Excitement is soaring in Jamshedpur as the city gears up to host Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the first leg of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 semi-final. The match has already generated an overwhelming response from fans, with a staggering 20,000 tickets sold out within just 24 hours. A fully packed JRD Tata Sports Complex is expected to welcome the visitors, and the home side will look to harness the energy of their passionate supporters in pursuit of a favorable result before heading to Kolkata—where Mohun Bagan remains unbeaten this season.
This first leg marks a historic occasion as it is the first time Jamshedpur will host a semi-final in ISL history. The local fans are eager to make the most of this momentous event. Jamshedpur FC secured their spot in the semi-finals with a convincing 2-0 victory over NorthEast United FC in the eliminator, while Mohun Bagan qualified directly by winning the League Shield.
In their previous encounters this season, Jamshedpur suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat against Mohun Bagan in Kolkata but managed to hold them to a hard-fought 1-1 draw at home. This time, they’ll be looking to learn from past mistakes. Jamshedpur head coach Khalid Jamil is well aware of the challenge Mohun Bagan presents and has urged his players to stay focused and approach the game with confidence. “A semi-final is a different challenge. Mohun Bagan is a strong side, but we are concentrating on ourselves and aiming for a positive result. We have to be cautious against them and stick to our game plan,” Khalid stated in the pre-match press conference.
As the match approaches, Jamshedpur defender Stephen Eze, who scored a stunning solo goal against Mohun Bagan in their last meeting, expressed optimism about his team’s chances. “We respect Mohun Bagan—they are a quality side and have just won the Shield. But football is about the effort you put in over 90 minutes. If we give our best, we can achieve the result we want,” Eze remarked. The team is bolstered by a strong home crowd, and they hope to use this support to their advantage.
Meanwhile, Jamshedpur could receive a boost with the potential return of defender Pratik Chaudhary, who has been recovering from injury. Khalid hinted at his possible inclusion, saying, “Pratik is feeling better, but we will take a final call on his availability in the morning.”
On the other hand, Mohun Bagan arrives in Jamshedpur without two key players—Lalengmawia Ralte (Apuia) and Manvir Singh. Their absence leaves a gap in the squad, and all eyes will be on how their replacements step up in this crucial fixture.
As the match unfolds, several key battles on the pitch could determine the outcome. One of the most anticipated duels is between Javi Hernandez of Jamshedpur and Lalengmawia Ralte from Mohun Bagan. Hernandez is expected to move deeper into midfield, bringing his experience and skill to the contest. He has been in fine form, scoring a well-taken goal in the playoff against NorthEast United. However, he will face a tough challenge against Apuia, who is known for his press-resistant ability and hard-working nature. This midfield battle promises to be intense, with both players vying to control the game.
Another intriguing matchup is between Liston Colaco of Mohun Bagan and Jamshedpur's Ashutosh Mehta. Colaco is coming off a prolific March international break, where he scored his first-ever international goal and contributed significantly to his club. With five goal contributions (three goals, two assists) in the ISL this season, he is brimming with confidence. However, he faces a formidable opponent in Mehta, who has displayed excellent defensive qualities in recent matches. The battle between these two will be crucial for both teams' attacking prospects.
Finally, fans will be eager to see how Jamie Maclaren of Mohun Bagan performs against Jamshedpur's Stephen Eze. Maclaren is in hot form, having scored 11 goals in the ISL this season, and will look to add to that tally. Eze, on the other hand, is a rugged defender known for his aggressive style of play, and he will aim to keep Maclaren at bay. The dynamic between these two players could be pivotal in determining which team gains an advantage.
As the teams prepare to take the field, the atmosphere at the JRD Tata Sports Complex is electric. With a packed stadium backing them, Jamshedpur FC is determined to make a statement in their first-ever semi-final appearance. The stakes are high, and both teams will be looking to secure a positive result to take into the second leg in Kolkata.
The ISL semi-final match between Jamshedpur FC and Mohun Bagan Super Giant will kick off at 7:30 PM IST on April 3, 2025, and will be broadcast live on Sports 18 and streamed on JioCinema. Fans can expect a thrilling encounter as both teams battle for a spot in the final.
As the first leg of this highly anticipated semi-final unfolds, all eyes will be on the pitch to see which team can take the early advantage in their quest for ISL glory.
