This GameWeek oversaw some titans crumbling while those who persevered, passed with flying colours!
-: ISL GameWeek 9 Breakdown :-
KBFC drew their match with NEUFC at the start of the GameWeek, and the Yellow Army went on the defeat 10-men JFC, which saw Stephen Eze getting suspended in the late 2nd Half of the Match. The Highlanders faced Defending Champions, Mohun Bagan, in Guwahati, who was delayed at Half Time as it was raining cats and dogs. After the match resumed, the Mariners fought tooth and nail for the three points in difficult weather conditions, which resulted in their rise to the top of the ISL Table and 2 points clear off the rest.Mumbai City lost their match against FC Goa 2-0 which dropped them down to 2nd place and FCG became 3rd. Mohammedan SC drew two matches in a row, against Odisha FC and Chennaiyin FC, to register their first 2 points in ISL 2025/26. Chennaiyin FC did manage to defeat SC Delhi 1-0, putting a stop to their short win streak. Punjab FC dominated Inter Kashi 3-0, with high contributions from all of their four foreigners, Osuji, Dani and Effiong and Samir.
The Blockbuster Match was a sight to watch where BFC got the first breakthrough at VYBK from Ashique's powerful bullet that rattled the net. Anwar Ali equalized shortly after from an overhead volley. BFC regained their lead again, but even though EBFC were reduced to 10-men after Miguel saw a Red Card, they kept the tempo up and Saul equalized at the start of the 2nd Half. BFC took the lead yet again, for the third time as Ryan Williams sent the ball into the net through the narrowest of angles. In the dying minutes of the game, EBFC's new striker, Anton, scored the third goal, with a perfect placement into the back of the net that resulted in one point from this intense clash.
-: BEST XI of GameWeek 9 :-
Vishal Kaith of MBSG was phenomenal on Sunday in Guwahati. Early on in the game, his outing saved Bagan plenty of times and even got himself a yellow card for deliberately stopping play. With 3 total saves and 12 recoveries, he successfully kept a clean sheet for Mohun Bagan.Tom Aldred and Mehtab Singh were also responsible for the positive result on Sunday for the Mariners. With 9 and 12 defensive contributions coming of both and both winning 100 % of their ground duels, they managed to defend their 1-goal lead against the Highlanders and thwart their volley of attacks. From making clutch clearances to giving their all on the pitch, they proved their mettle on the rainy pitch. Anwar Ali of EBFC also stood out for 9 defensive contributions, playing 21 passes with 88 % accuracy and scoring an overhead volley goal for his team. Though EBFC conceded 3 goals, he blocked plenty of shots and made clearances that amounted to the draw in the end.
Suresh Wangjam of BFC scored a goal, apart from playing 9 passes with 90 % accuracy. His movement in the midfield connected the whole team together for attacking transitions. Dani Ramirez of PFC has been playing really well as the CAM. With 4 key passes, 3 shots and 1 assist, he gets into the Best XI of GW 9. Ayush Dev Chhetri is back in the Starting Lineup for FC Goa. He has previously represented the National Team, showcasing his ability to control the tempo of the game. He made a lot of tackles and interceptions to dominate the midfield against MCFC and played 37 passes with 83 % accuracy, which resulted in a 2-0 victory for FC Goa. Isak Vanlalruatfela of OFC took 4 shots, 1 key pass delivered and 3 crosses from the left wing. His total ball carrying distance was a staggering 303 metres.
Ashique Karuniyan of BFC took 2 shots and scored a banger from outside the box. He sent in 6 crosses but lacked accuracy on those. He also made 5 defensive contributions and gave 21 passes with 75 % accuracy. Adison Singh has represented U-23 National Team recently and he contributed largely to MDSC getting two points this GameWeek. His total progression was 97 metres and 1 key pass against CFC and delivered 3 key passes and 1 goal against OFC. Francisco Feuillassier Abalo of KBFC played for 64 minutes in which he gave an assist, played 20 passes with 87 % accuracy, with 2 key passes and 1 big chance created from the striker.
Coach of the Week award goes to Manuel "Manolo" Márquez Roca of FC Goa. His balanced approach against Mumbai City FC led to overall domination of the entire game. Midfield control was established by Ayush and Sahil while Pol and Sandesh hold the backline with intent. A clean sheet and a 2-0 against the Islanders was a statement victory for the Gaurs.
-: Expectations from GameWeek 10 :-
The Blockbuster Match of GameWeek 10 has to be Bengaluru FC vs Mumbai City FC on 25th April which will determine whether BFC is still in the title-race or if MCFC can bounce back to winning ways to challenge the Table Toppers, Mohun Bagan.Follow MBFT on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Telegram, Whatsapp & Google News to stay updated with all the Mohun Bagan & Indian Football related News & Updates. Jai Hind Jai Bharat! Joy Mohun Bagan!
