PANAJI
Substitutions in football need careful planning and can be crucial in changing the game's outcome. This season in the Indian Super League (ISL), substitutes have played a significant role, with almost every team, except NorthEast United FC, having at least one goal scored by a substitute. A total of 48 goals were scored by substitutes this season, with FC Goa leading the way.
Here are the top five teams with the most goals scored by substitutes:
FC Goa - 8 Goals
FC Goa, under Manolo Marquez, excelled with eight goals from substitutes. A standout performance was by a Moroccan player who scored a hat-trick against Hyderabad FC after coming off the bench, leading to a 4-0 win. Carlos Martinez scored twice as a substitute, against Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Punjab FC. Borja Herrera and Victor Rodriguez each scored decisive goals against Jamshedpur FC, and Udanta Singh added a goal against Chennaiyin FC.
Jamshedpur FC - 7 Goals
Jamshedpur FC effectively used their bench, with seven goals from substitutes. Javier Siverio made a notable impact, scoring against Bengaluru FC and Mumbai City FC. Seimenlen Doungel also scored twice off the bench. Daniel Chima Chukwu, Rei Tackikawa, and Steve Ambri each contributed one goal as substitutes.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant - 6 Goals
Mohun Bagan Super Giant, who won the ISL League Shield and finished as runners-up in the ISL Cup, had six goals from substitutes. Forwards Jason Cummings and Armando Sadiku scored two and one goals, respectively, as substitutes. Cummings' goal against Mumbai City FC secured a vital win. Sahal Abdul Samad, Manvir Singh, and Kiyan Nassiri also scored as substitutes, with Samad's stoppage-time goal in the semi-final against Odisha FC sending the team to the final.
Mumbai City FC - 6 Goals
Mumbai City FC also had six goals from substitutes. Bipin Singh and Jakub Vojtus scored crucial goals in their 3-1 comeback win over Mohun Bagan Super Giant during the ISL Cup. Bipin scored a brace against Chennaiyin FC, securing a 2-0 victory. Gurkirat Singh and Lallianzuala Chhangte each added a goal as substitutes.
Chennaiyin FC - 6 Goals
Chennaiyin FC, led by Owen Coyle, saw six different players score as substitutes. Jordan Murray's late header secured a 2-1 win over Odisha FC, and Irfan Yadwad's strike in the 97th minute completed a 3-2 comeback against Mohun Bagan Super Giant. Rafael Crivellaro, Ninthoinganba Meetei, Vincy Barretto, and Rahim Ali also scored off the bench.
Substitute players have shown their value this season, making significant contributions and turning games around for their teams in the ISL.
