Madih Talal's lone goal guides Jamshedpur FC to win over Mohammedan SC in ISL 2025-26 opener

Mohammedan SC missed chances early as Jamshedpur FC claim a win at home.

Jamshedpur FC marked the return of Indian Super League football to the Furnace with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Mohammedan SC at the JRD Tata Sports Complex. In front of a roaring home crowd, Madih Talal’s first-half strike proved decisive as the Men of Steel began their campaign with three valuable points.

The atmosphere was electric at kick-off, and Jamshedpur FC wasted no time asserting themselves. Talal looked lively from the outset, orchestrating play in midfield, constructing passes and constantly looking to unlock the opposition defence with his creativity, which led Jamshedpur FC to their first home win.

Early goal guides Jamshedpur FC to outplay the Black Panthers

An early warning came in the third minute when Talal nicked possession and quickly fed Messi Bouli, who attempted to get a touch for a deflection, but the effort sailed just over. Moments later, Messi tried his luck from a wide angle, only to see his shot fly above the bar.

The breakthrough arrived in the 8th minute. Receiving the ball from midfield, Talal drove forward with confidence and calmly slotted his finish into the corner of the net, sending the Furnace into raptures and giving Jamshedpur FC a deserved 1-0 lead.

Jamshedpur FC thought they had doubled their advantage in the 32nd minute when Messi powered home a header from a pinpoint Sanan Mohammed cross. But the referee ruled the goal out for offside. The disallowed strike proved to be a turning point in the half, with the tempo slowing down thereafter as both sides became more cautious in possession.

After the break, Jamshedpur continued to control proceedings but found clear-cut chances harder to come by. Owen Coyle introduced Nikola Stojanovic in the 65th minute in place of Rei Tachikawa to inject fresh energy into midfield.

Tightly packed second half from Mohammedan Sporting

The Men of Steel showed greater attacking intent as the second half progressed, moving the ball quickly and pushing for a second goal. Despite sustained pressure and probing runs into the final third, the finishing touch eluded them.

Defensively, Jamshedpur remained compact and disciplined, ensuring Mohammedan SC were limited to few meaningful opportunities

And at the final whistle, it was Talal’s early strike that separated the two sides, securing a clean sheet and a winning start to the ISL campaign for Jamshedpur FC.

With eight home matches ahead and momentum on their side, the Men of Steel will look to build on this performance and continue turning the Furnace into a fortress once again.Jamshedpur FC face Punjab FC in their next match at JRD Tata Sports Complex on February 21.

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