Two second-half goals from Andy Rodríguez powered NorthEast United FC to a 2-1 victory over Jamshedpur FC in Indian Super League 2025-26 at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Sunday, March 15, 2026.
The Highlanders secured their first victory of the campaign and moved up to seventh with six points, while Jamshedpur suffered their first defeat but remain second with 12 points. Rodríguez was adjudged Player of the Match.
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Team Changes
| Match Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Result | NorthEast 2-1 Jamshedpur |
| Scorers | Rodríguez 53′, 69′; Bouli 68′ (P) |
| NorthEast | 7th, 6 points (first win) |
| Jamshedpur | 2nd, 12 points (first defeat) |
NorthEast’s Juan Pedro Benali made three changes: Bekey Oram, Laishram Danny Meitei in midfield, and defender Dinesh Singh in a 4-3-2-1 formation. Jamshedpur’s Owen Coyle made two midfield alterations: Rei Tachikawa and Rosenberg Gabriel.
First Half Action
The contest began at a brisk pace with both sides exchanging possession but struggling to break into the final third. Jamshedpur keeper Albino Gomes produced a sweeping clearance outside the box in the 13th minute to deny a potential attacking opportunity.
Jamshedpur created the first real chance in the 19th minute when Messi Bouli rose to meet Mohammed Sanan’s cross, but his header drifted narrowly wide. NorthEast responded with midfielder Macarton Nickson testing Gomes from distance, though the goalkeeper comfortably gathered the effort.
The Highlanders looked increasingly dangerous, with Parthib Gogoi troubling the defence before being brought down by Pratik Chaudhari during a promising run in the 27th minute.
NorthEast were forced into an early change in the 39th minute when captain Míchel Zabaco was substituted due to a hamstring injury, with Asheer Akhtar coming on. The Highlanders nearly found the breakthrough just before the interval when Danny Meitei headed over from an Andy Rodríguez corner, as the first half ended goalless.
Rodríguez Breaks the Deadlock
NorthEast broke the deadlock eight minutes into the second half. Andy Rodríguez stepped up to take a free-kick in the 53rd minute and produced a precise left-footed strike into the bottom-right corner to give the Highlanders the lead.
Jamshedpur responded with attempts from Nikola Stojanović and Rei Tachikawa, but both efforts failed to trouble the goal. Stojanović then forced a save from Gurmeet Singh in the 58th minute.
The Men of Steel were awarded a penalty in the 66th minute when Bouli was brought down inside the box by Dinesh Singh. Bouli calmly converted in the 68th minute, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to level at 1-1.
However, NorthEast restored their lead almost immediately. Just a minute later, Rodríguez collected the ball on the edge of the box and unleashed a precise left-footed strike into the net to score his second goal and make it 2-1 in the 69th minute.
Jamshedpur continued to search for another equaliser, with Bouli attempting a long-range effort in the 79th minute that drifted wide. NorthEast looked to extend their lead, but Ankith Padmanabhan’s strike in the 85th minute was blocked.
The hosts came close again in the 89th minute when substitute Thoi Singh fired narrowly wide from inside the box. Jamshedpur pushed forward in stoppage time, but Stojanović’s long-range effort sailed wide.
The final whistle confirmed a 2-1 victory as Andy Rodríguez’s brace secured the Highlanders’ first win of the season.
Read More: ISL 2025-26: Chhangte Leads Mumbai City FC to Hard-Fought Win Over Inter Kashi
FAQs
What was the final score of NorthEast United vs Jamshedpur?
NorthEast United beat Jamshedpur 2-1. Andy Rodríguez scored both goals in the 53rd and 69th minutes, while Raphael Messi Bouli scored a penalty for Jamshedpur in the 68th minute.
Was this NorthEast United’s first win of the season?
Yes, the Highlanders secured their first victory and moved up to seventh with six points. Jamshedpur suffered their first defeat but remain second with 12 points.
How did Andy Rodríguez score his two goals?
His first came from a free-kick in the 53rd minute with a precise left-footed strike into the bottom-right corner. His second in the 69th minute came from the edge of the box.
What changes did the coaches make?
NorthEast’s Juan Pedro Benali made three changes: Bekey Oram, Laishram Danny Meitei in midfield, and Dinesh Singh in defence. Jamshedpur’s Owen Coyle made two: Rei Tachikawa and Rosenberg Gabriel.
What happened to NorthEast captain Míchel Zabaco?
Zabaco was substituted in the 39th minute due to a hamstring injury, with Asheer Akhtar coming on in his place.
