ISL: Stojanovic’s late strike salvages a draw for Jamshedpur against SC Delhi

Stojanovic's late goal secures a 1-1 draw for Jamshedpur against SC Delhi in the ISL opener.

Sporting Club Delhi’s first home game of the 2025-26 Indian Super League (ISL) season against Jamshedpur FC produced a 1-1 draw at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Thursday. SC Delhi forward Joseph Sunny’s 21st-minute opener was nullified by Nikola Stojanovic’s strike in the 89th minute for the visitors.

The first goal of the game came about after midfielder Abdul Hudu found Lamgoulen Semkholun on the right wing. The full-back evaded his marker and sent in a teasing cross into the six-yard box that Jamshedpur goalkeeper Albino Gomes failed to deal with adequately. The ball rebounded to Matija Babovic, who turned provider with a clever pass to Sunny on his left. The 22-year-old forward from Kerala pounced on the opportunity with a smart finish past Gomes.

As the first half progressed, Jamshedpur had its share of chances. In the 34th minute, Stojanovic picked out Rei Tachikawa with a left-footed cross from the right. If Tachikawa had taken a shot with his first touch, he would have tested Delhi’s defence. Instead, he appeared to initially control the ball with his right thigh and wasted precious seconds in the process.

Amid a spell of heavy rain, the resumption saw Jamshedpur press keenly for an equaliser. Though the Owen Coyle-coached side shaded the possession in the second half, clear-cut chances were few and far between. It was with just a minute of regulation time remaining that Stojanovic’s effort from outside the box, helped by a slight deflection off defender Rafael Alves, beat Nora Fernandes in the Delhi goal.

The result: Sporting Club Delhi 1 (Joseph Sunny 21) drew with Jamshedpur FC 1 (Nikola Stojanovic 89).