NorthEast Utd, Jamshedpur bow out with draw

Bambolim: Jamshedpur FC came from two goals down to hold NorthEast United FC 2-2 but that meant little in the end as both teams were knocked out of the Super Cup at the Athletic Stadium, Bambolim, on Tuesday.
Jose Manuel Nunez Martin (20’) and Alaaeddine Ajaraie (29’), who won the ISL Golden Boot last season with a record-breaking 23 goals, put Juan Pedro’s side in control. But Pranoy Halder pulled one back just before the break to give Jamshedpur something to play for in the second half. Steven Dias’ team put up an improved performance after the change of ends and Messi Bouli headed in just a minute before end of normal time to snatch a draw.
The teams needed a win to stay alive in the competition. With FC Goa recording a comfortable 3-0 win against Inter Kashi later in the day, NorthEast and Jamshedpur were knocked out.
NorthEast had secured a 2-2 draw against Inter Kashi in their last game, while last season's runnersup Jamshedpur couldn’t do much in their 2-0 defeat against defending champions Goa.
The teams started strongly with a mix of foreign and domestic players. The intensity was high and NorthEast put Jamshedpur custodian Albino Gomes to the test in the third minute after Parthib Gogoi forced a block.
NorthEast were comfortable with their short passing and went ahead in the 20th minute. Jairo Bustara’s effort rebounded off the crossbar and fell straight to Jose, who shot into the goal with precision.
The goal encouraged NorthEast to take control of the proceedings and the Durand Cup champions played with greater fluidity and drive.
Just before the half an hour mark, NorthEast doubled their advantage, and it was a familiar face – Ajaraie -- among the goals.
Jose did well to chip the ball for Ajaraie and the Moroccan attacker finished delightfully with a half volley.
Jamshedpur had to regroup quickly, and they did put up a fight.
Five minutes before the break, Vincy Barretto sent in a perfect ball to Bouli, who agonisingly shot over the horizontal bar with only goalkeeper Gurmeet at his mercy.
But they made amends in the 43rd minute when Pronay leaped highest to meet a corner by Japanese defender Rei Tachikawa.
Then, Sanan Mohammed came close with a promising long ranger for Jamshedpur.
Heavy downpour made it difficult for the teams in the second half.
In the final quarter, Jamshedpur put their opponents under pressure. Rosenberg Gabriel first missed a header from close and then, Pratik Chowdhury’s intended cross nearly dipped into the goal before hitting the crossbar.
Jamshedpur were finally rewarded for their persistence in the 89th minute when Bouli headed in after a long cross from the left by Rei for his second assist.