Jamshedpur FC look to return to winning ways against NorthEast United FC in AIFF Super Cup
Both teams fell short of securing wins in their openers.
Jamshedpur FC need to raise their dampened spirits after falling short at extracting revenge on FC Goa as they take on NorthEast United FC next on Wednesday, October 29th at the GMC Bambolim Stadium.
The Red Miners find themselves in a bit of a fix after losing both their last official matches to FC Goa. While the first came in the Super Cup 2025 Final, the next came on October 25th, in their opener to the AIFF Super Cup, which was a shot at vengeance.
NorthEast United, too, could not get the better of an all-Indian Inter Kashi eleven who stood tall and braved the rain against Juan Pedro Benali’s Highlanders.
The Stakes
Jamshedpur FC
Having reached the final of a cup and having lost it already this year, Steven Dias’ men will try their best to ensure history to not repeat itself in quick succession. However, their rocky start compounds their current mood.
The Red Miners will have to dig deep and find the motivation to stand up to Alaaeddine Ajarie, who will be lethal in execution if any mistake were to happen. Goa were largely dominant against the Men of Steel, with the likes of Borja Herrera and Javier Siverio constantly finding gaps and opportunities. While the pouring rain did not help their cause, Jamshedpur produced only a handful of chances.
Despite having won the ISL League Winners’ Shield in the 2021/22 season, JFC could not play on the continental level after losing to Mumbai City in a playoff. However, winning the Super Cup would allow them to qualify for a playoff to the AFC Champions League 2 and that is motivation in itself for the side.
NorthEast United FC
Prior to their match against Inter Kashi, very few would have expected them to drop points with their squad at full strength against a massively depleted Kashi outfit. With Antonio Lopez Habas and other foreigners plagued with visa issues, an all-Indian lineup was played, who fought tooth and claw and scraped a vital draw.
The draw must have been a reality check for Pedro Benali’s men, and the conditions and the opposition that they’ll have to deal with. Having recently defended their Durand Cup title successfully, the Highlanders know a thing or two about persevering in Cup competitions. A Jamshedpur side that has been dealt a body blow by the Gaurs could be the perfect team to play at the moment for Benali’s side.
However, they cannot afford to be complacent; otherwise, a repeat of the Kashi match looms large. Having never played on the continental level, the Highlanders will be eager to cut down FC Goa’s lead at the top of the Group.
Team News
Both Juan Pedro Benali and Steven Dias have their full squads fit and at their disposal for the match on Wednesday.
Head-to-Head
Games played: 19
Jamshedpur FC: 8
NorthEast United FC: 4
Draws: 7
Predicted Line-ups
NorthEast United FC (4-3-3)
Gurmeet Singh (GK), Miguel Zabaco, Tondonba Singh, Redeem Tlang, Dinesh Singh, Muthu Mayakkannan, Andres Rodriguez, Jairo Samperio, Chena Nunez, Parthib Gogoi, Alaeddine Ajaraie
Jamshedpur FC (4-4-2)
Albino Gomes (GK), Nikhil Barla, Stephen Eze, Pratik Choudhari, Sarthak Golui, Pronay Halder, Rei Tachikawa; Vincy Baretto, Madih Talal, Nikola Stojanovic; Messi Bouli
Player to Watch
Alaeddine Ajarie (NEUFC)
Alaeddine Ajarie is by far the most potent weapon in Juan Pedro Benali’s artillery. With a whopping 29 goals and 10 assists in all competitions last year, the Moroccan has racked up numbers that have been unheard of in recent years of Indian club football.
He was instrumental to the Highlanders’ successful defence of the Durand Cup earlier this year, notching up 8 goals and 4 assists in just 6 games. He remains one of the deadliest strikers operating in the subcontinent, veritably capable of deciding matches all by himself.
Did you know?
- NorthEast United FC’s biggest win in the Indian Super League is a 5-0 against Jamshedpur from last season.
- Jamshedpur FC’s first ever match after their inauguration was against the Highlanders in 2017.
- NorthEast United FC are the first team in 34 years since East Bengal to defend the Durand Cup title. East Bengal lifted their third in a row in 1991.
Telecast Details
The Super Cup clash between Jamshedpur FC and NorthEast United will take place on Wednesday (29 October 2025) at the GMC Bambolim Stadium, Goa. It will kick off at 4:30 PM IST. The match will be shown live on the Star Sports network and streamed live on JioHotstar.
For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.
