Ranchi, July 26: New signing Raynier Fernandes announced himself in style with a debut hat-trick as Jamshedpur FC cruised to a commanding 5-0 victory over Sri Lanka’s Defenders FC in their Group C opener of the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup at the Birsa Munda Football Stadium on Sunday.
Fernandes struck twice inside the opening six minutes before completing his treble late in the second half, while Aman C.K. and Devendra Dhaku Murgaokar also got on the scoresheet as the Indian Super League (ISL) side completely outclassed the tournament debutants.
Jamshedpur needed just four minutes to break the deadlock. Sanan Mohammed surged down the left wing and delivered a teasing cross into the six-yard box, where Fernandes rose highest to head home and give the Red Miners the perfect start.
The lead doubled only two minutes later. Lalhriatpuia Chawngthu’s dangerous delivery was only partially cleared by goalkeeper T.S. Priyashan, allowing Fernandes to pounce on the loose ball and fire a powerful strike into the net from outside the box.
With confidence flowing, Jamshedpur controlled possession and continued to stretch the Defenders FC backline through the pace of Sanan Mohammed, Lalhriatpuia and Aman. The Sri Lankan outfit struggled to retain the ball and relied heavily on captain R.A.C. Madushan and K.D.S. Sankalpa to keep the scoreline from worsening.
Defenders FC showed brief signs of attacking promise midway through the first half, but Jamshedpur captain Pronay Halder produced a perfectly timed sliding tackle to deny S. Aravinraj during a rare counter-attack.
The Red Miners extended their advantage in the 23rd minute when Aman latched onto a long diagonal pass, raced clear of the defence and calmly chipped the advancing goalkeeper to make it 3-0.
Jamshedpur added a fourth six minutes before half-time in fortunate fashion. Aman drilled a low cross into the box for Devendra Dhaku Murgaokar, whose attempted shot rebounded off his chest and looped past the wrong-footed Priyashan into the net.
Leading 4-0 at the break, Jamshedpur had complete control after dominating possession and restricting the visitors to almost no meaningful opportunities.
Defenders FC looked more organised after the restart and enjoyed longer spells of possession. Priyashan also made a series of fine saves, denying efforts from Lalhriatpuia and Sanan Mohammed to prevent the scoreline from becoming even more lopsided.
Despite easing the tempo, Jamshedpur continued to create chances and eventually found a fifth goal in the 82nd minute. Substitute Lawmsangzuala forced another save from Priyashan, but the rebound fell kindly to Fernandes, who tapped home from close range to complete a memorable hat-trick on his competitive debut.
Aman nearly added a sixth late in the game after winning possession high up the pitch, but his curling effort drifted narrowly wide as Jamshedpur comfortably closed out an emphatic opening victory.
Next Match
Mohammedan SC vs Baghpat FC
July 27, 7:00 PM
Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata.
