Every substitution in a game needs to be meticulously planned and executed with care. Some substitutions are devised ahead of time, while others are made in response to the opposing team's tactics. In some situations, substitutions become necessary due to injuries or other unforeseen circumstances. Regardless of the reason, substitute players are expected to make a significant impact on the game.

Some players excel when coming off the bench. They have the ability to turn the game around with their work rate, contributions to the team's defence, controlling the midfield, or scoring crucial goals for the side—setting up equalizers or securing the winning goal.

Every Indian Super League (ISL) club, except NorthEast United FC, have had a substitute score a goal for them this season. A total of 48 goals were scored by substitutes in the 2023-24 season, with FC Goa being the best club in terms of using the bench more efficiently than the others.

On that note, let's take a look at the five teams whose substitutes have scored the most goals this season.

1. FC Goa - 8 Goals

Manolo Marquez’s side has tallied the most goals through substitute players. One standout performer for FC Goa delivered an impressive performance after coming off the bench against Hyderabad FC. The Moroccan entered the game in the second half and notched his first hat-trick in the ISL, helping the Gaurs secure a resounding 4-0 victory.

Carlos Martinez has scored two goals during his substitute appearances, one against Mohun Bagan Super Giant and the other against Punjab FC. Borja Herrera clinched the winning goal as a substitute against Jamshedpur FC in Matchweek 21, while Victor Rodriguez scored the decisive goal against the same opponent in an earlier fixture, which also happened to be the solitary goal of the match. Udanta Singh added another goal as a substitute against Chennaiyin FC.

2. Jamshedpur FC - 7 Goals

Jamshedpur FC rank second in the list with seven goals, demonstrating their prowess in utilizing substitutes effectively. Five different players have contributed to this tally, reflecting the team's depth and the tactical acumen of the coach.

A standout performer for Jamshedpur FC was Javier Siverio, who joined mid-season and made significant impacts as a substitute. He scored goals against Bengaluru FC and Mumbai City FC, both matches played at home. Additionally, Seimenlen Doungel also made his mark with two goals coming off the bench.

Daniel Chima Chukwu, Rei Tackikawa, and Steve Ambri were the other players who made crucial contributions from the bench, each netting one goal.

3. Mohun Bagan Super Giant - 6 Goals

Given the performance that Mohun Bagan Super Giant showcased this season, it's hard to find any listicle without them. The Mariners were superb throughout the season, clinching their first ISL League Shield and finishing as runners-up in the ISL Cup.

The Mariners had a squad that their coach could rotate without a drop in quality. Forwards Jason Cummings and Armando Sadiku divided the playing minutes between them throughout the season and were effectively coming on as substitutes, scoring two and one goals respectively. Cummings notably put his side ahead in the final league game against Mumbai City FC, which turned out to be the winning goal.

Sahal Abdul Samad, Manvir Singh, and Kiyan Nassiri also each scored as substitutes, with Samad's goal being particularly noteworthy as he secured the winning goal in stoppage time of the second leg semi-final against Odisha FC, sending his team to the final for the second consecutive season.

=3. Mumbai City FC - 6 Goals

Mumbai City FC successfully upheld their standards in terms of goal-scoring, with substitute players playing a significant role for the Islanders throughout the season.

Two memorable strikes came during their ISL Cup triumph, with Bipin Singh and Jakub Vojtus scoring the second and third goals in their 3-1 comeback victory over Mohun Bagan Super Giant.

Bipin, in particular, demonstrated his impact in previous matches as well, notably against Chennaiyin FC when he scored a brace to secure a 2-0 win for his side over the Marina Machans. Gurkirat Singh and Lallianzuala Chhangte contributed the other two goals for Mumbai City FC.

=3. Chennaiyin FC - 6 Goals

Chennaiyin FC are tied with the ISL League Winners and ISL Cup Winners for goals scored by substitutes. Owen Coyle made sharp and astute substitutions throughout the season, and these substitutes made significant impacts, often changing the game's course in their favour.

Six different players scored as substitutes for Chennaiyin FC, with two memorable goals standing out. Jordan Murray’s winning header in the 94th minute secured a 2-1 victory over Odisha FC, and Irfan Yadwad’s strike in the 97th minute completed an epic 3-2 comeback win against Mohun Bagan Super Giant in Kolkata. Both wins were crucial for their return to the playoffs after three seasons.

Rafael Crivellaro, Ninthoinganba Meetei, Vincy Barretto, and Rahim Ali also contributed with one goal each off the bench.