Jamshedpur FC

Guwahati, March 15: Jamshedpur FC suffered their first defeat of the Indian Super League season as a brace from Andy Rodriguez handed NorthEast United FC a 2–1 victory, denying the Men of Steel a golden opportunity to climb to the top of the table. In a fiercely contested encounter marked by momentum swings and late drama, Jamshedpur showed attacking intent for large phases but were ultimately undone by decisive moments in the second half.

Owen Coyle started the match with two changes in his lineup as Rosenberg Gabriel was handed a start in place of the suspended Vincy, while Rei Tachikawa came into the XI to replace Madih Talal.

The visitors began brightly, creating early openings through their wide play and quick transitions. In the fourth minute, Messi Bouli rose high to meet a delivery from Rei Tachikawa, but his header drifted off target and the assistant referee’s flag went up for offside. Jamshedpur continued to threaten down the flanks, with Sanan producing a dazzling run into the box in the sixth minute before sending a dangerous cross across goal that evaded everyone. The pressure mounted further in the 20th minute when Sanan again won possession on the left and whipped in a quick cross, only for Messi Bouli’s angled header towards the far post to miss by inches.

Despite Jamshedpur’s promising start, the hosts struck first soon after the restart. In the 53rd minute, Rodrigues broke the deadlock with a well-struck free-kick that pierced through the defensive wall and found the near post before goalkeeper Albino Gomes could react. The Men of Steel responded positively, forcing a corner through Nikola’s dangerous free-kick in the 55th minute and continuing to pile on attacking pressure.

Jamshedpur thought they had drawn level in the 58th minute when Messi Bouli found the net after being released by Tachikawa, but the effort was ruled out for a foul in the build-up. Moments later, Nikola attempted his luck from long range as the visitors kept knocking on the door. Their persistence finally paid off in the 68th minute when Bouli calmly converted from the penalty spot, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to restore parity.

However, the joy was short-lived as Rodriguez struck again just a minute later. Receiving the ball near the edge of the box, the Spaniard wasted no time in unleashing a curling effort from outside the area that beat a helpless Albino, completing his brace and restoring NorthEast United’s lead.

Jamshedpur pushed hard in the closing stages, introducing fresh legs and throwing numbers forward in search of an equaliser. Manvir Singh’s late cross nearly found Tachikawa inside the box, while a frantic stoppage-time melee saw both Stephen Eze and Nikola attempt a decisive touch on goal, only for the NorthEast defence to scramble clear.

Despite a spirited display and sustained attacking spells, the Men of Steel were unable to find the breakthrough in the seven minutes of added time, as NorthEast United held on to secure all three points.

Jamshedpur FC will now face Sporting Delhi in another away game in Delhi on March 19th.