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.

After a thrilling 2–2 draw in their opener against Inter Kashi FC, the Highlanders are determined to secure their first win of the tournament. Jamshedpur FC, meanwhile, will be eager to bounce back after a disappointing 0–2 loss to FC Goa in their opening fixture.

Benali Confident, Calls for Focus and Tactical Discipline

Ahead of the match, NorthEast United’s head coach Juan Pedro Benali emphasized the importance of learning from past performances and maintaining focus.

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“We hope we’ve learnt from our past matches and are fully focused on the game ahead. We know Jamshedpur FC very well, and they know us too. It’s going to be a tactical battle, and we’re ready to give everything on the pitch,” said Benali.

Ajaraie in Red-Hot Form

Moroccan striker Alaaeddine Ajaraie, the star of NorthEast United’s Durand Cup-winning campaign, continued his scoring form with a goal against Inter Kashi. The 32-year-old, who claimed both the Golden Boot and Golden Ball in the Durand Cup with eight goals and four assists, boasts a formidable record versus Jamshedpur FC — four goals and one assist in four appearances — and will be eager to extend that streak.

Strong Supporting Cast and Defensive Backbone

Ajaraie will once again be supported by the club’s talented foreign contingent — Jairo Samperio (2 goals, 1 assist), Andy Rodriguez (2 goals, 2 assists), and Chema Núñez (1 assist) — alongside a promising Indian lineup featuring Jithin MS, Parthib Gogoi, Thoi Singh, Lalrinzuala, and Lalbiakdika.

Captain Michel Zabaco, who netted a towering header in the previous match, will lead the defensive line alongside Asheer Akhtar, Tondonba Singh, Redeem Tlang, Buanthanglun Samte, and Dinesh Singh, with Gurmeet Singh in goal. In midfield, Rodriguez remains the creative hub, supported by Mayakkannan and India international Macarton Nickson.

Highlanders Aim for Semifinal Push

With the group stage heating up, NorthEast United FC will be determined to collect all three points and strengthen their semifinal qualification hopes in the AIFF Super Cup 2025.