Jamshedpur FC's five biggest defeats in ISL history

The current season has seen Jamshedpur FC have their best-ever start to an Indian Super League (ISL) season, which is a major turning point for the Red Miners since they first entered India's top division in the 2017–18 campaign.

Their supporters, who have seen the team vacillate between mid-table finishes and disappointing campaigns in recent years, are thrilled and hopeful about this strong start.

However, despite this promising opening, the team recently suffered two heavy back-to-back defeats, drawing attention to certain vulnerabilities that have resurfaced. This article explores some of the most crushing losses Jamshedpur FC has suffered during their seven ISL seasons.

It's interesting to note that two of these top-five losses have occurred in their last two games alone, highlighting both the highs and lows of their current campaign. Jamshedpur FC will need to remain resilient as they play the remainder of the season, and this list serves as a reminder of the difficulties they have faced in the past.

5. Chennaiyin FC 4-1 Jamshedpur FC (ISL 2019-20)

In January 2020, Jamshedpur FC suffered one of their worst losses in the Indian Super League when they lost to Chennaiyin FC at Chennai's Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. It was a challenging season under head coach Antonio Iriondo, as the Red Miners were already struggling to find consistency. Under the leadership of new coach Owen Coyle, Chennaiyin FC had started to gain ground after a sluggish start and were now strong rivals.

In the 13th minute, Nerijus Valskis gave Chennaiyin FC the lead, giving them an early advantage in the game. Andre Schembri doubled the lead as the first half went on, giving the Marina Machans a commanding two-goal lead by halftime. 

When Sergio Castel pulled one back in the 71st minute, Jamshedpur FC showed some life, but their hopes were short-lived. Three minutes later, Chennaiyin's two-goal lead was restored when Valskis scored once more.

In the 87th minute, Lallianzuala Chhangte delivered the decisive blow, giving Chennaiyin a 4-1 victory. This was one of the most devastating losses Jamshedpur FC has ever suffered in Chennai, a blow that derailed their campaign and contributed to one of the team’s poorest ISL seasons.

4. Odisha FC 4-1 Jamshedpur FC (ISL 2023-24)

Another striking aspect of Jamshedpur FC’s difficult run has been the concentration of heavy defeats in a short span of less than a year. Scott Cooper's time as head coach of Jamshedpur came to an end after one such defeat against Odisha FC. After this humiliating loss, JFC decided to fire Cooper in the middle of the season, which was the first time they had ever fired a coach in the middle of a campaign.

Jamshedpur had a difficult start to the season, and it was made more difficult by having to contend with a strong Odisha FC led by Sergio Lobera. In a match that started off well, Rei Tachikawa broke the tie early on by giving JFC the lead. 

However, their happiness was fleeting. After Isak Vanlalruatfela gave Odisha an equalizer in the 27th minute, the team went on the attack. Three more goals were scored by Odisha FC in a mere twenty minutes. 

In the 36th minute, Roy Krishna gave them the lead. Diego Mauricio then converted from the penalty spot, and Krishna's second goal made Jamshedpur's suffering even worse.

The match, which took place at Kalinga Stadium in Odisha, is remembered by supporters as one of the most humiliating in Jamshedpur FC's history and serves as a sobering reminder of the difficulties the team endured under Cooper. The result intensified JFC’s struggles, making it a difficult season for both the team and its supporters.

3. Jamshedpur FC 1-5 Chennaiyin FC (ISL 2024-25)

Jamshedpur FC suffered a crushing loss in their most recent Indian Super League match, which was made worse by the fact that it was played at home and the supporters were hoping for an incredible performance from the Red Miners.

However, fate dealt them a cruel blow as their rivals, led by Owen Coyle and Chennaiyin FC, dealt Jamshedpur one of their worst defeats, reiterating a previous heartbreak that Coyle's Chennaiyin had previously caused.

After Pratik Chaudhary's regrettable own goal in the sixth minute, the game swiftly fell apart. Irfan Yadwad doubled the lead as Chennaiyin FC took complete control after that. Lukas Brambilla, Wilmar Jordan Gill, and Connor Shields all contributed goals to the total, each of which widened the gap and demonstrated Chennaiyin's unwavering skill on the field.

Javier Hernandez, the captain of Jamshedpur FC, was able to provide some solace to the discouraged home crowd despite the dismal scoreboard by converting a penalty in the 81st minute to avoid a total shutout. Following a heavy defeat to NorthEast United FC in their previous game, this match underscored Jamshedpur’s current struggles, leaving fans yearning for a turnaround and a return to form.

2. Jamshedpur FC 0-5 FC Goa (ISL 2019-20)

One interesting fact about Jamshedpur FC's history of crushing losses is that two of their top five losses happened under Khalid Jamil, and two more happened under Antonio Iriondo. Among these, a particularly noteworthy loss occurred in 2020 when Jamshedpur played FC Goa in what was supposed to be their season-ending home game.

Standing on the verge of a historic achievement—winning the first ISL Shield and becoming the first ISL team to earn a spot in the AFC Champions League—FC Goa had everything on the line. Seizing this golden opportunity, FC Goa, led by Clifford Miranda, launched a relentless goal-scoring spree.

Prior to goals from Jackichand Singh, Mourtada Fall, and Hugo Boumous—who would go on to win the ISL Golden Ball for the 2019–20 season—the prolific Ferran Corominas set the tone. In addition to establishing FC Goa as a formidable force, the decisive win made them the first team in history to win the ISL Shield.

1. NorthEast United FC 5-0 Jamshedpur FC (ISL 2024-25)

In a recent away match against NorthEast United FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati, Jamshedpur FC suffered their biggest loss in Indian Super League history. The Highlanders took control early, with Moroccan forward Ajaraie opening the scoring.

When Nigerian center-back Stephen Eze was sent off in the 30th minute, Jamshedpur was reduced to 10 men for the final hour of play, making their task even more difficult. NorthEast United seized the advantage, with Parthiv Gogoi and Nickson propelling an unrelenting goal-scoring spree.

In one of their most impressive games, NorthEast United took 27 shots, eight of which were on goal. The Highlanders took advantage of almost every opportunity, leaving Jamshedpur FC supporters to suffer a heartbreaking defeat. This encounter not only highlighted Jamshedpur’s defensive vulnerabilities but also underscored NorthEast United’s attacking prowess and relentless pressure.

Cover Credits - ISL Official