situations on the pitch. We need to be smart, stay focused, and play to our strengths.”
On Jamshedpur FC Creating History by Reaching the Semi-Final
“It’s a great moment for the club. The players have been performing exceptionally well, and the fans have been fantastic in their support. The atmosphere in the team is very positive. There are no issues—everything is going smoothly. The management has been backing us, and that support is crucial. Now, it’s about maintaining our focus and continuing to work hard as a unit.”
On Mohun Bagan’s Coach Saying the Pressure is on Jamshedpur
“He is absolutely right. Playing at home in the first leg means expectations are high. But pressure is a part of football. We have to embrace it and use it as motivation to perform better.”
On Whether Mohun Bagan is the Favourite for the Semi-Final
“There are no favourites in football, especially at this stage of the competition. Yes, they are a strong team, and they have achieved a lot. But we are also a strong team. At the end of the day, it all depends on what happens on the pitch. It’s about who performs better over the two legs. So no, there is no clear favourite in this match.”
On Past League Matches Against Mohun Bagan
“The league matches were different, and this semi-final is an entirely new challenge. We played them twice already, and now we face them again in quick succession. But this time, the stakes are much higher. We have to be mindful of every detail and ensure that we give our best performance. The focus is on the present, not the past.”
On Playing the First Leg at Home
“Our approach will be simple—we must play our natural game, stick to our plan, and give everything on the pitch. Every player must take responsibility and step up when needed. I cannot predict the outcome, but one thing is certain—we will fight for a positive result.”
Sanan on the Season and the Upcoming Semi-Final
“This season has been a rollercoaster. We have faced so many ups and downs, but through it all, we have continued to work hard in training, pushing ourselves to improve. The support from my teammates has been invaluable, and we have built a strong bond within the squad. Right now, our only focus is on the semi-final. It’s a massive game, and we are fully prepared to give everything for the team and the fans.”
Mohun Bagan Super Giant head coach Jose Molina affirmed his side’s commitment to winning the ISL Cup. “We are ready and we want to win the ISL Cup. We are absolutely happy with the season, but we want to win the Cup too,” he said.
