Indian Super League (ISL) side FC Goa advanced to the semifinals of the AIFF Super Cup 2025–26 after a clinical 3–0 win over Inter Kashi. Two back-to-back wins, combined with a draw between Jamshedpur FC and NorthEast United FC, meant the defending champions booked their place in the final four with a game in hand.

The Gaurs move one step closer to retaining the Super Cup

Manolo Marquez, as hinted in the pre-match press conference, made five changes to the side that beat Jamshedpur FC in the opening fixture. Inter Kashi FC surprisingly had the first opportunity, but their skipper, Sumeet Passi, couldn’t keep his effort on target.

From then on, it was all FC Goa in the first half. They didn’t have to wait long as Muhammed Nemil, who was one of the new inclusions in the starting XI, turned provider for Dejan Drazic, who finished clinically to put the Gaurs ahead.

In the 38th minute, Drazic looped a ball towards Borja Herrera, who slotted it home with a first-time effort, beating the Inter Kashi keeper at the near post. Just four minutes later, David Timor floated a long ball into the box, and Herrera nodded it home with a superb looping header to make it 3–0 in the first half.

The Gaurs started the second half just as they had ended the first. They continued to enjoy the lion’s share of possession, and the trio of Drazic, Nemil, and Herrera kept troubling the opposition throughout.

With a handsome lead, coach Marquez decided to rest Drazic and Herrera, bringing on Iker Guarrotxena and Javier Siverio. Young Prachit Gaonkar, who made his ISL debut last season, was also introduced into the mix. The youngster came close to scoring twice, showing real hunger and intent.

Timor and Harsh Patre also had sights on goal towards the end of the game, but Inter Kashi goalkeeper Shubham Dhas was alert to both attempts, as the game ended 3–0 in favour of the home side.

Jamshedpur FC and NorthEast United FC share the spoils

ISL outfits Jamshedpur FC and NorthEast United FC played out a 2-2 draw in the opening fixture on Thursday. The result, coupled with FC Goa’s win later in the night, means that both JFC and NEUFC will be unable to match the Gaurs’ six-point tally even if they win their final games.

Chema Núñez opened the account for NorthEast United FC in the 20th minute before Alaaeddine Ajaraie doubled their advantage just nine minutes later with a clinical finish. Jamshedpur FC, staring at elimination, clawed back through Pronay Halder’s header in the 43rd minute, and their persistence paid off late on when Raphael Messi Bouli scored the equaliser in the 89th minute to snatch a share of the spoils.

The game began with a sense of nervous urgency. Yet NorthEast United FC settled first, adapting better to the conditions. Parthib Gogoi’s early attempt in the second minute forced Jamshedpur FC goalkeeper Albino Gomes into action, signalling intent from the Highlanders.

Their persistence paid off in the 20th minute when a long throw into the box caused chaos, and Núñez reacted quickest to a rebound, steering the ball home after Jairo Samperio's effort came off the crossbar.

Nine minutes later, a moment of brilliance between Núñez and Ajaraie carved open Jamshedpur FC’s defence. Núñez lofted a delightful pass over the Jamshedpur FC defence for Ajaraie, and the Moroccan made no mistake with his left-footed volley to give his side a commanding 2-0 lead.

The two-goal deficit finally jolted Jamshedpur into life. The Men of Steel began pushing forward with greater purpose, stringing together passes and winning crucial duels in midfield. Their breakthrough came just before half-time as Halder rose highest to meet Rei Tachikawa’s corner, heading home with authority to halve the deficit.

The second half was a tense affair, with both sides grappling for control in the rain-soaked conditions. The Highlanders looked more composed and continued to create chances, but their forwards failed to convert as Núñez, Ajaraie, and Andy Rodríguez all missed opportunities that could have sealed the match.

Jamshedpur FC, meanwhile, bided their time and began to push late in search of the equaliser. In the 85th minute, Pratik Chaudhari’s curling attempt was tipped onto the crossbar by NorthEast United FC goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh.

But four minutes later, Jamshedpur FC’s patience bore fruit. A long ball from midfield found Messi Bouli ghosting past the NorthEast United FC backline before he guided his header into the far corner to level the scores at 2-2 and help his side share the spoils.

NorthEast United FC will face FC Goa in their final group fixture on November 1, while Jamshedpur FC take on Inter Kashi FC in the early fixture on the same day.

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Jamshedpur FCFC GoaNorthEast United FC2025-26 AIFF Super Cup