NorthEast United FC vs Jamshedpur FC: Ashutosh Mehta's redemption, Eze's stunner and other talking points

Jamshedpur FC sealed a spot in the semi-finals against the Mariners.

The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong geared up to host the Highlanders and the Jamshedpur FC for the second knockout fixture of the Indian Super League. NorthEast went into this match as clear favourites after winning two of their league games against the Red Miners in dominating fashion.

To sprinkle salt on Khalid‘s wound, Lazar Cirkovic and Jamshedpur FC’s prime centre-back Pratik Chaudhary missed the fixture due to injury concerns and Sourav Das was suspended for this vital clash. The game began intensely as both teams tried to break the deadlock in the initial minutes.

From Eze’s clinical finish, Prannoy showing his class, Ajaraie hitting the side settings, to the Jamshedpur FC fixing a date with destiny to book their semi-final berth, we take a look at everything and all the major talking points from this knockout fixture.

A highly-contested battle in Shillong ends in Jamshedpur FC claiming a thrilling win over NorthEast United FC! They now face ISL Shield winners Mohun Bagan in semifinals! #IndianFootball #ISL #LetsFootball pic.twitter.com/xWDOkvOmO8

— Khel Now (@KhelNow) March 30, 2025

Replacing Pratik with Prannoy was a big gamble

An injured Pratik Chaudhari was replaced by Prannoy Halder. Halder missed the majority of the season due to injury concerns, and despite having young Muirang on the bench, Khalid chose Prannoy. Halder, a veteran defensive midfielder, came in as if he never left. His defensive prowess and no-nonsense defending, paired alongside Eze, was commendable.

While Eze went forward to capitalise on those set pieces in the opposition’s half, it was Halder who constantly kept shielding the Jamshedpur FC’s defensive lines. His clearances, interceptions and blocks were crucial to helping the Red Miners safeguard a slender lead against the mighty Highlanders. The gamble did pay off brilliantly, and Halder was adjudged the Man of the Match for his stunning gameplay tonight.

Juan Pedro Benali was infuriated at Nestor after Eze netted a stunner

The ever-passionate gaffer of NorthEast United FC, Juan Pedro Benali, seemed quite frustrated and expressed his dissatisfaction vividly after the Red Miners broke the deadlock. Nestor couldn’t make the most of his opportunities tonight to score for the Highlanders.

After Nestor failed to mark Eze properly, the Nigerian centre-back held his nerves and scored a stunner. Benali expressed his dissatisfaction on the pitch and exhibited his wrath towards the Spanish striker from Xirivella, who was later substituted by his compatriot Guillermo Fernandes.

Mehta was a live wire for the Red Miners tonight

Ashutosh Mehta unleashed his inner beast tonight against his former side at a time when the Red Miners needed him the most. Not only did his overlapping runs make a significant difference tonight, but his long throw turned out to be the difference-maker in a tightly contested fixture.

Mehta was tasked with the huge responsibility of stopping the Moroccan centre forward, Alaaeddine Ajaraie. He is also the leading goalscorer and the strongest contender to win the Golden Boot Award. Mehta, who was, dropped from making regular appearances in the playing 11, came as a blessing in disguise for the Mariners.

Too many red cards and a calm finish from Javi to book Red Miner’s semi-final berth

Jamshedpur FC’s biggest test was to defend for almost ten minutes after being reduced to ten men. Mobashir picked up a Red Card in the dying seconds of stoppage time. Tensions flared, but Khalid’s men held their nerves, and a spirited performance saw them not only holding on to the lead but doubling the lead in the 99th minute.

After Javi’s calm finish took the Red Miners into the semis, there was too much chaos in both the dugouts, which led to too many red cards in the off-the-pitch. A brave yet unlucky shift from the Highlanders went in vain as ten men of Jamshedpur stormed their way into the semifinals.

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