Jamshedpur FC Suffer First Defeat, Lose 2–1 to NorthEast United

Messi Bouli scores from the spot but Andy Rodriguez’s brace secures a 2–1 win for hosts in Guwahati

Guwahati: Jamshedpur FC suffered their first defeat of the season in the Indian Super League as Andy Rodriguez scored twice to guide NorthEast United FC to a 2–1 victory in a closely fought match in Guwahati.

The result denied Jamshedpur a chance to move to the top of the league table. Despite creating several chances and showing strong attacking intent, the Men of Steel were unable to capitalise on key moments and eventually fell short.

Head coach Owen Coyle made two changes to the starting lineup. Rosenberg Gabriel replaced the suspended Vincy, while Rei Tachikawa came into the side in place of Madih Talal.

Jamshedpur started the match positively and created early opportunities. In the fourth minute, Messi Bouli attempted a header from Tachikawa’s cross, but the effort went wide and was also flagged offside. Soon after, Sanan made a brilliant run into the penalty area and delivered a dangerous cross that narrowly missed the attackers waiting in front of goal.

The visitors continued to apply pressure, and in the 20th minute Sanan again created a chance from the left flank. His cross found Bouli, whose angled header missed the far post by a narrow margin.

However, the home side took the lead early in the second half. In the 53rd minute, Rodriguez scored with a powerful free-kick that beat goalkeeper Albino Gomes at the near post.

Jamshedpur responded strongly and finally equalised in the 68th minute when Bouli converted a penalty, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way. But the celebrations were short-lived. Just a minute later, Rodriguez struck again with a curling shot from outside the box to restore NorthEast United’s lead.

Jamshedpur pushed hard for an equaliser in the closing minutes, with late chances falling to players including Stephen Eze and Manvir Singh, but the NorthEast defence held firm.

Jamshedpur FC will next face Sporting Delhi in another away match in Delhi on March 19.