Jamshedpur FC fought back to earn a 1-1 draw against Kerala Blasters FC in their Indian Super League 2024-25 match at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi. Korou Singh gave Kerala Blasters the lead in the first half. However, an own goal from Milos Drincic in the second half allowed Jamshedpur FC to equalize.

As a result, Kerala Blasters FC is now out of the playoff race. Even if they win their remaining matches, they can only reach 31 points. Meanwhile, NorthEast United FC, currently in sixth place, has 32 points with two games left.

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Korou Singh Opens the Scoring

At first, both teams played cautiously. However, Kerala Blasters FC, knowing they needed a win to stay in the playoff race, increased their urgency. On the other hand, Jamshedpur FC, already qualified for the playoffs, played with less pressure.

In the 16th minute, Jamshedpur FC suffered an early setback when Shubham Sarangi picked up an injury. Consequently, Nikhil Barla came on as his replacement. Meanwhile, Kerala Blasters FC began controlling possession and pushing forward.

A few minutes later, in the 23rd minute, Adrian Luna made an impressive run through the center. Then, he passed the ball to Kwame Peprah on the left wing. Although the forward had space, Jamshedpur FC’s defenders reacted quickly and cleared the danger.

Finally, Kerala Blasters FC broke the deadlock in the 35th minute. Goalkeeper Albino Gomes launched a long goal kick, which reached the other penalty area. Dusan Lagator headed it away, but Korou Singh was quick to react. He outjumped Stephen Eze in midfield, controlled the ball, and sprinted past three defenders. Then, from a tight angle, he smashed a powerful shot past Albino to give Kerala Blasters FC the lead.

Jamshedpur FC Fights for an Equalizer

After halftime, both teams made substitutions. Kerala Blasters FC brought on Danish Farooq for Yoihenba Meetei, while Jamshedpur FC replaced Sourav Das with Mobashir Rehman.

Right away, Jamshedpur FC increased their attacking intent. Just a few minutes into the second half, Stephen Eze met a corner kick with a powerful header. However, goalkeeper Nora Fernandes reacted quickly to make a crucial save.

Even though Jamshedpur FC was pushing forward, they struggled to create clear chances. As a result, in the 59th minute, coach Khalid Jamil made another change. He brought on Rei Tachikawa for Lazar Cirkovic to add more attacking strength.

Drincic’s Own Goal Saves Jamshedpur FC

Kerala Blasters FC appeared to be heading for a narrow win. However, in the 86th minute, the match took a dramatic turn. Sreekuttan collected a loose ball on the right wing and sent a cross into the box. Unfortunately for Kerala Blasters FC, Milos Drincic accidentally deflected the ball into his own net, giving Jamshedpur FC the equalizer.

From that moment, Kerala Blasters FC threw everything forward in search of a late winner. However, Jamshedpur FC defended resolutely and managed to hold on for a hard-fought point.

In the end, Jamshedpur FC continued their strong form, while Kerala Blasters FC saw their playoff hopes come to a disappointing end.