Jamshedpur FC fight back to hold NorthEast United in Super Cup thriller

Jamshedpur FC fought back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with NorthEast United in the AIFF Super Cup Group B clash at Bambolim. Raphael Messi Bouli’s late equaliser kept Jamshedpur’s slim semi-final hopes alive in a rain-hit contest

Hyderabad: Jamshedpur FC fought back from two goals down to earn a thrilling 2-2 draw against NorthEast United FC in their second AIFF Super Cup 2025–26 Group B encounter at the GMC Stadium in Bambolim (Goa) on Wednesday.

Chema Nunez opened the account for NorthEast United in the 20th minute before Alaaeddine Ajaraie doubled their advantage just nine minutes later with a clinical finish. Jamshedpur, staring at elimination, clawed back through Pronay Halder’s header in the 43rd minute, and their persistence paid off late on when Raphael Messi Bouli struck the equaliser in the 89th to snatch a share of the spoils.

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What began as a cautious battle amid rain-soaked conditions ended in late drama, leaving both sides frustrated with the result not significantly helping either in their bid for semi-final qualification.

Both teams had entered the contest under pressure. NorthEast United, with two points from as many games, remained second in the group, while Jamshedpur, with only one point after this draw, stayed rooted to the bottom. Their fates now hang in the balance, dependent on FC Goa’s later fixture against Inter Kashi. A victory would put FC Goa on six points, a total neither Jamshedpur nor NorthEast could match even with wins in their final group matches.

The game began with a sense of nervous urgency. Yet NorthEast United settled first, adapting better to the conditions. Parthib Gogoi’s early strike in the second minute forced Jamshedpur goalkeeper Albino Gomes into action, signalling intent from the Highlanders.