Late goal sinks Jamshedpur U14 in opener

Mahabalipuram/Jamshedpur: Jamshedpur FC U14 began their AIFF Sub-Junior League Final Round campaign with a narrow 0-1 defeat to Minerva FC in their opening match at Mahabalipuram on Friday.

The Boys of Steel started on the front foot, going toe to toe with Minerva right from kick-off. Jamshedpur’s attackers tested the Minerva backline early with quick forward runs and set-piece pressure, but the Minerva FC defensive unit stood firm, denying all clear chances in the opening exchanges. Despite Jamshedpur’s attacking intent, the first half ended in a stalemate with neither side able to break the deadlock.

Minerva FC came out sharper after the restart, launching immediate attacks to unsettle the Jamshedpur defense. However, the Boys of Steel showed great resilience, with the backline and keeper denying every Minerva opportunity to keep the game level.

As the match headed toward a draw, Minerva FC produced a decisive moment just before the final whistle. A late attacking move saw them find the net, edging out Jamshedpur U14 1-0 in a heartbreaking finish for the young Men of Steel.

It was a hard-fought contest that could have gone either way, and the Jamshedpur U14s will take plenty of positives from their defensive discipline and attacking phases. The Boys of Steel now need to regroup quickly and shift focus to their next fixture. Jamshedpur U14 face FC Mangalore on 4th May at 4:00 PM in their second Final Round match.