Vincy Barretto celebrates after scoring the decisive goal for Jamshedpur FC against Punjab FC in the ISL clash | File Photo
Jamshedpur, Saturday, February 21, 2026: Jamshedpur FC secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Punjab FC in Indian Super League 2025-26 at the JRD Tata Sports Complex Stadium in Jamshedpur on Saturday, February 21, 2026. The Red Miners capitalised on a second-half error to snatch 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 a higher goal difference.Barretto strikes in second halfAfter a goalless first half, Vincy Barretto struck in the 78th minute to decide the contest. Goalkeeper Albino Gomes produced key saves to preserve a second clean sheet for Jamshedpur. Barretto was named Player of the Match.
Team changes and line-ups
Jamshedpur FC head coach Owen Coyle made one change from the side that defeated Mohammedan Sporting, bringing in Nikola Stojanović for Rei Tachikawa in midfield. Punjab FC head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis started with Arshdeep Singh in goal, while Muhammad Suhail and Bikash Singh supported Nigerian forward Nsungusi Junior in attack.First-half actionPunjab FC threatened early. Muhammad Suhail saw his effort blocked, and Bikash found the net in the 18th minute, only to be flagged offside. Jamshedpur responded through Stojanović, whose long-range effort drifted wide, while Pratik Chaudhari missed with a header from close range.Gomes 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 Zeljković also tested the defence from distance, but the hosts held firm.Cagey second halfThe 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.Decisive 78th-minute goalThe 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 fast enough to put the ball into the net to hand the Red Miners the lead.Also Watch:
Late pressure from PunjabPunjab FC pushed forward late on. Manglenthang Kipgen fired wide, and Osuji headed over in stoppage time. However, Jamshedpur FC held their nerves to secure another narrow victory at home.