Guwahati, March 15: In an exciting match of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 season, Andy Rodriguez scored two goals in the second half, leading NorthEast United FC to a 2-1 victory over Jamshedpur FC. The match took place at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati.
The Highlanders celebrated their first win of the season, climbing to seventh place in the standings with six points. Meanwhile, Jamshedpur FC faced their first defeat of the season but remained in second place with twelve points. Rodriguez’s impressive performance earned him the title of ‘Player of the Match.’
The game kicked off at a fast pace. Both teams struggled to penetrate each other’s defenses in the opening minutes. In the 13th minute, Jamshedpur’s goalkeeper Albino Gomes made a crucial clearance outside the box, thwarting a potential attack from the hosts.
Jamshedpur had their first significant opportunity in the 19th minute when Messi Bouli attempted a header from Mohammad Sanan’s cross, but it went just wide of the goal. NorthEast quickly countered, with midfielder Macarthan Nixon testing Gomes from a distance, but the goalkeeper easily collected the ball.
The Highlanders’ attacks became increasingly threatening. In the 27th minute, Parthib Gogoi troubled the opposing defense, but center-back Pratik Chaudhary brought him down during a brilliant run.
In the 39th minute, NorthEast was forced to make an early substitution when captain Michel Jabaako left the field due to a hamstring injury, with Aashir Akhtar taking his place. Just before halftime, the Highlanders had another excellent chance to score. Andy Rodriguez’s corner kick was met by midfielder Danny Meitei, whose header sailed over the goalpost. The first half ended without any goals.
NorthEast broke the deadlock in the eighth minute of the second half. In the 53rd minute, Rodriguez took a free kick and struck a precise shot with his left foot, sending the ball into the bottom-right corner of the net, giving the Highlanders the lead.
In the 66th minute, Jamshedpur was awarded a penalty when center-back Dinesh Singh fouled Bouli inside the box. Bouli calmly converted the spot-kick in the 68th minute, leveling the score at 1-1.
However, NorthEast quickly regained their advantage. Just a minute later, Rodriguez controlled the ball at the edge of the box and fired a precise shot with his left foot into the net, scoring his second goal and making it 2-1 in the 69th minute.
Jamshedpur continued to search for an equalizer. In the 79th minute, Bouli took a long-range shot, but it missed the target. NorthEast also attempted to extend their lead, but Ankit Padmanabhan’s shot was blocked in the 85th minute.
The hosts came close to scoring again in the 89th minute when substitute Thoi Singh shot from inside the box, but it went just wide. Jamshedpur pushed forward in stoppage time, but Stojanovic’s long-range shot missed the target. With the final whistle, NorthEast United FC secured a 2-1 victory, marking their first win of the season thanks to Rodriguez’s two goals.
Arpit Soni has had a passion for journalism since the beginning. Now he has turned this hobby into his profession. Arpit, who is a resident of Udaipur, enjoys editing and writing news related to journalism. He has worked as a Senior Content Producer in several important roles at Bhaskar, Patrika, Pratahkal, Punjab Kesari, and Times. Arpit completed his schooling in Udaipur and Jaipur. He has been working in the media industry for more than 10 years, and his journey is still continuing. ✍️📚
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