Jamshedpur FC (JFC) held their nerve to overcome NorthEast United FC (NEUFC) 5-4 in a tense penalty shootout after a goalless draw in regulation time at the Kalinga Stadium on Sunday, booking their place in the Super Cup 2025 semifinals.
The match, full of early attacking intent from both sides, saw chances fall to NEUFC’s Guillermo Fernández and JFC’s Javier Siverio within the opening minutes. However, clear opportunities became scarce as the game wore on, with the Highlanders eventually enjoying the better chances.
Indian Super League top-scorer Alaaeddine Ajaraie came closest to breaking the deadlock in the 14th minute with a curling free kick that Albino Gomes brilliantly tipped onto the post. Ajaraie continued to trouble the JFC defence, linking up well with Jithin MS in search of the opening goal. Jithin twice came close—first with a powerful strike from a tight angle and then setting up Ajaraie for a header that narrowly missed the target.
Despite their dominance, NorthEast United couldn’t find a breakthrough, as JFC’s backline, marshaled by Gomes, stood resolute. Jamshedpur’s best opportunity came late in the second half when Javi Hernández’s cross found Jordan Murray in the box, only for the forward’s tame header to be easily collected by Gurmeet Singh.
As the clock ticked down, the match devolved into a scrappy midfield battle with neither team able to create a clear-cut chance, forcing the contest into penalties.
In the dramatic shootout, both sides missed two of their initial five spot-kicks, leading to sudden death. It was defender Asheer Akhtar who blinked first, skying his penalty and sending Jamshedpur into their third consecutive Super Cup semifinal.
The Men of Steel will now face Mumbai City FC, who edged past Inter Kashi 1-0 earlier in the day, setting up an enticing final-four clash.
This win marks JFC’s second successive knockout triumph over NEUFC, affirming their growing reputation as a tough outfit in high-stakes matches. Fans can look forward to another gritty performance as they chase their first Super Cup title.
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