Looking back at Khalid Jamil's tenure with Jamshedpur FC

Khalid Jamil took over Jamshedpur FC at a challenging phase.

Khalid Jamil bid farewell to Jamshedpur FC as he penned a two-year deal with AIFF as the new head coach of the Indian Football Team. As he embarks on yet another challenging journey, he leaves behind a legacy that will be remembered.

Back in December 2023, a team that had won the ISL Shield a year prior was languishing at the bottom of the ISL table. After a humiliating defeat to Odisha FC, Jamshedpur FC, for the first time, decided to mutually part ways with their head coach in mid-season.

At a time when the fire of the furnace was almost extinguished, Khalid Jamil came to the Steel City as the Messiah. A man who revived those old golden days at the Furnace and transformed Jamshedpur FC from a mid-table team to an invincible beast.

Khalid previously took the Highlanders to the ISL semi-finals, and there were not much expectations from the Indian gaffer as he too was coming at the backdrop of an underwhelming tenure at Nepal. But, in just 18 months, the Kuwait-born gaffer completely changed the identity of the club.

As Khalid bids adieu to the Red Miners after becoming the head coach of the Indian national football team, we take you on a roller coaster ride to Khalid Jamil’s tenure at Jamshedpur FC. From almost taking an underdog side in Asia to becoming the only team to reach Super Cup semi-finals three times consecutively, let’s take a flashback to Khalid’s time at the Steel City.

Also Read: Steven Dias announced as interim head coach of Jamshedpur FC following Khalid Jamil’s departure

Instant impact at the Kalinga Super Cup

Khalid took the reins of Jamshedpur FC mid-season after they parted ways with Scott Cooper. His first assignment with JFC was the Kalinga Super Cup. Shockingly, despite underwhelming performances, there were no major incomings or outgoings from the squad.

JFC were placed alongside the then table toppers Kerala Blasters, North East United FC and Shillong Lajong. Not only did they shock everyone by topping the group, but they also made it to the semi-finals before East Bengal crushed Khalid’s silverware hopes on debut.

A series of comebacks in ISL

After the Super Cup, when ISL resumed, JFC looked like a completely different team. A team that was even struggling to score goals went on to secure a 3-2 comeback against the Islanders after being 2-0 down in the first half at the Mumbai Football Arena.

Despite failing to qualify for the knockouts, there were signs of improvement after a big away win over Punjab FC and East Bengal. Jamshedpur found hope in Khalid, and they decided to extend his contract at JFC for the upcoming domestic season.

A rare disappointment at Durand Cup 2024

It was for the first time that Jamshedpur played host to Asia’s oldest tournament, the Durand Cup, in 2024. This was Khalid’s first assignment after being appointed as the full-time coach. The Red Miners began their campaign with a win over Assam Rifles and Chennaiyin FC.

In the last group game, all they needed was just a point. Jamshedpur were 2-0 up in the first half against Indian Army, and just days before Independence Day, the army team shocked the Furnace after scripting a 3-2 win over them.

Semi-final finish in ISL 2024-25

The ISL 2024-25 season was a turning point in Khalid Jamil’s career. He had a point to prove after Jamshedpur FC entrusted him with big responsibilities. Much to everyone’s surprise, Khalid’s men began their ISL campaign with a comeback win over FC Goa and Mumbai City FC.

They were riding high before a series of heavy defeats from North East United FC, Chennaiyin FC, and Mohun Bagan derailed their momentum. But they somehow regained their form and finished joint third in the ISL points table alongside the Highlanders and Bengaluru FC.

In the knockouts, they avenged their defeat against the Highlanders, only to face ISL Shield Winners Mohun Bagan in the semi-finals. The Red Miners shocked everyone after they were leading 2-1 on aggregate after the first half, but a late goal from Apuia in the second leg saw their finals hopes crushed.

How Khalid almost took JFC to Asia!

Jamshedpur FC were unfortunate not to make it to Asia despite winning the ISL Shield, but they had a shot at Asia once again. Jamshedpur became the only team to make it to the semi-finals of the Super Cup three times in a row.

Their impressive campaign saw them win games against Mohammedan, North East United FC, and Mumbai City FC to make it to the finals. This was their first-ever final appearance in the eight-year-old existence of the club, and they were just a win away from representing India at Asia, but Manolo’s Goa had other plans.

Farewell gift to Jamshedpur in the Durand Cup

Jamshedpur were drawn alongside good teams like Nepal Army, 1 Ladakh FC and the same Indian Army team that handed them a 3-2 defeat last time. But Khalid’s men won every single game to finish at the top with 9 points and will now play the quarter finals against Diamond Harbour FC.

Khalid took an early release as his national duties required and he has a greater purpose now. For Jamshedpur to For India, there’s no slightest hesitation in admitting that Jamshedpur played an indispensable role in reviving Khalid Jamil and supporting him, even during catastrophic times.

His time at Jamshedpur shall forever be embedded in the hearts and souls of every Red Miner as he instilled that hope and optimism among the local fans. No matter how far Khalid goes ahead with the national team, his tenure with Jamshedpur FC shall forever be remembered as the turning point in his career.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.