Jamshedpur, Oct 8: Tata Steel staged a remarkable comeback to stun defending champions Jamshedpur FC Reserves 4-3 in the semifinal of the JSA Premier League on Wednesday.
Jamshedpur FC Reserves appeared to be cruising with a two-goal cushion until the 79th minute, but three late goals from Tata Steel turned the tide dramatically, ending JFC’s hopes of defending their title.
Early goals from Gopal Munda (2’) and a brace from Mars (31’, 60’) had seemingly sealed the contest in JFC’s favour. However, Tata Steel mounted a sensational fightback, sparked by Aashaman Hembrom’s 78th-minute strike, before Sunil Lohar netted twice late in the game to complete the comeback and secure a place in the final.
JFC dominated the first half, opening the scoring within two minutes through Gopal Munda and creating several chances before Mars doubled the lead in the 31st minute. The Reserves went into the break with a commanding 2-0 advantage and extended it further in the second half through Mars’ second goal after
Tata Steel’s Gorachand Mardi had briefly reduced the deficit in the 56th minute.
But Hembrom’s goal in the 78th minute shifted the momentum decisively. Tata Steel launched relentless attacks, and JFC’s defence faltered under pressure as Sunil Lohar struck the equaliser in the 85th minute before scoring the dramatic injury-time winner. With this win, Tata Steel booked their place in the JSA Premier League final, where they will face Tata Motors or Jharkhand Sporting Club, who meet in the second semifinal on October 8 at 2:30 PM at the JRD Tata Sports Complex.
