Did Jamshedpur FC Overcome NorthEast United in Kalinga Super Cup?

Bhubaneswar, April 27 (NationPress) Jamshedpur FC achieved a thrilling victory to secure a semi-final position in the Kalinga Super Cup 2025, narrowly defeating NorthEast United FC 5-4 in a tense quarter-final penalty shootout at the Kalinga Stadium on Sunday. The match concluded in a tie after regular time, necessitating a nerve-wracking shootout that extended into sudden death.

Having previously eliminated NorthEast United FC from the ISL Playoffs with a 2-0 victory on March 30, Jamshedpur FC continued to be a challenging opponent for coach Juan Pedro Benali.

Under pressure, Khalid Jamil’s squad exhibited remarkable composure, even after both Jordan Murray and Stephen Eze missed their initial penalties. Meanwhile, NorthEast United faced their own challenges, with Guillermo Fernandez and Michel Zabaco failing to convert their early attempts. Although they managed to equalize the shootout at 3-3, NorthEast stumbled in sudden death: Asheer Akhtar missed the target, while Ashutosh Mehta and Lazar Cirkovic scored for Jamshedpur.

This victory sets up an exciting semi-final matchup between Jamshedpur FC and Mumbai City FC on Wednesday, April 30.

The match itself was a tactical showdown, with both coaches employing a cautious strategy from the beginning. The offensive talents of Alaaeddine Ajaraie, Nestor Albiach, and Guillermo Fernandez for NorthEast, alongside Javier Hernandez Gonzalez, Javier Siverio, and Jordan Murray for Jamshedpur, made defensive discipline crucial.

In the first half, both teams struggled to create clear chances, focusing on maintaining their formations. NorthEast United had a notable opportunity in the 15th minute when Ajaraie’s powerful free-kick from 32 yards was expertly saved by Albino Gomes, keeping the score level.

Jamshedpur FC had their chances as well, with Hernandez and Siverio working well together, but they failed to seriously threaten Gurmeet Singh in the NorthEast goal.

This trend continued into the second half, with both teams finding it difficult to breach strong defences. Jithin MS came close for NorthEast with a well-aimed volley from 21 yards that narrowly missed the post, while Siverio and Murray consistently found themselves thwarted by Gurmeet’s reliable handling.

As both managers made substitutions to inject new energy, their efforts had little effect, and the deadlock remained until the final whistle.

The ensuing shootout tested nerves. Following early misses from both teams, the contest proceeded to sudden death. Thoi Singh Huidrom temporarily revived NorthEast United's hopes with a composed finish, but Asheer Akhtar’s over-the-bar effort allowed Jamshedpur FC to celebrate their victory.