Jamshedpur (Jharkhand) [India], July 25 : Jamshedpur FC edged past Nepal's Tribhuvan Army FC 3-2 in a five goal thriller to secure a win in the Group C opener which was played here at the JRD Tata Sports Complex. The Nepal Army side came from behind to equalise twice but Nikhil Barla's strike ensured that the Red Miners to start the group stage matches with a win. Sarthak Goloui and Manvir Singh scored the first two goals for Jamshedpur while Captain George Prince Karki and Ananta Tamang scored for Tribhuvan Army FC, as per a release from the Durand Cup
Jamshedpur FC Head Coach Khalid Jamil named an all Indian eleven which included new signings Manvir Singh, Jayesh Rane, Nishu Kumar, Sarthak Goloui and Vincy Baretto while Tribhuvan Army Head Coach Meghraj KC named a strong lineup in a 4-4-2 formation with Nawayug Shrestha and skipper George Prince Karki leading the attack line.
Sarthak Goloui took advantage of a mistake by the opposition goalkeeper Samit Shrestha who failed to gather a long throw-in by Praful Kumar YV to give Jamshedpur the lead in the fourth minute. The ball fell into the path of Sarthak who slotted the ball into the empty net. Jamshedpur continued to threaten the side from Nepal especially with their set piece routines which were plenty, but could not take their chances to score a second.
TAFC took advantage of that and scored the equaliser in the 26th minute through their captain George Prince Karki. The striker received a pass from Gillespye Karki and found the bottom left corner with a low drilled shot, giving no chance for Jamshedpur goalkeeper Amrit Gope. The Red Miners regained their lead within four minutes after Manvir Singh put the finishing touches to a neat team move. C. Hriata released Vincy Barretto into space and the striker dodged the challenge of the defender and released the unmarked Manvir who rounded the goalkeeper and calmly slotted the ball into the open net.
The pace of the match slowed down in the second half until Tribhuvan Army centre back Ananta Tamang produced a belter of a goal. The Nepalese international's effort from 35 yards away found the top corner beyond the outstretched hands of the goalkeeper. The Nepal side could not maintain the lead for long again as Jamshedpur took the lead for the third time in the match through substitute Nikhil Barla. TAFC defence could not clear Sanan Mohammed's cross and Nikhil Barla's side footed effort crept into the net through the near side of the post.
Jamshedpur used their experience to maintain the lead and with the introduction of fresh legs, the Red Miners saw the match through to secure three hard earned points.