Javi Hernandez’s late goal wins it for Jamshedpur FC

Jamshedpur FC secures a 2-1 win against Mohun Bagan with Javi Hernandez's late goal in ISL-11 semifinal.

: Javi Hernandez produced a fantastic goal in added time to help Jamshedpur FC snatch a 2-1 win against the league shield champion Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the first leg of the ISL semifinal at the JRD Tata Sports Complex in Jamshedpur on Thursday to secure the crucial advantage.

Jamshedpur opened the lead through Javier Siverio midway through the opening half before Jason Cummings brought Mohun Bagan back into contention with an equaliser before the break.

Just when it appeared that Bagan would be heading home with a draw, Hernandez produced a stunner to ensure that Jamshedpur goes into the second leg (at Kolkata on April 7) with a one-goal lead.

Jamshedpur enjoyed the home advantage as Bagan looked rusty arriving after a prolonged break following its successful league campaign. The home team nearly got a penalty in the sixth minute when a cross inside the Bagan box by Jamshedpur winger Sanan Mohammed hit the hand of defender Asish Rai. But the referee read it differently to deny the host’s appeal for a penalty.

Jamshedpur continued the momentum and found the lead in the 24th minute through Siverio, who nodded home after the towering Stephen Eze reached him unmarked by heading a long throw from Muhammed  Uvais.

Mohun Bagan found its rhythm after the half hour and created multiple openings before seeing its efforts rewarded in the 37th minute. Cummings produced a perfectly executed free-kick which found its way in through the top corner to stun the packed galleries into silence.

Hernandez’s spectacular effort in the end handed over the advantage to Jamshedpur.