ISL 2025-26: Golui’s late header saves point for Jamshedpur against Mumbai City

A dramatic late equalizer from substitute Sarthak Golui canceled out Brandon Fernandes’ first-half strike as Jamshedpur FC held Mumbai City FC to a 1-1 draw in a top-flight match in the 2025-26 Indian Super League at the JRD Tata Sports Complex on Thursday, April 9.

The result keeps Mumbai City FC at the top of the table with 18 points, while Jamshedpur FC moves to second place with 15 points after a hard-fought match at the Furnace. Brandon Fernandes was named Player of the Match.

The match started at a high pace, with both sides showing attacking intent early on. Mumbai City got the first try in the fourth minute through right winger Vikram Partap Singh, while Jamshedpur responded with a series of forward moves led by left winger Mohammed Sanan, striker Raphael Messi Bouli and Ritwik Kumar Das.

As the half progressed, Mumbai began to assert control in the final third. Hmingthanmawia Ralte’s effort was deflected and went just wide, while Lalnuntluanga Bawitlung forced a sharp save from keeper Albino Gomes. The visitor continued to threaten from set pieces, with Akash Mishra and captain Lallianzuala Chhangte both going close with headers.

However, Jamshedpur remained dangerous on the counter. Bouli came close with a header, while Lalhriatpuia Chawngthu and Nikola Stojanović combined well but could not find the finishing touch. Bouli produced a moment of brilliance in the 31st minute, controlling a long ball on his chest before unleashing a powerful strike that was swept in by the Islanders’ keeper Phurba Lachenpa.

Despite Jamshedpur’s continued pressure, it was Mumbai City who struck on the brink of half-time with a well-executed move. Joni Kauko opened the attack on the left flank before finding Noufal PN, who placed the ball in the box for Brandon Fernandes.

The midfielder showed great composure, turning quickly before firing a shot that took a heavy deflection off Jamshedpur skipper Stephen Eze, wrong-footing Albino Gomes and rolling into the far corner to give the Islanders the lead at the break.

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Jamshedpur thought they had equalized early in the second half when Bouli found the net, but the effort was disallowed for offside. The hosts continued to push forward with purpose, with Sanan and Ritwik working together to create space for Stojanović, whose effort sailed narrowly over the crossbar.

The Men of Steel applied relentless pressure, dominating possession and pinning Mumbai City deep in their own half. Eze came close when Lachenpa ventured off his line, while Vincy Barretto saw his effort blocked by Nuno Reis in a crucial defensive intervention.

Mumbai, meanwhile, looked to be on the counter and almost doubled their lead in the 72nd minute with a fluid team move. Noufal PN cut open the defense before setting it towards Lallianzuala Chhangte, but the captain’s effort drifted wide.

As the match entered the closing stages, Jamshedpur intensified its search for an equalizer. Lachenpa produced a crucial save from long range, but the pressure finally showed in the 90th minute.

From Stojanović’s corner, the ball traveled towards the far post where Sarthak Goloui rose to meet it. He guided a header that hit the underside of the crossbar and went over the line, sending the home crowd into delirium; Jamshedpur had just leveled the score at 1-1.

Jamshedpur pushed for an injury-time winner but Mumbai City held on to secure a point in a gripping match between two contenders.

Published on April 9, 2026