A Malabar United player (in red) vies for the ball at JRD Tata Sports Complex in Jamshedpur on Friday. (Bhola Prasad)

Jamshedpur, April 15: Jeribe Kelechi’s brace was the cornerstone in Josco Football Club’s 4-1 win over a hapless Sesa Goa in the AIFF I-League qualifying tie at Keenan Stadium today.

The other match of the day between Malabar United and Kenkre Football Club turned out to be a drab goalless draw at JRD Tata Sports Complex.

Kelechi was in his elements, pulling in goals to keep Josco’s qualification hopes to the super league afloat. The quick-footed midfielder kicked in the opening goal in the 20th minute and followed it up with another at the fag end (89th minute) of the match.

Sesa Goa, which was placed at the bottom, had no solution to the brilliance of Josco players who controlled the proceedings with élan. Though a 35th minute equaliser by Augustine Fernandez did raise some hopes for the Goan camp, but the situation quickly worsened after Josco’s second goal.

Doumia M. made it 2-1 in Josco’s favour after thrusting a cross from the centre to end the stalemate just after the break in the 48th minute.

Sajith T. increased Sesa’s agony by pulling in another goal in the 69th minute before Kelechi sealed the opponent’s fate with a powerful grounder.

After today’s win, Josco have garnered seven points. Kenkre, Malabar United and Ar-Hima are also sitting with as many points in their kitty.

The morning match at JRD Tata Sports Complex turned out to be a tame affair with both Malabar United and Kenkre displaying little urgency to score goals. Both the outfits adopted defensive tactics, forcing the ball to remain consigned to the centre.