Jamshedpur, February 21: Punjab FC went down by a solitary goal to Jamshedpur FC in match 10 of the Indian Super League 2025-26, here at the JRD Tata Sports Complex Stadium. The Red Miners capitalised on a second-half error to seal all three points against The Shers. The result provisionally moved them to second place with six points, with East Bengal FC sitting on top on the basis of goal difference.
After a goalless first half, Vincy Barretto struck in the 78th minute to decide the contest. Punjab FC had earlier seen Bikash Singh’s effort ruled out for offside in the 18th minute. Albino Gomes produced key saves to preserve the clean sheet as Jamshedpur went into the break level at 0-0. Vincy was named Player of the match for his goal.
Jamshedpur FC head coach Owen Coyle made one change from the side that defeated Mohammedan SC, bringing in Nikola Stojanović for Rei Tachikawa in midfield. Punjab FC head coach Panagiotis Dilmpéris started with Arshdeep Singh in goal, while Muhammad Suhail and Bikash supported Nigerian forward Nsungusi Junior in attack.
Punjab FC threatened early. Muhammad Suhail saw his effort blocked, and Bikash found the net in the 18th minute only to be flagged fractionally offside. Jamshedpur responded through Nikola, whose long-range effort drifted wide, while Pratik Chaudhari missed with a header from close range.
Albino was called into action twice in the 30th minute, first denying Khaiminthang Lhungdim and then producing a sharp save to keep out Suhail’s header. Samir Zeljkovic also tested the defence from distance, but the hosts held firm.
The second half began cautiously, with both sides struggling to create clear openings. Punjab came closest in the 73rd minute when Bede Osuji’s header was comfortably gathered by Albino.
The decisive moment arrived in the 78th minute. Mohammed Sanan delivered a low cross from the right. Arshdeep punched it straight into the legs of Vincy, who reacted enough to put the ball into the net to hand the Red Miners the lead.
Punjab FC pushed forward late on. Manglenthang Kipgen fired wide, and Osuji headed over in stoppage time. However, Jamshedpur FC held their nerve to secure another narrow victory at home.
