Brick walls: Goalkeepers in ISL 2023-24 with most saves in one game
These keepers had a significant impact on their teams' results, making numerous important saves in a single match.
A goalkeeper’s contributions often go unnoticed. They are responsible for making key saves, directing the defence, and initiating play from the back.
Despite their efforts, goalkeepers frequently face criticism when they concede goals, while their outstanding saves don’t get talked about enough. In the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 season, several goalkeepers stood out with their extraordinary ability to stop shots, significantly contributing to their teams' performances.
Here are the goalkeepers who made the most saves in a single game throughout the ISL 2023-24 season.
Debjit Majumder - 11 Saves vs Mohun Bagan SG
Debjit Majumder delivered an exceptional performance for Chennaiyin FC against Mohun Bagan SG, setting a new record with 11 saves in a single game during their thrilling 3-2 victory. The former Mohun Bagan SG goalkeeper made an early save to deny Liston Colaco, but Mohun Bagan opened the scoring through Joni Kauko in the 28th minute. However, Chennaiyin FC equalised in the 71st minute courtesy of Jordan Murray before taking the lead soon after from a corner.
The match culminated in a dramatic winner from Irfan Yadwad deep into added time, sealing a crucial victory. Majumder played a pivotal role in securing the win, notably denying Armando Sadiku with a crucial save in the dying moments. This victory proved vital for Owen Coyle’s Chennaiyin FC, as it kept their playoff aspirations alive, eventually securing their spot in the playoffs after the conclusion of the league stage.
Gurmeet Singh - 10 Saves vs Mohun Bagan SG
Former Hyderabad FC goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh showcased his shot-stopping skills against Mohun Bagan SG, despite Hyderabad FC suffering a 2-0 defeat. Singh made a remarkable 10 saves throughout the match, ensuring the scoreline didn't worsen for his team.
In a standout moment during the 55th minute, Gurmeet Singh delivered a crucial double save that prevented Mohun Bagan from extending their lead. His heroics continued with two more important saves in the dying minutes of the game, demonstrating his ability to hold his nerves under pressure.
Despite the loss, Singh's performance highlighted his quality as a goalkeeper. He later transferred to NorthEast United FC during the winter transfer window, securing a contract until 2028. But this match served as a testament to Singh's remarkable shot-stopping ability
Amrinder Singh - 8 Saves vs Mohun Bagan SG
Amrinder Singh was on top of his game for Odisha FC against Mohun Bagan, despite their 2-0 loss in the second leg of the ISL 2023-24 semi-finals. Throughout the match, Singh made an impressive total of eight saves to keep his team in contention.
Early in the game, Singh showcased his reflexes with a brilliant save to deny Dimitri Petratos in the 21st minute. However, Jason Cummings capitalised on the rebound to score for Mohun Bagan SG. Singh's heroics continued as he thwarted Liston Colaco's close-range effort later in the first half, preventing the Mariners from extending their lead. In the 74th minute, Singh made another crucial save, this time denying a headed attempt from a corner and maintaining the scoreline.
The match seemed to be heading into extra time but Mohun Bagan SG secured a thrilling 3-2 aggregate win with a late goal from Sahal Abdul Samad. Nevertheless, Singh's performance throughout the season earned him recognition as the goalkeeper with the most saves, narrowly missing out on the Golden Glove award despite keeping the joint-highest clean sheets as winner Phurba Lachenpa.
Laxmikant Kattimani - 7 Saves vs Chennaiyin FC
Veteran keeper Laxmikant Kattimani put on a show, making seven crucial saves for Hyderabad FC during their away match against Chennaiyin FC. His performance played a pivotal role in Hyderabad FC securing a narrow 1-0 victory, marking their first win of the season. Under Thangboi Singto's leadership, Hyderabad FC also etched their name in history by becoming the first team to win with an all-Indian starting eleven.
In a tense encounter, Kattimani made a crucial save during the latter stages of the match to keep the scores level, with Chennaiyin FC mounting pressure. Hyderabad FC capitalised on a set-piece late in the game when Sajad Parray struck in the 88th minute, securing all three points.
Despite finishing at the bottom of the table, this victory stood out as Hyderabad FC's lone triumph of the season and Kattimani's stellar efforts in goal were instrumental in achieving this result.
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu - 7 Saves vs FC Goa
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu exhibited his goalkeeping prowess with a standout performance for Bengaluru FC against FC Goa in a gripping 0-0 draw at home. Throughout the match, Sandhu made a total of seven saves, showcasing his resilience and agility.
Early in the game, Sandhu made a significant impact with two consecutive double saves in the 35th minute, demonstrating his quick reflexes and ability to deny FC Goa's attempts on goal. His highlight moment came when he spectacularly dived to his left to parry away a powerful long-range strike from Rowlin Borges, thwarting what could have been a decisive goal.
Despite the intense back-and-forth nature of the match that yielded no goals, Sandhu's performance was instrumental in securing a valuable point for Bengaluru FC. The Blues missed out on a playoff spot in the 2023-24 season, but Sandhu stood out as a stalwart in their defensive line, finishing the season with the second-highest number of saves in the league.
TP Rehenesh - 7 Saves vs Punjab FC
TP Rehenesh displayed why he’s considered one of the best keepers of the league during their away match against Punjab FC, playing a pivotal role in Jamshedpur FC’s commanding 4-0 victory.
Jamshedpur FC took the lead through Chima Chukwu, but Punjab FC responded strongly and earned a penalty shortly after conceding. Rehenesh, the experienced Kerala-born goalkeeper, displayed his skill and composure by diving to his right to deny Luka Majcen from the spot, preserving his team's lead and momentum.
Throughout the match, Rehenesh continued to shine with numerous crucial saves, ensuring Jamshedpur FC remained in control. His stellar goalkeeping was instrumental in keeping Punjab FC at bay and maintaining Jamshedpur FC's dominance.
Late in the game, Jeremy Manzorro added to the scoreline with two stunning goals from free-kicks, sealing a comprehensive victory for The Red Miners.