A dramatic late equaliser from Nikola Stojanović ensured Jamshedpur FC salvaged a 1-1 draw against Sporting Club Delhi in their Indian Super League 2025-26 clash at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi.
In a contest shaped by missed chances, defensive lapses, and changing conditions, the Serbian midfielder’s strike in the 89th minute denied the hosts a rare victory after Joseph Sunny had given SC Delhi a first-half lead. While Jamshedpur extended their tally to remain second in the standings with 13 points, SC Delhi were left to reflect on a missed opportunity as they stayed near the bottom of the table.
A Competitive Start with Early Chances
The game began with both sides showing intent, exchanging early attempts in a lively opening spell. Jamshedpur looked dangerous from set-pieces, with Stojanović immediately asserting his influence. In the third minute, his long cross from a free-kick forced Delhi goalkeeper Nora Fernandes into action, punching the ball clear under pressure.
At the other end, SC Delhi midfielder Ousmane Fané tested Albino Gomes from distance, while Rei Tachikawa’s effort was comfortably dealt with by Fernandes. The early exchanges set the tone for a match where both sides sought to play direct, attacking football.
Jamshedpur’s Manvir Singh came close in the 11th minute, seeing his effort blocked inside the box, while Augustine Lalrochana tested Gomes shortly after. Stojanović continued to probe, narrowly missing from a direct free-kick before creating an opportunity for Pronay Halder, whose header was blocked.
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Despite Jamshedpur’s early pressure, it was SC Delhi who struck first in the 21st minute. The goal came from a moment of uncertainty in the Jamshedpur defence.
A cross from captain Lamgoulen Semkholun caused confusion in the penalty area, with Gomes failing to deal convincingly with the delivery. After a brief scramble, Joseph Sunny reacted quickest, unleashing a powerful left-footed strike into the top-left corner. The goal not only gave Delhi the lead but also shifted the momentum in their favour. For a team struggling for points this season, it was a crucial breakthrough that provided confidence and structure to their play.
Jamshedpur Search for Response
Jamshedpur responded with urgency but lacked precision in the final third. Mohammed Sanan tested Fernandes with a long-range effort in the 33rd minute and later squandered a close-range opportunity after a promising run.
Raphael Messi Bouli also came close just before halftime, dragging his shot wide from inside the box. Despite creating multiple openings, Jamshedpur’s inability to convert chances meant they went into the break trailing 0-1.
The second half was played under heavy rainfall, which significantly affected the tempo and quality of the game. The wet surface made passing difficult, and both teams struggled to maintain fluidity in their attacking movements. The match became increasingly scrappy, with fewer clear-cut chances. Bouli attempted a speculative long-range effort in the 55th minute, but it failed to trouble the goal.
SC Delhi nearly doubled their advantage in the 74th minute when Augustine Lalrochana tested Gomes with a low drive. The Jamshedpur goalkeeper responded with a sharp save, keeping his side in contention.
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As the clock ticked down, Jamshedpur increased the intensity of their attacks. Stojanović, who had been a constant threat throughout the match, forced another save from Fernandes in the 81st minute. The pressure finally paid off in the 89th minute. With time running out, Stojanović collected the ball outside the box and struck a powerful effort towards goal. The shot took a slight deflection, wrong-footing the goalkeeper before finding the near post.
It was a goal that encapsulated persistence and composure qualities that Jamshedpur had shown throughout the match but had struggled to convert into results until that moment.
In the closing stages, both teams pushed for a winner. Jamshedpur looked to exploit the right flank through substitute Ritwik Das, while SC Delhi attempted to counter quickly. However, neither side could find the decisive breakthrough, and the match ended in a 1-1 draw.
For Jamshedpur FC, the result highlights both resilience and areas for improvement. Their ability to recover late in matches reflects strong mentality, but inefficiency in front of goal remains a concern. SC Delhi, meanwhile, will take positives from their defensive organisation and ability to compete against a top-tier side. However, their inability to hold onto the lead will be a source of frustration.
From Jamshedpur’s perspective, the draw keeps them firmly in the title race. For SC Delhi, it feels like two points lost rather than one gained. Ultimately, the match was defined by moments Joseph Sunny’s opportunistic finish and Nikola Stojanović’s late strike. In a game where margins were fine, those moments ensured that the points were shared.
