Jamshedpur FC secured their second consecutive home victory of the Indian Super League 2025–26 season with a hard-fought 1–0 win over Punjab FC at the JRD Tata Sports Complex on Saturday.
A late goal from substitute Vincy Barretto proved decisive in a tightly contested encounter, as the Men of Steel made the most of their dominance to continue their strong start to the campaign. Backed by an energetic home crowd at the Furnace, Jamshedpur FC controlled large spells of the match but were forced to remain patient against a resolute Punjab FC defence that held firm for much of the evening.
The hosts started on the front foot and showed greater attacking intent in the opening exchanges. Ritwik Das and Sanan Mohammed looked lively on the flanks, frequently stretching the Punjab backline with their pace and direct running. Jamshedpur’s early pressure resulted in a series of set-piece opportunities, one of which nearly yielded the opening goal when Pronay Halder’s header from a corner narrowly drifted wide midway through the first half.
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As the half progressed, Jamshedpur FC continued to probe the Punjab defence, with forward Messi Bouli posing a constant threat inside the penalty area. The Cameroonian came close to fashioning a breakthrough in the 38th minute after bringing down a long ball and attempting to turn his marker, but a timely intervention from the Punjab defence prevented a clear sight of goal.
Photo: Abhinav Ashish Aind /Focus Sports/ ISL
Moments later, Bouli delivered a low cross into the six-yard box that was partially cleared by the visitors. Sanan Mohammed collected the loose ball and appeared to go down under a challenge, prompting loud appeals for a penalty from the home side. However, the referee waved play on, much to the frustration of the Jamshedpur players and supporters.
Despite their territorial advantage and a higher share of possession, the hosts were unable to convert their opportunities into a goal before the break, with Punjab FC maintaining their defensive discipline to keep the scores level at half-time.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Jamshedpur FC pushing forward in search of the breakthrough while Punjab looked to frustrate the hosts and create chances on the counter-attack. Mohammed Talal tested the Punjab goalkeeper in the 63rd minute with a powerful effort from the wing, but the shot was punched away to safety. In a bid to inject fresh energy into the attack, Jamshedpur FC head coach Owen Coyle turned to his bench, introducing Vincy Barretto and Rei Tachikawa as the hosts intensified their search for a goal.
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The decisive moment arrived in the 78th minute. Barretto initiated the move from midfield before releasing Sanan Mohammed down the right flank. Mohammed’s cross was punched away by the Punjab goalkeeper, but the clearance fell kindly for Barretto, who reacted quickly as the ball ricocheted off him and trickled into the net, sparking jubilant celebrations among the home crowd.
Punjab FC responded by pushing numbers forward in the closing stages in an attempt to find an equaliser. However, the Jamshedpur defence, marshalled effectively by captain Steven Eze, remained composed under pressure and denied the visitors any clear-cut opportunities.
The narrow victory not only earned Jamshedpur FC all three points but also underlined their defensive solidity, with the side registering another clean sheet at home. With two wins from their opening fixtures at the Furnace, the Men of Steel have begun to build early momentum in the season.
Jamshedpur FC will now look to carry this confidence into their next fixture, as they prepare to face East Bengal FC in an away clash scheduled for February 27.
