Jamshedpur FC ended their AIFF Super Cup 2025 group campaign on a high note with a composed 2–0 win over newly promoted Inter Kashi at the GMC Bambolim Stadium in Bambolim, North Goa.
The result gave the Red Miners a morale-boosting performance to take away from a compact group stage; for Inter Kashi, the evening had its compensations most notably a calm trophy presentation as they received the I-League 2024/25 crown after the final whistle.
There were no late fireworks or frantic swings of momentum this was a controlled, professional showing by Jamshedpur. From the first whistle they dominated possession, probed patiently down the flanks and rarely allowed Inter Kashi any sustained periods on the ball. Inter Kashi, despite the occasion and the post-match celebrations, looked uncomfortable keeping possession; their attacking patterns were limited and too often reliant on set pieces and long transitions.
The match’s decisive moments came from two brief spells of high quality. The opener arrived just before half-time when Nikola Stojanovic’s inswinging corner found Cameroonian forward Messi Bouli, who powered a header past the goalkeeper in the 36th minute. Bouli’s aerial presence has been a consistent threat for Jamshedpur and the finish was textbook: committed movement, accurate contact and no hesitation in the penalty area. The goal capped a period of sustained pressure from the Red Miners, who had increasingly controlled territory down their left channel and created several half-chances leading up to the corner.
Inter Kashi attempted to respond after the break. Tactical tweaks a more advanced positioning for Sumeet Passi and increased width from Wayne Vaz brought them the better of a few moments, but they rarely opened Jamshedpur up with sustained build-up play. Their best openings in the second half came from dead-ball situations: David Munoz’s free-kicks in the 62nd and 77th minutes forced two smart saves from Albino Gomes, who twice had to be alert to keep his team ahead. Those moments underlined both Inter Kashi’s set-piece planning and Jamshedpur’s occasional vulnerability when conceding fouls in promising areas.
Jamshedpur’s game management was exemplary. Coach Aidy Boothroyd’s side moved the ball with patience, rotated possession to unsettle the Kashi defensive shape and kept their backline compact. The introduction of Manvir Singh from the bench proved decisive. Around the 81st minute, a neat approach play involving Bouli produced the second: Bouli did the hard work to breach the defence again and teed up Manvir, who tapped in from close range to make it 2–0 and finally kill the contest. Manvir’s finish was simple but clinical the kind of late contribution that underlines the value of experienced forwards off the bench.
Defensively, Jamshedpur were disciplined. Centre-back pair Pratik Chaudhari and Sarthak Golui marshalled the box well, winning key aerial duels and snuffing out Inter Kashi’s few forward forays. Midfield control from Nikola Stojanovic and Germanpreet Singh allowed the Red Miners to assert tempo and limit transitions. On the rare occasions Inter Kashi found space, goalkeeper Albino Gomes answered with decisive interventions; his handling of Munoz’s curling efforts prevented the match from becoming nervy.
For Inter Kashi, the match exposed areas to work on. The I-League champions showed spirit and had their moments in the second half, but they did not translate possession and set-piece opportunities into clear scoring chances from open play. The forward line, led nominally by Sumeet Passi and Prabir Das, struggled to find rhythm against a concentrated Jamshedpur defensive block. The Kashi midfield looked light in control and was often bypassed by Jamshedpur’s quick switches of play.
Contextually, the fixture fulfilled its two obvious functions: it gave Jamshedpur a positive finish to their Super Cup run, and it allowed Inter Kashi to enjoy a celebratory moment on the national stage after clinching their I-League title. The post-match trophy presentation a deserved recognition of Inter Kashi’s domestic campaign added warmth to an otherwise routine group game.
Tactically, the most significant takeaway is Jamshedpur’s ability to win without relying on frantic forward bursts. Their 4-4-2 shape generated wide overloads and allowed Bouli to act as a focal point for crosses and second balls; when the opportunity arose, the bench provided the necessary finishing touch. Inter Kashi, who lined up in a 4-5-1, lacked the midfield control needed to shift the game in their favour and must improve their transitional play if they are to match ISL opposition in cup competitions.
The result leaves Jamshedpur with a confident exit from Group B; for the tournament table and progression, the decisive fixtures between FC Goa and NorthEast United FC at Fatorda will dictate the final contours of the group. For supporters of the Red Miners, though, tonight provided more than three points it offered a reminder of squad depth and match-day composure.
Key performers: Messi Bouli (JFC) goal and constant aerial threat; Albino Gomes (JFC) two crucial second-half saves; Manvir Singh (JFC) impact substitute with a clinching goal.
What’s next: The Super Cup group concludes with FC Goa vs NorthEast United at the JLN Stadium, Fatorda. Jamshedpur head home having demonstrated they can control matches, while Inter Kashi return to the I-League with the tangible reward of a title and lessons for the tougher fixtures ahead.
