PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, March 8: Jamshedpur FC created history by defeating ATK Mohun Bagan by a 1-0 margin to bag the League Shield for the first time, in the Hero Indian Super League 2021-22 at PJN Stadium in Fatorda, Goa, on Monday evening.
With this Jamshedpur FC became the first team in Hero ISL to register seven wins in a row.
It will now play with Kerala Blasters FC on March 11 in the first semi-final.
Jamshedpur FC needed to draw to finish on top of the table and clinch the League Shield, and Jamshedpur rode Ritwik’s goal in the 56th minute to ensure they finish the season on a high, capping off a stellar campaign under Owen Coyle.
Jamshedpur FC finished with 43 points from 20 games, winning 13 games. ATK Mohun Bagan ended their league engagements having 37 in their kitty from 20 matches.
Jamshedpur will take on Kerala Blasters FC on March 11 in the first semi-final while ATKMB will square off with Hyderabad FC the next day in the second last-four clash. Jamshedpur will get richer by Rs 3.5 crore, the prize money for the League Shield.
Soon after the win, the Jamshedpur FC players jumped into celebration.
It remains to be seen whether the newly-crowned League Shield winners go on to win the Hero ISL or not but it has already been an exceptional season for them.
“We are delighted over the great win. It was an honour for Jamshedpur and everyone in the club,” said an official of Jamshedpur FC.
ATK Mohun Bagan tried hard to come back in the match but Jamshedpur FC held firm and winni g the crucial tie bagging three points and becoming the first side in the history of Hero ISL to register seven wins in a row.
