BAMBOLIM: Jamshedpur FC produced a spirited fightback to earn a dramatic 2-2 draw against NorthEast United FC in their second AIFF Super Cup 2025-26 Group B encounter at the Athletic Stadium, on Wednesday.
NorthEast United appeared to be cruising after Chema Núñez opened the scoring in the 20th minute and Alaaeddine Ajaraie doubled the lead nine minutes later with a composed finish. But Jamshedpur, facing elimination, clawed back into contention when Pronay Halder’s towering header in the 43rd minute reduced the deficit. Their persistence was rewarded late on as Raphael Messi Bouli netted an 89th-minute equaliser to snatch a point.
What began as a cautious contest in rain-soaked conditions turned into a pulsating battle, though the result did little to boost either side’s semi-final prospects. NorthEast United, now on two points from as many matches, remain second in the group, while Jamshedpur, with just one point, sit bottom.
The Highlanders started brightly, adapting quickly to the wet surface. Parthib Gogoi tested Jamshedpur goalkeeper Albino Gomes as early as the second minute, before Núñez capitalised on a rebound after Jairo Samperio’s effort hit the crossbar. Soon after, a delightful lofted pass from Núñez set up Ajaraie, who volleyed home expertly to make it 2-0.
Shaken by the deficit, Jamshedpur upped their intensity and found a lifeline before half-time through Halder’s well-timed header from Rei Tachikawa’s corner. The second half saw NorthEast create several chances through Núñez, Ajaraie and Andy Rodríguez but fail to convert, while Jamshedpur patiently absorbed pressure.
Their moment came in the dying stages when Pratik Chowdhury’s curling strike was tipped onto the crossbar by Gurmeet, before Bouli’s decisive header four minutes later secured a dramatic 2-2 draw, keeping Jamshedpur’s faint hopes alive.
Jamshedpur FC Rally Late to Hold NorthEast United 2–2 in Super Cup Thriller
