A dramatic late strike from substitute Rei Tachikawa sealed a stunning comeback victory for Jamshedpur FC as they defeated East Bengal FC 2-1 in Match 16 of the Indian Super League 2025-26 season at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Friday.
The win marked Jamshedpur’s third consecutive triumph, taking them provisionally to the top of the table with nine points from three matches. East Bengal, meanwhile, suffered its first defeat of the campaign and remains on six points. Stephen Eze was named Player of the Match for his commanding display.
East Bengal strike first in an intense opening half
The contest began at a brisk tempo, with both sides pressing aggressively. East Bengal threatened early through Jay Gupta’s header from a Miguel Figueira set-piece, while Raphael Bouli found the net for Jamshedpur, only to be ruled offside.
Also Read । UEFA Champions League Round of 16: Real Madrid, Manchester City drawn together; Bodø/Glimt meet Sporting CP
Despite the visitors asking frequent questions of the home defence, it was East Bengal who struck in the 40th minute. A throw-in routine culminated in Bipin Singh delivering a precise cross for Edmund Lalrindika, who calmly slotted past Albino Gomes to give the hosts a 1-0 lead at halftime.
Eze equalises before Tachikawa’s late brilliance
Jamshedpur emerged with renewed purpose after the interval. Bouli and Madih Talal forced strong saves from Prabhsukhan Gill before the breakthrough arrived in the 61st minute. Stephen Eze rose to power in Nikola Stojanović’s corner into the top corner, restoring parity.
Also Read । Tilak Varma shines at No. 6 with explosive 44 off 16, says he is ready to bat anywhere for the team
With the match opening up, both teams searched for a winner. The decisive moment arrived in the 87th minute when substitute Rei Tachikawa combined neatly with Mohammed Sanan and Talal before curling a sublime right-footed effort into the top corner.
East Bengal pushed forward in stoppage time, but Jamshedpur’s defence held firm to secure a memorable 2-1 victory.
