Jamshedpur, April 9 (NationPress) In a thrilling finish, substitute Sarthak Goloui netted a late equaliser, nullifying Brandon Fernandes’s first-half goal, as Jamshedpur FC managed a 1-1 draw against Mumbai City FC during their intense Indian Super League 2025-26 encounter at the JRD Tata Sports Complex on Thursday.

This result preserves Mumbai City FC's position at the top of the leaderboard with 18 points, while Jamshedpur FC climbs to second place with 15 points following a fiercely contested match at the Furnace. Brandon Fernandes was named Player of the Match.

The match kicked off with both teams displaying a high tempo and attacking flair from the start. Mumbai City had the first shot on goal within the fourth minute, with right winger Vikram Partap Singh, while Jamshedpur answered back with a series of attacking plays led by left winger Mohammed Sanan, striker Raphael Messi Bouli, and Ritwik Kumar Das.

As the first half unfolded, Mumbai began to take charge in the final third. Hmingthanmawia Ralte saw his effort deflect just wide, while Lalnuntluanga Bawitlung forced a sharp save from keeper Albino Gomes. The visitors consistently threatened from set-pieces, with Akash Mishra and captain Lallianzuala Chhangte coming close with headers.

However, Jamshedpur remained a danger on the counterattack. Bouli narrowly missed with a header, and although Lalhriatpuia Chawngthu and Nikola Stojanović worked well together, they failed to convert. A moment of brilliance from Bouli in the 31st minute saw him control a long ball before unleashing a powerful strike that was parried away by the Islanders' keeper Phurba Lachenpa.

Despite sustained pressure from Jamshedpur, it was Mumbai City who broke the deadlock just before half-time with a well-executed move. Joni Kauko initiated the play on the left, setting up Noufal PN, who squared it for Brandon Fernandes. The midfielder displayed excellent composure, turning swiftly and firing a shot that deflected heavily off Stephen Eze, wrong-footing Albino Gomes as it rolled into the far corner to give the Islanders the lead at the break.

Jamshedpur believed they had equalised early in the second half when Bouli found the net, only for the goal to be disallowed for offside. The hosts continued to press, with Sanan and Ritwik creating space for Stojanović, whose shot narrowly missed the target.

The Men of Steel kept up relentless pressure, dominating possession and forcing Mumbai City back into their own half. Eze came close when Lachenpa ventured off his line, and Vincy Barretto had his effort blocked by Nuno Reis in a crucial defensive play.

Mumbai, on the other hand, sought to counterattack and nearly doubled their lead in the 72nd minute through a fluid team move. Noufal PN opened up the defence before passing to Lallianzuala Chhangte, whose shot drifted wide.

As the match approached the final moments, Jamshedpur intensified their quest for an equaliser. Lachenpa made a vital save from a long throw, but the pressure finally paid off in the 90th minute.

From a corner taken by Stojanović, the ball found its way to the far post, where Sarthak Goloui leaped to meet it, directing a header that hit the underside of the crossbar and crossed the line, igniting jubilation among the home supporters; Jamshedpur had leveled the match at 1-1.

In stoppage time, Jamshedpur sought a winner, but Mumbai City held strong to ensure a share of the points in this captivating encounter between two title contenders.