ISL 2020-21: Jamshedpur's playoff hopes boosted after narrow win over Chennaiyin

Vipin Pawar / Sportzpics for ISL

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An injury-time own goal from Enes Sipovic helped Jamshedpur FC edge Chennaiyin FC 1-0 at the GMC Stadium in Bambolim in the Indian Super League on Wednesday.

Jamshedpur did not register a single shot on target, compared to Chennaiyin's four, but the result lifted Owen Coyle's team to the sixth while Chennaiyin stayed eighth. 

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The opening half was cagey, with Chennaiyin creating better chances, but failing to convert them again. Jamshedpur eventually grew into the game but lacked incision in the attacking third.

Jamshedpur keeper TP Rehenesh was called into action early on, forcing a fine save from Lallianzuala Chhangte. The youngster received the ball from Memo Moura on the left and cut inside before curling his shot towards the far post. However, his effort was parried away by Rehenesh.

Chennaiyin created their next big chance around the half-hour mark as Chhangte slid a pass into the box from the left. An onrushing Rahim Ali hit it first time but Ricky Lallawmawma blocked it to deny Chennaiyin. Minutes later, Reagan Singh was set through on goal before a last-ditch block from Stephen Eze meant Chennaiyin squandered another chance.

Jamshedpur came out stronger after the break and created two big openings before the hour mark but Alexandre Lima and David Grande both failed to keep their shots on target.

The best chance of the game fell to Chennaiyin when Thoi Singh was released into the box and had a chance to score but played a cut-back to Chhangte, which was intercepted.

Jamshedpur found the winner in fortuitous fashion toward the end. Receiving the ball on the right, Grande cut inside on his left foot before launching a fierce strike that took a deflection of Sipovic before trickling into the back of the net.

Jamshedpur next face 

- Indian Super League: Stream LIVE on ESPN+ (U.S. only)