Jamshedpur FC battled back from a two-goal deficit to earn a thrilling 2-2 draw against NorthEast United FC in their second AIFF Super Cup 2025 Group B match at the GMC Stadium on Wednesday, October 29.
NorthEast United took control early as Chema Núñez scored in the 20th minute, followed by Alaaeddine Ajaraie’s clinical finish in the 29th minute to give the Highlanders a 2-0 lead. Facing the threat of elimination, Jamshedpur responded before halftime through Pronay Halder’s header in the 43rd minute. Their persistence finally paid off late when Raphael Messi Bouli struck in the 89th minute to secure a hard-fought draw.
The match, played under rain-soaked conditions, began cautiously but ended in dramatic fashion, leaving both sides frustrated as the result did little to improve their chances of reaching the semi-finals.
Both teams entered the match under pressure. NorthEast United, with two points from two games, remained second in the group, while Jamshedpur, now on two points, stayed at the bottom. Their semi-final hopes now depend on FC Goa’s later clash with Inter Kashi. A Goa win would put them on six points, a total neither Jamshedpur nor NorthEast United could reach even if they won their remaining group matches.
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NorthEast United started the game with urgency. Parthib Gogoi’s early shot in the second minute tested Jamshedpur goalkeeper Albino Gomes, signaling the Highlanders’ intent.
Their pressure paid off in the 20th minute when a long throw into the box caused confusion, and Núñez reacted fastest to a rebound from Jairo Samperio’s effort off the crossbar to open the scoring. Nine minutes later, a brilliant combination between Núñez and Ajaraie created the second goal. Núñez lifted a precise pass over the Jamshedpur defense for Ajaraie, who volleyed in expertly to give NorthEast a commanding 2-0 lead.
Jamshedpur finally came to life as the first half progressed. The Red Miners pressed forward, controlled the midfield, and earned a goal just before halftime when Halder rose to meet Rei Tachikawa’s corner and headed home to reduce the deficit.
The second half was tightly contested in the slippery conditions. NorthEast United continued to create chances, but Núñez, Ajaraie, and Andy Rodríguez all failed to convert. Jamshedpur patiently waited for opportunities and pushed hard in the closing stages. In the 85th minute, Pratik Chowdhury’s curling effort rattled the crossbar.
Four minutes later, Jamshedpur’s perseverance paid off. A long ball from midfield found Raphael Bouli behind the NorthEast defense, and he calmly headed the ball into the far corner to level the match 2-2, ensuring both teams shared the points.