We need all of Jamshedpur behind us: Stephen Eze calls ahead of Semifinal clash

Jamshedpur, March 31: As Jamshedpur FC secured a hard-fought 2-0 win over NorthEast United FC to book their place in the Indian Super League semifinals, one message stood out above all this team needs its fans now more than ever. With a massive clash against Mohun Bagan Super Giant at the Furnace on April 3, Jamshedpur playoff hero Stephen Eze  had passionate call for the entire city to rally behind  them on April 3rd.

“Our fans are our heartbeat, and this is the moment we need them the most,” said goalscorer Stephen Eze. “The whole of Jamshedpur has to be there, filling the stands, roaring with us, and making the Furnace a fortress. Their support lifts us, gives us energy, and pushes us beyond our limits. We will give everything on the pitch, but we need them to make the atmosphere electric. This is our time, together.”

The Men of Steel put in a resilient performance in Shillong, with Eze’s first-half goal giving them the lead before Javi Hernández sealed the win in stoppage time. The team had to dig deep, especially in the final minutes after Mobashir Rahman’s red card, but they stood firm to claim victory.

“All I have to say is hard work. Everyone gave everything for the team,” Eze added. “NorthEast pushed hard, but we stayed disciplined, stayed compact, and fought for every ball. That’s what got us through.”

Playing in Shillong’s challenging conditions wasn’t easy, but Jamshedpur adapted well. “The temperature wasn’t too bad, but the pitch was slippery,” Eze admitted. “Still, we found a way to play our game and handle the conditions.”

The second half saw Jamshedpur defending their slender lead as NorthEast United pushed for an equalizer. But even as they lost a man in the 89th minute, the team stood strong. “We just had to deal with the situation and put in extra effort,” Eze said. “Being a man down, every tackle, every clearance, every second mattered. I’m proud of how we stood strong as a unit.”

Javi Hernández’s injury-time goal ensured there was no way back for NorthEast United and confirmed Jamshedpur’s place in the semifinals. With Mohun Bagan Super Giant up next, Eze was clear about what needs to be done. “I don’t like talking too much before a game,” he said. “We just need to maintain our discipline, work hard, and try to get a good result.”

But one thing is certain—the team is ready for the battle ahead, and they are counting on Jamshedpur to show up in full force. April 3 will be a night to remember, and the players want to see the Furnace packed, loud, and unbreakable.