Jamshedpur FC mounted a stirring late comeback to hold NorthEast United FC to a thrilling 2-2 draw in their AIFF Super Cup 2025–26 Group B clash at the GMC Athletic Stadium in Bambolim on Wednesday.
In a rain-soaked evening that tested both teams’ resolve, the Men of Steel overturned a two-goal deficit, thanks to second-half heroics from Raphael Messi Bouli and captain Pronay Halder, to salvage a crucial point that keeps their knockout hopes alive. NorthEast United FC, coming off a solid run of form, began the game full of confidence and control. The Highlanders dominated possession in the early exchanges, keeping Jamshedpur pinned deep in their own half.
Their intent soon paid dividends in the 20th minute. Spanish midfielder Jairo initiated a clever attacking move, unleashing a fierce left-footed strike that cannoned off the crossbar. The rebound fell kindly to his compatriot Chema Núñez, who reacted quickest to slot home the opener and give NorthEast the lead they fully deserved. The goal injected even more confidence into Juan Pedro Benali’s side, who continued to stretch the play and exploit Jamshedpur’s flanks. Within nine minutes, the Highlanders doubled their advantage. A delightful lofted pass from Chema picked out Alaeddine Ajaraie inside the box, and the Moroccan made no mistake guiding a first-time half-volley past Albino Gomes to make it 2-0 in the 29th minute.
At that point, Jamshedpur looked shell-shocked. The midfield pairing of Halder and Tachikawa struggled to impose control, while Bouli’s isolated presence up front failed to trouble the NorthEast defence.
Halder leads the fightback
Just when it seemed NorthEast United would head into the interval with a comfortable two-goal cushion, Pronay Halder reignited Jamshedpur’s hopes. In the 42nd minute, a well-delivered corner from Rei Tachikawa was met perfectly by the skipper, who glanced his header into the far corner to reduce the deficit.
The goal lifted spirits on the Jamshedpur bench and changed the complexion of the match. Halder’s strike not only halved the deficit but also injected renewed belief into the team, who had struggled to find rhythm until that point.
At halftime, the Highlanders still led 2-1, but the momentum had clearly shifted. The second half began with Jamshedpur showing far greater urgency. The midfield tightened, the wingers pressed higher, and the rain only seemed to fuel their determination. While NorthEast United attempted to slow the tempo and protect their lead, Jamshedpur started creating wave after wave of attacks.
Messi Bouli had a few half-chances one header narrowly missing the target as Jamshedpur began dominating possession. Despite their territorial control, the equaliser proved elusive as the clock ticked down. NorthEast United defended deep, with captain Miguel Zabaco marshalling his backline effectively, while goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh made several key saves.
But as so often happens in football, persistence paid off. In the 88th minute, Jamshedpur’s relentless pressure finally told. A cross floated in from the right found Raphael Messi Bouli, who outjumped his marker and powered a header past Gurmeet to make it 2-2, sending the Jamshedpur dugout into raptures.
The dramatic late goal completed a remarkable comeback for the Red Miners, who had looked second best for much of the contest but refused to give in.
Missed opportunities for NorthEast
For NorthEast United, it was a night of frustration. After establishing a strong 2-0 lead, they failed to build on their dominance or manage the tempo effectively in the second half. Ajaraie came close to restoring their two-goal cushion midway through the second period with a fierce effort that Albino Gomes did well to save, while Miguel Zabaco’s header from a corner narrowly cleared the bar. The Highlanders will rue their inability to close the game out. Defensive lapses in the final minutes cost them two valuable points a setback that now complicates their path to the knockouts.
Head coach Benali cut a dejected figure at full time, while Jamshedpur’s new boss could take plenty of positives from his team’s resilience and spirit. While Bouli’s late header grabbed the headlines, it was Pronay Halder who stood tall as Jamshedpur’s driving force. His first goal was the spark that turned the game around, and his leadership in the midfield ensured the team maintained belief even under pressure.
Halder’s performance embodied the Men of Steel’s identity gritty, determined, and unwilling to back down.
With this draw, Jamshedpur FC remain in contention for a knockout berth but will need a win in their final Group B fixture to secure qualification with a condition that Goa drops points. The result moves them to two points from two matches.
For NorthEast United, the draw feels more like a loss. They remain second in the group but must now defeat table-toppers FC Goa in their final outing to stay alive in the competition. Despite the disappointment, Wednesday’s encounter provided everything fans could hope for tactical intrigue, individual brilliance, and late drama under the floodlights. It was a showcase of the AIFF Super Cup’s rising competitive intensity, where every match, every minute, and every mistake can redefine the outcome.
Match Summary
AIFF Super Cup 2025–26, Group B
Venue: GMC Athletic Stadium, Bambolim
Result: Jamshedpur FC 2–2 NorthEast United FC
Goals:
- Chema Núñez (20’), Alaeddine Ajaraie (29’) – NorthEast United FC
- Pronay Halder (42’), Raphael Messi Bouli (88’) – Jamshedpur FC
Next Matches (Group B, Final Round)
- Jamshedpur FC vs Inter Kashi — November 1, 2025, 4:30 PM IST
- NorthEast United FC vs FC Goa — November 1, 2025, 7:30 PM IST
Both matches promise high stakes with qualification for the knockout rounds hanging firmly in the balance.
